On this episode of The Ikigai Podcast, I talk with Chie Sawa, founder of Thrive Life Design, about why all leaders need a sanctuary to pause and reconnect with themselves.
We also explore reverse culture shock, the power of co-reflection, and how structured tools like Tarot readings for reflection can create clarity without crossing into therapy.
We explore:
• Chie’s journey from Japan to the US and back
• Reverse culture shock and feeling out of place at home
• Why sociology and women’s rights shaped her path
• Building Thrive Life Design beyond psychotherapy
• What “thrive” means as steady life expansion
• Sanctuary as a space to pause, breathe, and renew
• Reflection vs naisei and why being heard matters
• Reflection as a tool with clear limits
• Rumination, resentment, and when therapy is the better path
• The Reflection Room as a flexible one-on-one space
• Soul Story Tarot as a reflective structure not fortune telling
• Utori as the felt sense of inner room
Book a session with Chia.
