Building a business from the ground up can be an exhilarating and fulfilling time in the life of an entrepreneur. However, that road is filled with potholes and other dangers that can knock you out of the game before you get started. Having a mentor or someone who's done what you're trying to do can make all the difference in your journey as an entrepreneur.
Host Donald Thomas and Fusion Systems CEO, Mike Alfant discuss a variety of topics ranging from Entrepreneurship, Investing, his business experiences in Japan, and other topics.
Mr. Michael Alfant is the CEO of Fusion Systems (www.fusionsystems.co.jp). Mr. Alfant started Fusion Systems in 1992 and led it to a $60m acquisition by IMRglobal Corporation (NASDAQ: IMRS) in 1999. Fusion Systems was re-launched as a Fintech/IT specialist organization in 2005 and has offices throughout Asia. Michael has founded over 20 technology companies over the past 30 years in countries throughout Asia Pacific, including Japan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, and the United States with multiple successful exits during that time. Mr Alfant served two terms as President and one term as Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, 2011-2013, encompassing the period of the Tohoku earthquake and it's aftermath. Michael's leadership was instrumental in the ACCJ being awarded the "Peace Through Commerce" medal by the United States government. The Peace Through Commerce Medal, originally commissioned in 1790 by Thomas Jefferson during his tenure as the United States' first Secretary of State, has been awarded to fewer than 20 individuals and organizations in its 223-year history. It is the highest honor awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognizing those whose actions contribute to the promotion of peace and commerce through international trade and by strengthening relationships between countries (http://www.accj.or.jp/uploads/4/9/3/4/49349571/130516_e_ptc_pr.pdf).
Mr. Alfant has served on the Boards of publicly listed technology firms in both the United States and Japan and is currently an independent Director for Healios (JPX: 4593), one of the worlds leading regenerative medicine firms. Michael was elected as the President of the Tokyo American Club (www.tokyoamericanclub.org) in late 2016 and currently maintains that prestigious office. Mr. Alfant has served as an Advisory member to the Stanford University Program on Regions of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and is a regular lecturer at Keio Business School, Kyoto University, and Temple University. Michael participates as a member of the Japan Board for Hope International and is active in community service throughout Asia.
He spends his spare time exercising, meditating, reading and exploring Tokyo on long, urban hikes.
Hopefully, this conversation will help some entrepreneurs who are beginning their journey or are well on their way in building a substantial business.
