Date of publication: Jul 30, 2018

Flavio Souza

CEO: Fullcircle Innovations KK

Date of birth: March 30, 1969

Hometown: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 16 (as of July 2018)

Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?

My first encounter with Japan was actually via its people and it was outside of Japan, I was studying in the U.S and had an opportunity to meet a few Japanese during this time, it might sound strange to consider that as a first encounter, but it had a profound, positive impact on me and that was the initial spark that culminated in my first visit to Japan in 1994.

Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.

I am a technology enthusiast. I believe in the power of using technology in a positive way. My company’s motto is “Meaningful digital innovations.” As a founder, I am not interested in developing technology per se, but technology that can have a positive impact and actually be used to solve real worldwide problems such as environmental issues, poverty, health care and more.

Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?

I am proud to have launched a Japanese startup that was awarded a prize as one of 100 startups in Asia in 2010. I remember when I went to receive the prize in Shanghai, China. We had just three startups from Japan, and although I am a foreigner I was very proud to represent Japan in this contest.

Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?

My personal goal is to spread entrepreneurship education at high schools and universities across Japan. I believe that Japanese society has a lot to gain and benefit from embracing entrepreneurship on a larger scale in the future. I would like to support Japan in creating the next Sony or Toyota and I believe that will be possible if the young generations get early access to the entrepreneurial world.

Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?

I think Dicky Fox (a fictional character from the movie “Jerry Maguire”) got it right when he said, “Hey, I don’t have all the answers. In life, to be honest, I have failed as much as I have succeeded. But I love my wife. I love my life. And I wish you my kind of success.”

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Last updated: Jul 30, 2018