Isao Shoji 荘司佳勲, CFP®
Managing Partner
EMAIL: i.shoji@asendowealth.com
Isao leads the firm’s overall operations, overseeing everything from financial analytics and business performance to talent management and retention. He also serves as a trusted adviser, known for his calm, thoughtful approach to helping clients make financial decisions that align with their values and long-term goals.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Chinese, The Ohio State University
Bachelor’s degree in molecular genetics, The Ohio State University
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) Professional
Certified Long Term Care Practitioner (CLTC)
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Board treasurer, the Childhood League Center
Programming Committee chair and former board president, Japan-America Society of Central Ohio
Treasurer, Ohio Staters, Incorporated Alumni Society, The Ohio State University
Co-treasurer, Indian Run Elementary School PTO
Former member: City of Dublin Community Inclusion Advisory Committee; Dublin Police Department Chief’s Advisory Committee; and City of Dublin Community Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Former board member and pro bono director, Financial Planning Association of Central Ohio
Former board member, Asian & Pacific Islander Alumni Society, The Ohio State University
Former board member, Hilliard Education Foundation
Q&A
What inspired you to pursue this profession?
This is a career that allows us to work with the same group of clients for decades. We don't simply work with you, though. We get to walk with you along your life's journeys and experience all your milestones together. We get to laugh with you and cry with you. We get to celebrate with you and grieve with you. For a med school dropout who originally wanted to be a family doctor to have those deep connections with people, this profession is a dream come true.
What is a lesson you've learned that has shaped your professional approach?
That no one person ever gets to where they are without support from people around them. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I have always been incredibly blessed with people who surrounded and supported me as I walked my path. Without them, I simply would not exist as I do today. That's why for me, everything at Asendo is about the team. It's all about WE and US, not I and me. Yes, individuals exist, and they must all do their parts. But whenever someone accomplishes something—anything—let's not forget that there were people who helped the individual get to where they are and supported them as they achieved success. Let's celebrate teamwork. And, more importantly, let's check individual ego at the door.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Simply spending time as a family. It doesn't have to be anything special. A walk to a nearby ice cream shop. Being there when a child comes home so that I can hug them. Enjoying a late breakfast together on a day off. Just everyday, normal things that I get to do with my wife and kids. Because everything can be gone in an instant, I am thankful for what I have today.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Excluding places in Japan – which will always hold a special place in my heart – I would say, Hawaii. If I can’t get there, though, anywhere I can travel with my family is my favorite.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or historical, who would it be?
Emperor Hirohito of Japan. As a grandson of a survivor of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, and as a member of a Taiwanese family whose history and present both so closely intertwine with the events of 20th century East Asia, I can’t help but ponder how he must have experienced those events—and wonder what thoughts went through his head at key moments in history.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?
I would go back to my job right out of college and before med school—working as a ramp agent at airport. I LOVE airplanes. Being able to work with and alongside them was an absolute joy. There was something refreshing and rewarding about physical labor, and it was nice to be able to leave everything behind when I clocked out for the day, only to come back energized and juiced the day after.
What's a fun fact about you?
In addition to the Buckeyes, I cheer for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, my hometown baseball team. Go Carp!