MEET JOHN SUZUKI
Author, speaker, and podcast host making our world a little better one person at a time.
AMERICAN GRIT, THE BOOK
The incredible and inspiring true story of love, grit, and heroism from the American concentration camps.
Who is John?
“When you lift others you lift the world.”
Happily married for nearly forty years, John left his 40-year career in high-tech sales, leadership, and technology evangelism with companies including IBM, Sun Microsystems, Vrbo and Expedia to pursue his purpose of ”making the world better than the day he landed on it."
In 2023 John released his Amazon best-selling book, American Grit, to introduce the world to unforgettable people who refused victimhood after being incarcerated in American concentration camps, and instead chose to empower themselves to achieve their dreams of a better world. It is an inspiring true story of empowerment, courage, resilience, and amazing things we can all accomplish.
In 2024 John created the highly acclaimed Finding Better podcast to share real-life experiences in finding “better” in life, business, and the world. “It’s all about sharing actual life experiences and wisdom so folks can apply those lessons to achieve the better they want in their own lives."
Sometimes the best path to success is to learn from others.
As a featured podcaster and speaker, John’s authentic and sincere style and gift of storytelling connects him with his audiences as he inspires them to always strive for better in love, life, and business. John's top priority is always to deliver insightful and memorable messages that will be of great value to his audience.
American Grit
American Grit – From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American War Hero is a true story that will stay with you forever.
During World War II, the U.S. government forced over 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry—half of them children—into concentration camps on American soil. Stripped of their rights and freedom, they were seen as enemies of the United States of America, the only country they called home.
But from behind the barbed wire came something extraordinary. Young men, including Shiro “Kash” Kashino, volunteered to fight for America, the very country that had imprisoned them.
Kash, a tough kid from Seattle, became one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war—not for recognition, but for something deeper: pride, purpose, and love for a country he believed in.
American Grit is far more than a story of heartbreak and injustice. It’s a story of love, courage, and the strength of the human spirit. It’s a celebration of those who never gave up on their dreams, never surrendered to victimhood, and overcame racism and rejection with quiet dignity and relentless perseverance.
John wrote this book to share a piece of history too many have never heard. It is his hope that by honoring the past, we can open hearts, shift perspectives, and make sure we never let this happen again…. and never forget.
Finding Better, THe Podcast
We've gotten so smart we've forgotten our heart.
John's “Finding Better Podcast” has one mission: To lift the world by helping people achieve the "better" they want in their lives, one person at a time. It is a place where folks share real-life experiences in finding better so listeners can learn from those experiences and apply them to their own lives.
"I could care less about your opinions, but I'll listen to your experiences all day long." - Dr. David Fischbach
What makes Finding Better unique is that everything about it is true, sincere, and authentic. It is not about opinions, theories, or academics. It is about real-life lessons and wisdom of folks who have "been there and done that." Everything we share is the best of us with a spirit of heart and love. After all, if Finding Better can help make your life better in some way, not only will you be happier, but the world will be lifted too.