Hacking the multiverse（Grit & Glamor Epi.21)
Like large objects in space, people with big dreams, have gravity which dreams people into their orbit.
Previously：
The protagonist, prompted by their blog, receives CDs on the success philosophies of Ken Honda and Masanori Kanda from the CEO of an apparel company. On a suddenly planned trip to Bali, they attempt to purchase accessories but fail to find what they want, opting instead to buy Bali handicrafts. Upon returning home, they unexpectedly receive a free color analysis and encounter a series of people, through which they experience a strange sense of synchronicity. After achieving a sales target of 50 million yen at the Shibuya store, the protagonist’s focus begins to shift from the current store’s goals to the next step, deciding to seek a new challenge for themselves. Through connections with others and a quest for success, the protagonist continues a journey of self-discovery and growth.
8.3 A Dream Collaboration
On the first day I met my mentor, Mr. Kanai, he made an unexpected proposal: “Why don’t we collaborate between your store and RITZ?” As a store manager, I didn’t have the authority to make such a big decision. Still, his words planted a small seed of hope in my heart.
Three months later, amidst our daily emails, I received a surprising message from my mentor:
“Would you like to do a photoshoot with a ‘glamorous’ theme? We’d like to create 4–6 looks, featuring the glamorous hairstyles I studied in New York paired with the outfits you coordinate.”
It was the moment when my wish, written on a Tanabata strip, became reality. Mr. Kanai gave me a perspective and responsibilities akin to those of a business owner. After consulting with my supervisor, everything went smoothly with the outfit rentals, and in the end, we realized our vision with a fashion show at Laforet Harajuku.
What made me happiest about this project was that I was able to offer the Shibuya store staff the opportunity to participate in coordinating outfits. I focused on my role behind the scenes, directing, which was a new experience for me. When a RITZ stylist commented, “Hitomi, you didn’t do anything, did you? “ I actually felt proud. It was a sign that I could trust my team to handle things.
This invaluable experience, which I later shared on my blog as “the magic of the collaboration with RITZ,” was an event that expanded my consciousness and elevated my perspective beyond what a store manager typically experiences.
8.4 An Unexpected Visitor
One August morning at 6 a.m., just before a store manager meeting in Kobe, I was attending my usual coaching class over the phone.
“What are you going to do today?”
The class coach asked, and each student answered in turn. When it was my turn, I answered with excitement:
“I achieved the highest sales nationwide, so I’m really looking forward to today’s store manager meeting!”
At that moment, the planned text was set aside, and the course took an unexpected turn. “That’s intriguing. Everyone, let’s ask Ms. Horiguchi about the secret to their success!”
Suddenly being put in the hot seat, I answered each of my classmates’ questions one by one, feeling a bit bewildered. At the end of the class, the coach asked where my store was, but I answered casually, without much thought.
A few days later in the evening…
“Manager! There’s a gentleman named Mr. A here to see you.”
Responding to my staff’s call, I headed to the storefront and found a well-built gentleman I’d never seen before.
“I’m A, the class coach. I had business in Shibuya and thought I’d drop by.”
The coach whose voice I knew only over the phone had come to visit the store in person. As I watched him leave after saying, “I’ll bring some fellow coaches next time.” I felt deeply moved.
It was the moment when a connection in the virtual world suddenly turned into a real-life encounter. The surprise and joy of Mr. A coming to meet a student brought up warm emotions I hadn’t expected.
One Saturday in late September, as signs of autumn began to appear, Shibuya was bustling with the weekend crowd.
Mr. A had returned, this time bringing other coaches. I couldn’t help but smile wryly as I led them to a café inside the shopping mall. There, around a table, sat four professional coaches — two men and two women. The situation, as if I were being interviewed, made me tense up. And so began a tea meeting that seemed to transcend time and space.
Mr. A, whom I had met before, warmly introduced me:
“This is the manager who achieved the number one spot nationwide. She has such an interesting perspective.”
He followed up with an unexpected proposal:
“Why not do a seminar sometime?”
It was the moment when the dream I had been nurturing in my heart was unexpectedly spoken aloud. I couldn’t help but reveal my true feelings:
“Well… I’ve actually been wanting to hold a seminar someday.”
“When will you do it?”
As soon as he said that, all four coaches immediately pulled out their planners, as if they had been waiting for this moment. The sight of it made me smile. As expected of coaches, they were quick to push for concrete action with the question, “When?” I felt I caught a glimpse of the essence of being a professional.
Mr. A made practical suggestions:
“We should avoid the sale season. November would be best.”
“For the apparel industry, a stylish venue around Aoyama would be ideal. I know of a good place, so I’ll secure it.”
One of the female coaches added more realistic advice:
“For your first seminar, you’ll need a dedicated coach. I’ll introduce someone perfect for you.”
In just an hour at the café, new chapters were added to my life. The four professionals strongly and gently pushed my hesitant back forward.
From that day on, I resolved to take the first step not only as a store manager but also as a seminar lecturer. I couldn’t help but feel the flow of fate driven by the overwhelming momentum of these coaches.
Life’s turning points often come in unexpected forms. That one hour at the café opened a new door in my career. It marked the beginning of a challenge filled with both fear and excitement.
8.5 Meeting with the Coach
Shortly afterward, I received an email from Ms. M with an introduction. To be honest, there was still a part of me that thought, “I can do this on my own, I don’t need a coach.” With that somewhat backward mindset, I tried to arrange a schedule with the introduced coach, but we just couldn’t match up. When I informed Ms. M about it, she quickly suggested, “Then let me introduce Mr. H, a former apparel industry professional. I think you’ll find him easy to talk to.”
I had a personal rule that “the second introduction is a sign from the universe,” so I felt this was fate and decided to reach out to Mr. H.
Mr. H replied surprisingly quickly, and the words “I’ve been waiting for this” made me smile. We decided to have our first meeting over the phone after I finished closing up the store, without heading home.
Mr. H, ten years my senior and living in Osaka, had apparently been at the tea gathering recently, although strangely, I had the faintest impression of him and no memory of conversing. However, talking over the phone, we naturally bonded over our shared experiences in the apparel industry. The company I worked for was also based in Kobe, and I was always surrounded by people speaking in Kansai dialect, which made him feel familiar to me. Since we had the clear purpose of having a coach to prepare for the seminar, I found myself sharing my past in great detail, guided by Mr. H’s careful, interview-like questions.
It was then that I realized I had never talked about my experiences in such depth before. Mr. H listened attentively, sincerely acknowledged me, and within just an hour, my sense of self-worth soared. Through this experience, I truly understood the beauty of coaching for the first time. What I had thought were mere questions turned out to be a very deep dialogue that enhanced motivation while repeatedly recognizing and providing feedback.
Without hesitation, I asked, “Please coach me for the seminar!” and it was decided that I would receive coaching calls twice a month. Time proved just how destined this decision was — after all, even now, 19 years later, I’m still supported by Mr. H, or rather, Coach Hiroaki Harima.