Description
An inspirational compilation of stories from successful Japanese professional women
In Winding Paths to Success: Chart a Career in Uncertain Times, experienced management consultant Nobuko Kobayashi delivers an engaging and insightful discussion of the professional and personal successes of senior Japanese women executives, academics, and entrepreneurs who started their career in the late ‘80s to ‘90s, the dawn of gender equity at work in Japan. You’ll discover how these remarkable people carved out a long and rewarding career in a challenging environment.
The author describes the substantial diversity of Japanese professional life, exploring the rich and varied histories of women who are often stereotyped and relegated to a one-size-fits-all story. Their creative navigation amid uncertainties inspires anyone who wishes to establish a career in the highly volatile world of today. You’ll also find:
- Personal and forthcoming stories from women executives
- Recommendations for public and private sector employers to further enhance diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace
- Individual strategies for crafting successful careers from a minority position
Perfect for those building a career, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and other business leaders, Winding Paths to Success is a must-have resource for aspiring and practicing business leaders in Japan and other countries.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1: Levity
Yuki Shingu makes a brilliant come-back to IT career after nursing care leave
Japan – almost silent over #MeToo
Why having women at the top is not enough
Chapter 2: Independence
Makiko Nakamori approaches corporate governance with resolve
Gender diversity in Japan Inc. must blast past tokenism
Women must learn to harness the power of networking
Chapter 3: Purpose
Mami Kataoka believes in the power of art to change the world
Every day is International Men's Day in Japan
Companies must face up to the downsides of workplace diversity
Chapter 4: Altruism
Ayako Sonoda inherits altruism and entrepreneurism passed from her mother
Let's get real about female equality in corporate Japan
Rolling with the punches hurts Japanese women
Chapter 5: Conviction
Miyuki Suzuki drives change as outsider from within
Meetings with women that 'take too long' are a good thing
Kawaii culture hurts Japanese women in business
Chapter 6: Leadership
Masami Katakura realizes her leadership potential with help from mentor
Former princess Mako's marriage holds a mirror to Japan
Japan's language gender divide hurts women at work
Chapter 7: Growth
Ryoko Nagata stays clear of cigarettes in a tobacco company
Japan must break the glass fence keeping mothers at home
Japanese companies must capitalize on gender gap disclosure rule
Chapter 8: Curiosity
Noriko Osumi normalizes women in science
Japan needs more STEM research, not tours, to revive innovation
Women can help revive innovation for Japan Inc.
Chapter 9: Ambition
Yumi Narushima returns to Benesse after running a girls’ school
Japan must reform its antiquated marriage laws
Japan's 'Miss Contests' reflect society's high demands on women
Chapter 10: Competence
Masae Yamanaka builds career in sales traversing four companies
C-suite the last frontier for foreigners eyeing Japan Inc.
Can Japan have prosperity without growth?
Chapter 11: Homecoming
Chikako Matsumoto, World Bank alum, thrives at Japanese trust bank
Japanese companies can no longer expect lifetime loyalty from workers
Gender equity is coming to Japan's workplaces
Chapter 12: Resilience
Yasuko Gotoh breaks ground for women career bureaucrats
Japanese businesswomen need more than a place at the table
Employers should encourage risk-taking to beat impostor syndrome
Acknowledgements
