Bold Ideas, Global Vision

One of the most defining moments in my leadership journey came when I was still in high school. I walked into the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center—one of the most prestigious institutions in the world of athletics—and pitched an idea directly to the Head of Operations. It wasn’t part of an assignment, and no one told me to do it. I saw a gap, imagined a solution, and took the initiative to bring it forward.

The concept was bold yet simple: a comprehensive digital platform to support the families, friends, and athletes traveling to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. As someone who grew up in Japan, I understood firsthand how overwhelming the cultural and logistical shift could be for international visitors. I envisioned a user-friendly app that included everything from basic Japanese phrases and public transportation guides to emergency contacts, communication tools, food and lodging recommendations, and even venue navigation. It was more than a travel guide—it was a resource to make the Olympics feel accessible, safe, and welcoming for every supporter of Team USA.

I presented the entire framework in person—complete with content strategy, cultural considerations, and user needs—and to my amazement, the proposal was approved. The Olympic leadership team saw its value, and we were ready to move forward. But then, COVID-19 hit. The world changed overnight, the Tokyo Games were postponed, and international attendance was dramatically limited. The project couldn’t continue as planned. On paper, it may have looked like a dead end—but in reality, it was a breakthrough.

What made this moment so impactful wasn’t just the idea itself—it was what the process revealed about me. That I could identify a real problem, build a thoughtful solution, and have the confidence to present it to decision-makers at the highest level. In that room, I wasn’t just a teenager with an idea—I was a capable, informed, and culturally aware innovator who belonged at the table. That realization changed everything. It made me trust my instincts more. It made me bolder. And it confirmed that the intersection of innovation, leadership, and global perspective is exactly where I thrive.

More than anything, this experience reshaped how I see leadership. It showed me that you don’t need a certain title or age to make an impact—you just need vision, preparation, and the courage to speak up. I learned that ideas backed by purpose carry weight, and that when you lead with empathy and clarity, people listen. Even though the app never launched, that pitch changed the way I walk into every room now. I lead with more confidence, more intention, and a stronger sense of who I am. Because that day, I didn’t just pitch a project—I discovered the power of my own voice, and what can happen when I use it.