What happens when a lawyer decides success isn't about climbing the ladder, but about creating freedom? Join Catherine as she talks with Mika Fukutomi, who traded her career at top-tier international law firms for entrepreneurship - and built an app to solve one of Japan's biggest business succession challenges: who will maintain the SMEs in Japan with aging leaders and no successors. If you are curious about how legal skills translate into unexpected entrepreneurial ventures then this is the episode for you.
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would leave us a message here!
In this episode you’ll hear:
How Mika moved from private practice to in-house to business roles to entrepreneurship without a dramatic leap (and why that matters)
Vibe coding for lawyers - The surprising truth about how anyone can build an app using AI, even without coding knowledge
Why critical thinking remains invaluable outside traditional practice, and how Mika uses it as her super power
Redefining success on your own terms
About Mika
Mika Fukutomi is an investor, educator, and consultant specializing in Japan’s private markets. Blending her legal background with an entrepreneurial spirit, she recently launched Akamira.ai, a platform designed to bring transparency to Japan’s often-hidden SME sector. As Managing Partner of INV Japan, she pioneers new ways for global investors and entrepreneurs to engage with Japan’s business ecosystem.
Before founding her investment and advisory businesses, Mika trained and practiced law at Clifford Chance and White & Case, and qualified as a Solicitor of England & Wales. She later held senior leadership positions at Deutsche Bank and MetLife, serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO and Corporate Secretary, where she gained deep experience in governance and corporate leadership.
With decades of combined experience in law, investment banking, and entrepreneurship, Mika’s career reflects how a legal foundation can serve as a powerful springboard into new industries. Her expertise spans angel investing, private equity, real estate, SME M&A, and corporate governance. She is also a graduate of the Board Director Training Institute (BDTI), underscoring her commitment to governance excellence.
Mika’s passion lies in helping others pursue their purpose. Through her work at INV Japan and her educational initiatives, she shows how building on a legal background can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career pathways.
Mika loves being in nature with her dog and planning trips to meet up with her son and his girlfriend.
Connect with Mika
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikafukutomi/
Links
Akamira App: https://akamira.ai/
Connect with Catherine
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/oconnellcatherine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyeronair