Legacy Makers: Leading with Impact in 2025
What truly sets great leaders apart in a fast-changing, high-stakes environment? Is it their vision, their ability to inspire, or something deeper? Meet Mai, an executive in life sciences, whose story illustrates how self-awareness, purpose-driven leadership, and a focus on legacy define what it takes to lead effectively in today’s demanding world.
Mai's Journey: The Anatomy of a Leader
Meet Mai*, a 42-year-old executive thriving in Japan’s competitive life sciences industry—a field where precision meets innovation and where women in leadership remain underrepresented. Mai’s career reflects the findings of a recent Russell Reynolds study** on the drivers of successful executives: self-knowledge, values-driven leadership, and a focus on impact and legacy.
From her first role as a clinical researcher to leading cross-functional teams in global organizations, Mai’s rise has been fueled by an unrelenting commitment to purpose. "I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers," she shares. "It’s about asking the right questions and empowering my team to find the solutions."
Mai’s success is grounded in her self-awareness. She’s acutely aware of her strengths—strategic thinking and the ability to connect the dots across complex systems—and leverages them to tackle industry challenges. She’s equally mindful of her blind spots, seeking feedback and collaboration to ensure they don’t hinder her progress.
Her leadership is also deeply rooted in values. Whether she’s advocating for equitable access to life-saving treatments or pushing for greater diversity within her organization, Mai makes decisions guided by integrity and inclusivity. "In life sciences, the stakes are high," she explains. "It’s not just about business—it’s about saving lives. That’s a responsibility I take seriously."
What truly sets Mai apart, however, is her focus on legacy. "I’m not just building for today," she says. "I’m building for a future where innovation and equity go hand in hand."
What Drives Mai’s Success?
Self-Knowledge: Mai invests in understanding her strengths and areas for growth, fostering a leadership style that’s both confident and adaptable.
Values-Driven Leadership: Guided by her moral compass, Mai ensures her decisions align with her principles, building trust and credibility across her teams.
Impact and Legacy: Mai doesn’t just solve problems; she creates systems and cultures designed to thrive long after she’s gone.
Lessons from Mai’s Leadership
Mai’s story offers valuable insights for aspiring leaders:
Cultivate Self-Awareness: Know your strengths, and embrace feedback to grow. True leadership starts with introspection.
Lead with Values: Align your actions with what matters most to you. Authenticity and integrity are your greatest assets.
Build Beyond Today: Think about the long-term impact of your decisions. Leadership is about creating something that endures.
A Call to Action
As we step into 2025, let Mai’s story inspire you to reflect on your own leadership journey. Are you clear on your purpose? Are your actions aligned with your values? And what kind of legacy are you building?
Let’s commit to leading with intention and impact. Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Together, we can shape a future where leaders like Mai aren’t the exception but the norm. Happy 2025!
*The name has been adjusted to respect their privacy.
**Russell Reynolds (December 2024) Smarts, Heart, and a Belly Full of Fire
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karin Wellbrock, Partner and Head of Leadership Effectiveness at Kay Group K.K., anchors her expertise in a Tokyo-based consultancy specializing in leadership and organizational development. As a certified Leadership and Team Coach, Karin is dedicated to propelling both seasoned and emerging executives to leave a significant imprint in their respective industries. She is using innovative yet pragmatic tools and approaches to further the impact of leaders. Beyond individual coaching, Karin extends her influence through her work with NGOs and startups, and through her writing. She delves into the journeys of 'Exceptional Leaders in Japan' and dissects complex leadership scenarios, thereby enriching the managerial toolkit for leaders striving for peak performance. Connect and explore.