From Academics to Frontier: Building Leave a Nest Philippines

A Seed Planted in 2014: The Maru-San Encounter
In 2014, a lecture by Dr. Yukihoro Maru, the Group CEO of Leave a Nest Co. Ltd. planted an unexpected seed in the heart of a young academic. With a background in pharmaceutical sciences and a budding interest in education, the future Managing Director of Leave a Nest Philippines (LVNS PH), Dr. Yevgeny Aster Dulla, didn’t yet foresee how that moment would shift his career trajectory. The lecture resonated with his desire to bridge science and society, initiating communication that aligned with a deeper personal mission.
An Eye-Opening Experience: From Japan to the HIC Stage
Fast-forward to 2019, an opportunity to apply for a role at Leave a Nest emerged. Encouraged to join the Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) in the Philippines, the experience was transformative. It opened his eyes to the power of transdisciplinary collaboration and ultimately convinced him to lay the foundation for LVNS PH. With limited business knowledge but strong intention, he made the leap into a new domain, driven by the vision to empower local researchers and foster innovation.
Juggling Dreams and Realities: Balancing PH & Osaka
Operating from two different offices—the Philippines and Osaka—is no small feat. Time management struggles and the constant challenge of maintaining cross-border coordination are part of the daily grind. The key to survival? Learning to understand his own physical and mental limits. To avoid burnout, he emphasizes the importance of taking personal time, listening to the body, and protecting one’s energy. From the early days of teaching and PhD pursuits in Japan to consulting for businesses and now steering a growing organization, his story is one of purpose, persistence, and transformation.