Great leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s intentional. As we step into 2025, stories of purpose-driven leaders remind us that self-awareness, values, and a focus on legacy are essential to driving meaningful impact. This year, reflect on your leadership: What legacy do you want to create, and what steps will you take to achieve it? Start shaping your future today.
Read MoreHow can Japanese workplaces thrive? Gallup’s 2024 Workplace report highlights critical challenges: low employee engagement (18%), high stress levels (41%), overburdened managers, and a growing purpose gap for younger workers. Let’s explore actionable insights and leadership strategies to build resilient, high-performing teams in Japan. And discover how to drive change today!
Read MoreMeet Megumi Ishimoto, the passionate empowerment pioneer and inspiring force behind Women’s Eye, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women in Japan’s rural areas. Driven by her experiences in Tohoku after the 2011 disaster, Megumi has made it her mission to uplift women through education and digital training, creating real impact in local communities. Her work transforms lives and proves that with passion and dedication, one person can drive meaningful change. Dive into her story of leadership, resilience, and her bold vision for a more equal and inclusive Japan.
Read MoreTom Peters is retiring, marking the end of an era in leadership and management thought. For many, including myself during my university days in Germany, Peters’ work was a revelation. He cut through the abstract, theory-heavy models of the time with practical, human-centric insights that transformed the way we think about business. As we look back on his legacy, it’s clear that his lessons on excellence, communication, and leadership are more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced world. Join me in rediscovering the timeless principles that continue to shape how we lead in the 21st century.
Read MoreFeeling stuck in your ambitions? Discover how taking tiny steps can transform your journey from hesitation to achievement. Learn about the Zeigarnik Effect and the Two-Minute Rule, and how these psychological principles help overcome procrastination. With real-life examples and actionable advice, see how coaching breaks down daunting tasks into manageable actions, creating momentum and success. Ready to move from dreaming to doing? Start with a small step today and unlock your path to big changes.
Read MoreBeing a great leader isn't about sticking to a single script—it's like being an actor with a repertoire of characters, each suited for a different scene. Exceptional leaders adapt their style to fit their team's needs and the challenges they face. In this blog, we explore the six common leadership styles identified by Daniel Goleman: coercive, authoritative, pacesetting, affiliative, democratic, and coaching. Each style has its pros and cons, and knowing when to use them can make you a more effective leader. Ready to become a leadership chameleon? Let's dive in! For personalized guidance, connect with me to expand your leadership toolkit and become an exceptional leader.
Read MoreExceptional leaders leave a lasting legacy, one that impacts people and resonates within their organization long after they've moved on. In your new leadership role, the focus should not only be on quick wins but also on building a profound, enduring impact. Find out the 5 steps to creating a leadership legacy, guiding you from immediate successes to long-term influence.
We'll explore how to engage in ‘era planning,’ envision your leadership legacy, create future possibilities, develop a strategic plan, and balance ‘now-forward’ with ‘future-back’ planning. These steps will help you achieve a meaningful legacy that fosters a thriving, resilient organization.
Move beyond the constraints of the traditional 90-day plan and learn how to create a legacy that endures. Transform your leadership approach with insights and strategies that ensure your impact is felt for years to come. Start strong and finish stronger by focusing on what truly matters.
Read MoreIn her interview with Karin Wellbrock, Mari Matthews, a trailblazer in the financial sector with experience at AIG, Metlife, State Street, and Google, now leads at BNY Mellon Trust Japan with a unique mix of public policy insight, strategic foresight, and effective leadership skills. Mari is recognized for her bold career moves, her ability to merge decisiveness with empathy, and her drive for lifelong learning. She successfully tackles the challenges of global markets while promoting diversity and advocating for women in the workplace, offering valuable lessons for aspiring professionals.
Read MoreWhy leave a psychologically safe environment to chance when you can deliberately create one? Discover how celebrating mistakes and valuing opinions can dramatically boost team performance. In our latest guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to cultivate a fearless and innovative team atmosphere that drives your organization toward success. Dive in and start leading with renewed confidence!
Read MoreIn this comprehensive dialogue, Masaki Wakabayashi, the President, and CEO of GE Healthcare Japan, unfolds his journey and the pivotal experiences that shaped his leadership style, his drive for excellence, and his profound commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, openness, and innovation within the organization.
Read MoreIn a workshop with volunteer leaders from Hands-on-Tokyo, a thought-provoking question emerged: “Why do people volunteer on a Sunday afternoon when they can do countless other things?” Based on this question, we explore the motivations behind volunteering. and uncover that seeking personal satisfaction, an eagerness to learn, the fulfillment of supporting a community, and the drive to make a global impact drive these volunteers. We derive lessons and actions for managers and leaders in the corporate world.
Read MoreBayer AG's pivot to a team-centric model marks a significant cultural shift towards collaboration over hierarchy, with coaching at its core to boost teamwork and development. This approach boosts innovation and agility, enabling leaders to foster a proactive, entrepreneurial culture. It highlights the critical role of participative leadership in driving organizational change and achieving success in today's dynamic business environment.
Read MoreWe explore Junko Tsuda's inspiring ascent from communications expert to a leadership role in the C-Suite. Her story, characterized by resilience and empathy, highlights how she navigated through major crises with adaptability and optimism, is a powerful message for young and aspiring leaders in Japan and beyond.
Read MoreCEOs of MNCs face distinct challenges and unparalleled opportunities in Japan as we step into the new year. Explore eight priorities to navigate the delicate balance between global strategy and local market.
Read MoreEmbrace the Year of the Dragon in 2024 with symbolic strengths of fortune and good luck. Reflect on life priorities through a "Wheel of Life" exercise, setting intentional goals for career, relationships, health, and more. Make 2024 a year of self-discovery and intentional living.
Read MoreDiscover the inspiring ascent of Noriko Hattori, a dynamic leader in Japan's MedTech industry, from marketing trainee to Country Manager at Roche Diabetes Care. In her conversation with Karin Wellbrock from Kay Group, Noriko shares valuable lessons from her journey, offering a roadmap for aspiring leaders and professionals.
Read MoreIn an enlightening conversation with Karin Wellbrock, partner at Kay Group K.K. and executive coach, Satoshi Mizusawa, President and Representative Director of Stryker Japan K.K., shares his insights on leadership, team inclusivity, and nurturing future leaders. From his unique transition from human resources to a business-centric role, Satoshi's journey is a compelling blend of strategic acumen and a deep passion for people development.
Read MoreAt the heart of leadership lies the journey of self-discovery, as illustrated by a subject-matter-expert's transformative experience from being entangled in competitive emotions to a powerful rediscovery of her leadership identity. This blog delves into the intersection of expertise and emotion, offering the "Identity Model" as a compass for navigating through the complexities of professional rivalry and team leadership.
Read MoreExplore the story of Sophia, a seasoned executive, as she confronts a leadership challenge: managing a former rival turned subordinate. This introspective journey, triggered by her supervisor's critique, reveals deeper insights into her approach to power, perception, and leadership.
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