This episode discusses the concept of the ultimatum that the United States reportedly gave Japan, demanding that they leave China or the US would cut off their raw materials and oil, as well as the Japanese construct that created an artificial time deadline and the role it played in Japan's decision to go to war.
A competition to reward salesmen with a European vacation laid the groundwork for the economic boom of the 80s, prompting Japanese companies to invest in miniaturization and quartz wristwatches.
As the world becomes more uncertain, engineers are required to spend half of their time learning about a range of topics unrelated to their field of expertise. This makes it harder for them to provide for themselves in the future and increases uncertainty about what the future holds.
The guest speaker talks about gaining experience in entrepreneurship by getting involved in another organization and gaining extended education on someone else's charter, which teaches grit and resilience. They also discuss the importance of a long-term approach to business, such as the Japanese concept of developing an ecosystem around a company.
Discussion around the economic expansion in China and the concern for human rights violations, including the situation with the Uyghurs in Xinjiang.