[Guest Lecture] Ikigai and the Career Roadmap: How to Lead a Successful Entrepreneur Journey

"Ikigai and the Career Roadmap: How to Lead a Successful Entrepreneur Journey"

Lecturer: Mr. Michael Sera
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Location: T-229 Troyer Building
Time: 1:20 ~ 3:15PM

Michael Sera shares his strategy for making sure you stay in the driver's seat for the duration of your career. As a second generation Japanese American (JA) raised by immigrant parents, his conservative upbringing told him to keep his head down and persevere, which doesn't work in America. He is now in his third phase of life and wants to make sure the future generations of JA's learn from his mistakes. Lifelong employment does not exist in Silicon Valley, so you have to always light the path for others so you can also see the road ahead yourself.

Presentation Outline and Highlights
1. Act 1: Who Am I?
　・Growing up in the San Francisco with very few Asians
　・Forced to learn Japanese in order to communicate at home
　・First car had to be pushed to get started
　・Using the Ikigai model to identify value
2. Act 2: Dream Big!
　・Building Power to Lead"
　・Building YOUR brand
　・Get out of YOUR own way
　・Ask for what YOU want
3. Act 3: A Roadmap to Success
　・What does your roadmap look like?
　・Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
　・Will you be in the driver's seat?
　・Take Away

Speaker Biography
During the day and most evenings, Michael is building bridges to help bring Japan and Silicon Valley closer together. Michael started consulting back in 2004 after having spent close to two decades in executive management roles at various tech companies. He also has a strong understanding of both Japanese and American cultures and languages, having been raised bowing to his parents and educated in America. He was the only kid in class with a lunch box that had Onigiri and Hot Dogs soaked in Teriyaki sauce. His business normally has him flying back and forth but now he is just "Zooming" around.
The rest of the time Michael is involved with the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj.org). Michael joined the board in 2011, then managed public programs before becoming Board President in 2017 through 2024. His attraction to JAMsj was the opportunity to give back to the local community after having spent his college days trying to dance at the Obon festivals. Like most students, he never learned much about the Japanese American experience. "I've learned more from the internees who visit the museum than I will ever read about" says Michael. Michael also serves on the boards of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern CA, the Japanese Community Congress of San Jose and not on the San Jose Obon Dance committee. Michael is also an avid swimmer and an unintentional user of chlorine cologne, just ask his wife.

We look forward to seeing you there!