In Episode 5 of The Executive Edge Podcast, Alex Mearns chats with Peter Douglas, a former director at Aberdeen Asset Management in Singapore who left the corporate world to start his own hedge fund research business - and eventually moved to a small village at the top of a mountain in Japan.
Peter shares insights on why leaving corporate life was the best thing that ever happened to him, the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, and how life in rural Japan has transformed his health, mindset and purpose. Plus, we discuss his thoughts on Japanese longevity, his top health and wellness tips, and his recent fight with a bear!
00:00 - Intro
00:59 - Why did Peter leave Aberdeen Asset Management to start his own business?
05:39 - What unexpected challenges did Peter face when starting his own business?
09:44 - “Ultimately, a corporation will corrupt you.” – Peter’s thoughts on corporate life
13:00 - Why did Peter move from Singapore to a mountain village in Japan?
16:15 - What’s the difference between Peter’s life in a small village vs a big city?
20:45 - Tourists love Japan, but what’s it like for Peter to actually live there?
25:26 - Why do the Japanese have one of the longest life expectancies? Peter’s 5 reasons
29:34 - Has the West misunderstood the Japanese concept of Ikigai? Peter’s perspective
31:40 - In Japanese companies, who’s more important than clients? Peter explains
33:13 - Peter’s top 3 health and wellness tips
35:23 - What are the consequences of Peter wrestling with a wild bear? (Yes, he really did get mauled!)
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