In a rapidly evolving world, taking decisive action has become a hallmark of transformative leadership. DK Sugiyama—founder and CEO of INTERLITERACY INSTITUTE Inc. (ILI) and editor-in-chief of DOers—embodies this ethos. Renowned for his philosophy that “creativity is proportional to the distance traveled and the number of DOs,” Sugiyama has dedicated decades to helping individuals and organizations embrace action as a catalyst for innovation and progress.
A Vision Rooted in Resilience
Sugiyama’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance. Born in Tokyo in 1979 and raised in New York, he ventured into entrepreneurship at 19. After graduating from Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management, he earned an MBA from its Graduate School of Business Administration. His career includes a notable tenure as President of Quantum Leaps Corporation, founded by the late Nobuyuki Idei (former Chairman of Sony), and has been marked by bold decisions and unwavering commitment.
Despite his achievements, Sugiyama’s path has not been without challenges. In 2020, he encountered a significant personal and financial setback due to fraud, leading to depression and panic disorder. Determined to rebuild, he traveled to Dubai, a city whose futuristic vision resonated with his outlook. This move further solidified his belief in the power of action and adaptability, laying the groundwork for his current ventures.
DOers: A Platform for Change
Established in 2018, DOers: Making Decisions and Taking Action is a platform that spotlights individuals—primarily in their late 20s to 50—who actively shape their industries through decisive leadership. By featuring interviews with decision-makers and changemakers from diverse fields, DOers aims to spark a global shift toward proactive thinking.
At its core, DOers celebrates those who transform ideas into reality. As Sugiyama puts it, “Doers don’t wait for opportunities—they make it happen.” Across all sectors, those who fail often do so because they avoid necessary steps, whereas those who succeed continually push forward—always “doing.”
By highlighting these narratives, Sugiyama illustrates how purposeful decisions and consistent action can inspire meaningful change, not only for individuals but also for entire communities.
A Personal Philosophy of Action
Sugiyama’s published works—such as The Courage to Take Action and Move Your Luck—reflect his core belief in the transformative power of doing. These books offer practical strategies for overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, and embracing meaningful change. Beyond professional pursuits, Sugiyama is a devoted father of four, an avid motorcyclist, and a licensed small-boat pilot—living proof of his philosophy that life is meant to be fully experienced.
“A DOer is someone who turns decisions into action,” Sugiyama explains.
“It’s about having the courage to take the first step and the persistence to see it through. These qualities drive progress—both individually and collectively.”
What Kind of Articles Are Featured on DOers?
Today’s marketing landscape often underscores that “emotions drive purchasing decisions.” In other words, people “buy you.” By sharing someone’s life story—why they chose a particular career path or how they surmounted obstacles—readers form an emotional connection that can lead to greater interest in that person’s work, product, or service.
DK Sugiyama, embodying the spirit of action, interviews changemakers for ‘DOers: A Platform for Change,’ inspiring bold steps toward a proactive future.
At DOers, articles delve into how proactive individuals live, the pivotal decisions they make, and how they reach their current positions. These stories serve as valuable PR for both individuals and companies, while also offering inspiration to audiences who might otherwise not encounter them.
Drawing on 20 years of professional interviewing experience, Sugiyama crafts articles that are, in his words, “more valuable than meeting three times in person.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through the DOers platform and his broader work with ILI, Sugiyama advances a fresh narrative on leadership and innovation. By showcasing individuals who consistently act on their decisions, he offers a blueprint for others to follow. His vision extends beyond individual success, emphasizing collective progress and shared purpose.
“The courage to take action is a universal force that bridges cultures, drives innovation, and creates a better tomorrow,” Sugiyama notes.
In an era of rapid change, this message resonates strongly. Sugiyama’s work underlines the idea that true progress stems from those willing to take bold steps—a call that inspires a new generation of DOers to lead with determination and purpose.
Join the DOers Movement
Sugiyama’s call to action is simple yet profound:
“If you have a story of decision and action, share it with the world.”
Through interviews on the DOers platform, participants can inspire others, connect with a global audience, and join a movement that celebrates the power of initiative. For those ready to make their voices heard, DOers provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a community dedicated to shaping the future.
“The first step is often the hardest but also the most important,” Sugiyama reflects,
“Emphasizing that together we can create a world driven by courage, creativity, and action.”
Ultimately, the DOers initiative is open to anyone who wishes to share their journey of decision and action. By uniting like-minded individuals, Sugiyama hopes to forge a collective committed to envisioning—and realizing—a future defined by bold deeds.
