9. Masahiko Uotani, Part 2: Changing the Corporate Culture and Unleashing the People
On unleashing the people, changing the culture, “ichigan” organizational structure, being a global leader with a Japanese heritage, unpleasant business decisions, S-Park, diversity and inclusion. In this Part 2 of my conversation with “Tani,” we went back to the topic of people. As a long-term investor, I believe the most valuable intangible value of the company for their ongoing sustainable growth is the people. All companies say that people are their most valuable asset, but people don’t show up as an “asset” on the balance sheet. It shows up as a “cost” on the P/L. And, many Japanese corporations don’t really do good job in showing the value of their people, since many of them are still in the “Showa” mode of sectionalism silos, seniority system. So, let’s see how Tani’s people focus strategy was able to change that culture. Representative Director, President and CEO Shiseido Company, Limited