Episode 73

full
Published on:

15th Jun 2025

Exploring Coaching and Leadership with Cory McGowan

In this episode of the FocusCore Podcast, host David Sweet interviews Cory McGowan, Japan's coach for adventurous leaders, during his second appearance on the show. The conversation covers Cory's expertise in leadership coaching, navigating complex business problems, and the unique integration of outdoor activities in his coaching practice. Cory shares his journey from teaching and recruiting to becoming a director at KidZania Tokyo, running an outdoor adventure company, and ultimately founding his own coaching practice. They discuss the importance of collaboration, experimentation, and being at the development edge in leadership. Additional topics include the challenges and nuances of selecting a coach, the impact of retreats on team dynamics, and the entrepreneurial aspects of running a coaching business.

In this episode you will hear:

  • The Concept of Adventure Mondays
  • The Role of Nature in Coaching
  • Selecting the Right Coach
  • Coaching in Japan vs. Overseas
  • The Role of a Coach

Participate in our 2026 Salary Survey here: 2026 Salary Survey


About Cory:

Cory's the Japan's coach for adventurous leaders. He works with executives and leadership teams navigating transition, cultural complexities and bold visions based in the mountains of Japan.

Cory combines deep coaching expertise with a spirit of exploration, whether he is guiding leaders through strategic crossroads, facilitating team transformations or leading motorcycle tours through the mountains of Minakami. Through his company Adventure Partner, he invites leaders to step beyond comfort and into growth.

Starting with a wilderness retreat and continuing through a year of transformative coaching.  Cory's clients span industries and cultures, but share a common thread. They're ready to lead with more clarity, courage, and connection. 


Connect with Cory:

Website: https://www.adventure-partner.net/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/coryadventurepartner/?hl=en 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-mcgowan-328b2b5/?originalSubdomain=jp 



Connect with David Sweet:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidsweet/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/focuscorejp 

Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/focuscoreasia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focuscorejp/ 

Website: https://www.japan.focuscoregroup.com/ 



“Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown,” used by permission of Christopher Davis-Shannon. To find out more, check out www.thetinman.co. Support independent musicians and artists.

Show artwork for The FocusCore Podcast

About the Podcast

The FocusCore Podcast
Meet interesting and inspiring and entertaining people who show why Japan is a unique, fulfilling and sometimes frustrating place to do business.
We will discuss how to hire, train and retain talent. How to create values that motivate, and review best practices that have worked and attempts that have failed. David will be speaking to company presidents, CEOs, CFOs, HR professionals, coaches, consultants as well as sharing with you some of my own experiences and opinions discovered over the years in this great country.
The focus is simple: To explore how to succeed in business in Japan.

About your host

Profile picture for David  Sweet

David Sweet