Epidode 1: Fusion Systems CEO Mike Alfant

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.