Leaving Home for the Unknown: One Educator’s Global Path with Kathryne Imabayashi

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kathryne Imabayashi—international educator, parent coach, and author—whose decades-spanning global journey began after a fateful encounter with the novel Shogun. Kathryne recounts how following an unexpected “nudge” to move to Japan set her on an adventure through multiple countries, shifting her perspectives on personal growth, parenting boys, self-discovery, and the sometimes surprising role of fate in adult life.

About the Guest:

Kathryne Imabayashi (Kathy) is a retired educator with decades of experience in early childhood and elementary education, both nationally and internationally. She founded a preschool in Japan and later held leadership roles supporting families and teachers. Now, she focuses on helping parents raise emotionally healthy boys through courses, workshops, and her podcast Unlocking the Parenting Code. Kathy is also the author of Raising Boys Who Become Remarkable Men.vigate the realities of parenting, transition, and personal transformation.

"Rather than jumping to, it was jumping from—I knew that if I stayed on the path I was on, it would not end up well for me... I was unsettled, not grounded, and I just knew I needed to try something different." — Kathryne Imabayashi

Main Topics Covered:

• The life-changing impact of reading Shogun and making a radical move abroad at 30
• Navigating culture shock, language barriers, and building a life in Japan
• Parenting as both an educator and a mom—especially the unique challenges and joys of raising boys
• How fate, intuition, and context shaped Kathryne’s international teaching and administrative career
• Overcoming internalized biases, especially around gender, sparked by a pivotal parenting moment
• The surprising reality of becoming an “adventurer” despite a quiet, non-risk-taking childhood
• The role of lived experience in shaping parent coaching and educational approaches
• Embracing continual change, self-reflection, and the value of imperfect adulting

Quote from the Episode:

“Rather than jumping to, it was jumping from—I knew that if I stayed on the path I was on, it would not end up well for me... I was unsettled, not grounded, and I just knew I needed to try something different.” — Kathryne Imabayashi

Timestamps: [00:00:05] Guest welcome and why laughter matters

[00:01:01] The book that changed everything: Shogun

[00:02:16] Life in Canada, wanderlust, and feeling unsettled

[00:08:29] The practicalities of moving to Japan with no safety net

[00:14:28] Marriage, family, and an unexpected international odyssey

[00:21:32] The difference between jumping to adventure vs. jumping from discomfort

[00:26:18] The story behind Kathryne’s passion for raising emotionally healthy boys

[00:32:06] Navigating bias, fear, and the transition from educator to parent

[00:38:35] Kathryne’s coaching work and ways to connect

Connect with the Guest:

Website: sonhoodcoaching.com.

Special Offer from the Guest:

Listeners of The Art of Imperfect Adulting can access a complimentary introductory coaching call with Kathryne. Visit sunhoodcoaching.com and mention the podcast in your inquiry to schedule your session or access a range of free resources for parents raising boys.

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