From Red Bull Edits to Real-World Impact – How Taiyo Masuda Crafts a Life of Meaningful Momentum
Not all dreamers drift — some build empires between surf breaks, start-up decks and 2am brainstorms. Meet Taiyo Masuda , a Finance Growth Business Strategist and Franchise Entrepreneur with a storytelling background. A creative powerhouse with a camera in one hand and a business plan in the other, Taiyo’s journey has taken him from karate championships and Red Bull awards to building communities and businesses that actually mean something (and working on clients like White Claw and GoPro with us). This week on People We Work With, Taiyo shares his love for unfiltered moments, his very real addiction to new ideas and why creating value always beats chasing it – because the right people will notice right away.
Explain your job as if you’re talking to a 10-year-old.
My job is to create dreams, get people motivated and make them happy or driven – whether that’s through videos, social media, running a surf school or even starting cafes and events. Over the past decade, I’ve worn many hats, from a cameraman and travel creator to working at the world’s largest forex trading broker, a multibillion-dollar company. Now I co-own the number one surf school franchise in Japan and work as an Advertising and Business Development Manager at a start-up broker.
Confusing? You’re not alone – sometimes I have to pause and think just to explain what I actually do. But one thing’s always stayed the same: I love making dreams come true. I’ve always been lucky with people. I’m always surrounded by people who are go-getters and great at what they do. Now, creating more business opportunities for those around me has become a real passion.
If you could have a superpower to help with work, what would it be and why?
I’d want the superpower to instantly turn my visions into reality – like a creative teleportation. I have so many visions that I’d love to bring to life faster (and without the 88 tabs open in my brain). My dream is to build meaningful businesses and experiences that help people feel alive – without needing alcohol, just good energy, nature and shared stories.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good drink now and then (I’m human, not a monk) but I’d love to inspire people with pure moments. Even though I love building profitable ideas, I’ve found I’m not very materialistic – it’s impact and connection that really drive me.
What has been your top career highlight?
My idea of a “top career moment” has changed a lot. I used to love being seen – whether that was placing top 16 in the National Karate Championship, winning awards from Red Bull and Documentary Channel or building Japan’s biggest surf community.
I LOVED showing the idea of “If I can do it, you can do it too.” Recognition was the goal back then. But now it’s all about creating purpose-driven connections – bringing talented people together to build meaningful businesses, where everyone feels seen, empowered and supported in turning their unique gifts into something magical.
It’s less flashy, but deeply fulfilling. And fun fact: when you’re creating value instead of chasing it, the right people notice anyway.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Most people think I’m super chill – and I am, on the outside. But behind the scenes, I’m highly business-driven. I rarely drink, I don’t party much and I actually enjoy working past 2am (don’t tell anyone). I like creating freedom, not just for myself but for others. You could say I’m an undercover entrepreneur disguised as a laid-back surfer. I love when people wonder how I make a living.
What was your biggest failure/mistake you’ve ever made and how did you turn it into a positive?
I’ve made so many mistakes, I could probably star in a podcast called Top 10 Lessons from People Who Didn’t Think About the Consequences. But the truth is, every time I messed up, I told myself: I’ll find a way to make this right. Sometimes my biggest mistake was saying “Yeah, I can do that” when I had absolutely no idea how – but then I figured it out later, even if I messed up along the way.
One of my biggest turning points came after a physical mistake – an injury that left me stuck in a chair for a year. I started filming skate videos to help a friend and that gave me the opportunity to work in media. Watching TV ads in the hospital made me realise: I could create dreams for people to live better and feel inspired. That mindset shift eventually led to my work getting noticed by Red Bull – and that’s where my creative career began.
Follow Taiyo on his travel adventures – they’re not to be missed. As for next week? We’re headed to Munich. Stay tuned.
