My journey began with the simple decision: to improve my English skills and moving to Boston. Despite initial reluctance to join the family’s business, my quests for knowledge led me to Northeastern University in Boston. After graduation and being in the family business for several years I wanted to manifest my business knowledge, and I decided to pursue an MBA at Hult’s Boston campus.
My time at Hult taught me the importance of proactive leadership and the power of expression. Active participation during the classes have helped me to speak up and share my opinion. The Japanese culture is a very quiet one, so I was lacking the ability to have a voice even though I wanted to share my opinion.
Championing change
Armed with newfound confidence and skills, I set out to transform our family business and challenging traditional norms, introducing innovations and modernizing operations. When joining the family’s manufacturing company, I encountered a landscape marked by tradition and resistance to change. My journey was marked by setbacks and challenges, from resistance to technological advancements to cultural barriers that stifled progress.
One of my first steps was to implement an IT system in the family’s company to set the standard for global success. Japan has experienced stagnation in the years before with little growth. It was a big investment to set the company up for success and change the mindset of people to work with more unity.
Navigating turbulent waters
Joining my family’s legacy in the manufacturing business set the stage of my entry into the corporate world. As a woman CEO in a male-dominated industry, I encountered scepticism and resistance at every turn from a very narrow-minded culture. But I refused to be limited by outdated norms and expectations.
Especially at the beginning when joining the family business, I had to handle rejections to any kind of new approaches I introduced. Not only within the company but also from my family. By now I had been in the company for a while, and my parents were older, so it’s easier to bring in new ideas in and change processes.
In the culture I grew up in, success is often not appreciated and faced with pushback. Which is a very controversial habit, since thriving for success as a business is what it takes to be established long term. I will continue to stand up and I will do whatever is needed to be successful.
I learned that I need to take more care of my employees to recognize unhappy atmospheres and prevent losing them, because at the end they are the ones making the money.
Looking to the future
As I look ahead, my focus remains on protecting and growing the company while fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. I am staying positive about all the upcoming changes.
Yukiko Teshima graduated with an MBA from Hult International Business School’s Boston campus in 2009. She took over the family business as a CEO at Teshima Corporation in Tokyo, which is specializing in cutting edge technology. Yukiko has navigated numerous challenges in her journey, has broken barriers and continues to inspire future generations.
