Tell us a little more about your heritage and cultural upbringing.
My parents immigrated to Canada from Japan in the early 1970s and opened a Japanese restaurant in 1986 in London, Ontario. From an early age, my parents did their best to immerse us into our culture as much as possible by being active members of our small but substantial local Japanese community. We celebrated yearly traditions, took trips to Japan, and my sisters and I even enrolled in Japanese school when we were younger. I was brought up in a family-oriented household with a major focus on hard work—traits I definitely see in myself today.
Describe your career and the organization(s) you work with.
Cassoulet Palace Inc., the brainchild of Matty Matheson, is a multifaceted media company that deals in entertainment over multiple platforms (streaming networks, YouTube, social, etc.) and also works in CPG, merchandise, cookware, clothing, books, restaurants, farming, and more.
I am the current chief operating officer for Cassoulet as well as management representation for Matty. My roles are very much intertwined, from negotiating key partnerships/contracts to maximizing efficiencies and profitability within Cassoulet, overseeing productions and other arms of the business, to strategically planning and having financial oversight. I’m fully committed to fostering creativity and growth while maintaining the highest standard of quality in what we do.
What inspires you? Or why do you do the work you do?
I love what I do because it has given me an opportunity that I would’ve never had: to make a real difference by implementing new business avenues, building a strong team, and understanding multiple aspects of what it takes to be successful in our fields. I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, planning/executing, and being creative with food, so to be able to keep learning in those areas is inspiring.
I feel impassioned and encouraged to shape what Matty has envisioned throughout the last five years and hope to continue to develop/expand all facets of the business.
As someone who has had a successful career, what advice can you offer up-and-coming Asian American professionals to help develop their own career journey?
Learn from others in all facets of life and work hard at whatever you do. No matter what type of career you are pursuing, continuously doing these things will help build skills and make you more adaptable. Also, be nice and empathetic.
How has your heritage guided your leadership style?
My parents started their Japanese restaurant when I was extremely young, so I really was able to see and experience their determination come to life with all the staff they were surrounded by. The restaurant became my second home and my second family. From there, I learned to never give up, stay positive, and to be genuinely grateful for what we have, all of which I can see in my leadership style now.
Is there a specific project or recent success you’re particularly proud of that you would like to share?
We were just greenlit for a new project, and I’m excited to be able to serve as a co-producer. Previously, I worked as an assistant producer on Eat Out America with Benny Blanco. In addition, we worked through contracts for The Bear, and we landed a Doordash commercial during the 2023 Super Bowl.
Are there shared goals and values that drive the successful relationship between you and Nixon Peabody?
I think having a strong female presence with an impeccable work ethic reflects well with Cassoulet. Aside from Matty, we also have an all-female team that I couldn’t be prouder of. Each person has their own strengths, enabling us to keep each other in line to reach our combined goals.
Also, Nixon Peabody has consistently been available to help us navigate the entertainment industry with their knowledge and experience. I know I can rely on them no matter what, empowering us to keep moving forward, knowing we are covered, and absorbing knowledge along the way.
