From Japan with Growth: Global Bonds and Entrepreneurial Firsts
When you think about what it means to “go global,” your mind might jump to big business deals, international markets, or networking events in far-off cities. But for three students — Mason Harrop, Aashish Neupane, and Edward Shakles — going global started with something far more personal: curiosity, courage, and an unexpected trip to Japan.
Earlier this year, they joined the Venture Makers Global Exchange Program — a two-week immersive experience where students from Australia, Japan, Canada and the UK came together to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation in an entirely new context. What they didn’t expect was how deeply the experience would shape them — not just as future founders, but as people.
Out of the Classroom, Into the World
For many students, university life can feel like a bubble — assignments, lectures, and the occasional networking event. But stepping into Japan was different. It wasn’t just a new country; it was a reset.
“I think for me, going to Japan is kind of like when life really began. Since I've been back from Japan, a lot of great stuff’s happened… It creates a really good domino effect for your life.”
Mason, a Launch Pad ambassador and aspiring founder, already had the spark for entrepreneurship. But Japan gave him momentum. It helped solidify his direction, introduced him to new ideas — and people — that he still draws inspiration from today.
The Hidden Risk of Over-Reliance
Not everyone came into the program with startup experience. For Edward, a recent graduate from the UK, it was a complete unknown.
“I hadn’t done any kind of entrepreneurial studies before. I was learning about things like elevator pitches and all these things for the first time,” he said. “Some people on the program had their own profit-making businesses already. I was very much not in that category.”
And yet, he didn’t let that stop him. Instead, the program gave him permission to be a beginner — to ask questions, make mistakes, and lean into learning. It was the kind of confidence that only comes when you’re out of your depth, but supported by the right environment.
"If I can go and do it and get a lot out of it… and still be hanging out with these guys now, months later — I think pretty much anyone can."
What Entrepreneurship Really Takes
For all the talk about startups — ideation, pitch decks, lean canvases — the three kept coming back to something more fundamental: belief.
“I’ve always wanted to start a business,” Mason said, “but before Launch Pad I didn’t necessarily have the self-confidence or the self-belief in myself to go for it.”
Aashish, a student leader at Western, echoed this — and added that the real challenge isn’t the idea, but the isolation.
“If you have someone already experienced with you, like a mentor… they can guide you,” he said. “But if you don’t have them, and you have to do everything on your own, that might be one of the biggest challenges.”
Their reflections reveal something honest that’s often left out of the startup hype — that entrepreneurship is as much a mental and emotional journey as a strategic one. You’re building something from scratch, often without a roadmap. The exchange program made that road feel a little less lonely.
A Bond That Outlived the Program
What surprised them most wasn’t just what they learned — but who they met.
“You came from the UK just to see us,” Aashish pointed out to Edward during the podcast. “That says a lot.”
The connection between the three wasn’t just casual — it was a genuine friendship that continued long after the flights home. Months later, Edward flew to Sydney to visit. The three still keep in touch, sharing updates and advice.
"You make connections, you meet with like-minded people and you build a connection just like ours. That experience counts — no matter if you want to start your own business or go for a job.”
When the World Feels Bigger — and So Do You
There’s something transformative about being dropped into a totally different culture, surrounded by people you’ve never met, trying to build something from nothing.
It forces you to think differently. To rely on others. To let go of your assumptions. And most importantly — to see yourself not just as a student, but as someone capable of navigating the world.
“I completely agree with everything that everyone said,” Aashish reflected. “Japan was a really big reset for me. I came back, I felt so refreshed and everything was different… it was just a really life-changing experience for sure.”
The Venture Makers Global Exchange demonstrates how immersive, cross-cultural experiences can spark personal growth, entrepreneurial confidence, and lasting global connections. For students like Mason, Aashish, and Edward, the program offered more than just exposure to business fundamentals — it provided a renewed sense of direction, expanded worldviews, and friendships that continue to shape their journeys well beyond the classroom. It’s a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone — and the lasting impact such opportunities can have on emerging leaders and innovators.