Chief Change Officer Podcast Episode #333: Dominic Carter - Burnout at 24, Building for 2040

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In episode #333 of the Chief Change Officer podcast, host Vince Chen engages in a profound conversation with Dominic Carter, the CEO of the Carter Group. This episode delves into Dominic's transformative journey from Australia to Japan, his entrepreneurial endeavors, and his current mission to revolutionize aging technology. Through raw and unfiltered dialogue, the episode explores themes of cultural adaptation, the pressures of entrepreneurship, and the pressing challenges of an aging population.

From Australia to Japan: A Quest for Connection

Dominic Carter's move from Australia to Japan is rooted in a deep-seated desire for connection and belonging. As he explains early in the conversation:

Dominic Carter [02:51]: "I think Japan tends to attract a certain type of person... I was always looking outside and what would be what I thought of what my life would be like as an adult."

Despite feeling somewhat of an outsider in his native Australia, Dominic was captivated by Japan's refined culture and societal behaviors. His academic pursuit of Japanese studies at university, albeit not deeply focused, laid the groundwork for his eventual relocation. At just 24, Dominic took the leap to open a Tokyo office for his Australian employer, a move that would define the next two decades of his career.

Dominic Carter [04:51]: "I was 24 when they sent me to Japan to open up the office... It was very challenging, personally. It was a lot of responsibility at a very young age."

Entrepreneurial Journey: Building from the Ground Up

Dominic's entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. Inspired by renowned Australian entrepreneurs like Alan Bond, he sought autonomy and the thrill of building something of his own. His initial foray into the Japanese market involved high-profile clients in the TV advertising sector, working with giants like Unilever and Mars.

Dominic Carter [10:32]: "We do everything from sort of entertainment to insurance, cars, luxury to human-centered design and robotics."

Over the years, Dominic expanded his business portfolio, establishing a research division with a diverse team of 40 individuals and venturing into ad tech and aging technology. His approach is methodical, emphasizing the importance of connecting past experiences and relationships to explore new avenues without making reckless leaps.

Dominic Carter [13:16]: "Everything that I've done has got a connection to what happened before... I'm always looking at new areas because I get bored easily and I like making new things."

The Core Driver: Connection Over Capital

When probed about his motivations, Dominic reveals that his primary drive is fostering connections rather than purely chasing financial gains. He emphasizes the importance of understanding people, giving them a voice, and reflecting their needs in organizational decisions.

Dominic Carter [14:27]: "I think there is... a lot of people my age too, because I just turned 50... I started, I gave, I got down an Apple watch, for example."

His commitment to consumer insights and market research underscores his belief that meaningful connections lead to better products and solutions, benefiting both users and companies alike.

Dominic Carter [17:38]: "We're really building very human-centric robotic solutions that people actually want to work with... move from... commercialization of those insights."

Personal Challenges and the Drive for Innovation in Aging Tech

Dominic's personal experiences with his aging parents catalyzed his focus on aging technology. Witnessing his parents' declining independence and resistance to adopting technological aids, he identified a critical gap in the market.

Dominic Carter [18:04]: "I think there's a MA. The size of the market is massive... and aging people in Japan who tend to have more financial resources than younger people."

Japan, being one of the world's oldest populations, presents a significant opportunity for aging tech. Dominic highlights the cultural barriers, such as the Japanese philosophy of accepting aging as a natural process and the reluctance to adopt intrusive technologies. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the long-term potential, advocating for unobtrusive and user-friendly solutions that seamlessly integrate into the lives of the elderly.

Dominic Carter [22:15]: "The technology has to be very unobtrusive... it just doesn't really work."

He stresses the responsibility of the younger generation to embrace and promote these technologies proactively to alleviate the future burden on both individuals and society.

Role in Aging Tech: Research to Commercialization

Dominic outlines his multifaceted role in the aging tech space, encompassing research, software development, and the commercialization of innovations. His team conducts comprehensive studies on daily living challenges faced by the elderly, exploring how technology can assist in areas like meal preparation, cleaning, and shopping.

Dominic Carter [27:02]: "We've done about 25 projects just on those sorts of issues on robotics... people generally don't really know how to interact with them."

By bridging the gap between consumer insights and technological solutions, Dominic aims to create products that not only address practical needs but also align with the cultural and philosophical values of the target demographic.

Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

As the episode progresses, Vince Chen acknowledges the depth of Dominic's work and hints at further discussions to come. The conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of aging tech's impact on society and personal lives in the forthcoming segment.

Vince Chen [28:12]: "That's it for today. We've explored Dominic's journey from an outsider in Australia to building a career and a life in Japan... Next, we turn to a challenge that hits close to home: aging."

Notable Quotes

• Dominic Carter [02:51]: "I was always looking outside and what would be what I thought of what my life would be like as an adult."

• Dominic Carter [10:32]: "We do everything from sort of entertainment to insurance, cars, luxury to human-centered design and robotics."

• Dominic Carter [14:27]: "I think if we look at the area of aging in particular... it's very hard to see how we're going to be successful."

• Dominic Carter [22:15]: "The technology has to be very unobtrusive... it just doesn't really work."

Key Takeaways

1. Cultural Adaptation: Dominic's move to Japan highlights the challenges and rewards of immersing oneself in a vastly different culture, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

2. Entrepreneurial Resilience: Building and sustaining businesses across diverse industries requires a balance of strategic planning, passion for connection, and the ability to navigate pressures and setbacks.

3. Aging Technology: Addressing the needs of an aging population goes beyond technological innovation; it demands cultural sensitivity, user-centric design, and proactive mindset shifts among both creators and users.

4. Connection as a Catalyst: Dominic's focus on fostering genuine connections and understanding user needs serves as a foundational strategy for successful innovation and sustainable business growth.

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This summary encapsulates the key themes and discussions from episode #333, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.