世界で活躍するグローバル・リーダーを bimonthly (隔月ごと）にYGCでインタビューしていきます。全て英語でインタビューを行いますので、是非最後まで頑張って読んでいきましょう！
初回はGCI代表 桑名由美さんにインタビューを行いました。
桑名さんは、アメリカにてクック・パイン・ソリューションズ LLC の社長を務める一方、3人のお子様の母親としての経験を活かし、グローバルな世界を生きる家族に対するコンサルティングや母親目線でのグローバル人材教育に関する様々な活動を行っています。
- 1. What is your mission or goal in your current business?
- We empower young global citizens Global Citizens Initiative, from all sectors of society and all walks of life, to be lifelong ethical leaders of positive change.
- 2. What do you think are the qualities that a globalized individual is expected to have?
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Multilingual, Multicultural and have a moral compass plus willing to take action.
- Multilingual —— can speak “effectively” two or more languages
- Multicultural —— can understand two or more cultures well
- Moral Compass —— this is the hardest but most important. Will do the right thing in hard times which builds trust and admiration
- Take Action vs. Being a Stand-Byer —— whether the action is small or large, they are willing to take action and do something about an issue
By having the above traits, one would benefit from being a global citizen by having the following:
- More options in life
- Meet and interact with more people
- A competitive edge in getting a job
- An enhanced brain structure
- More empathetic and understanding as they are exposed to different perspectives
- Good character development
- 3. What is your definition of a globalized individual?
- See above.
- 4. What are the qualities of becoming a global leader?
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A Global Leader needs to have the below qualities/skills in order to lead. But they should not assume that the way to lead is from the FRONT as this does not often work. A leader needs to create an environment or place where his/her peers or people want to be and they will naturally be there. They need to be trusted, hence, character is important. They need to be a good listener as this builds trust, and collaboration.
- 5. In your opinion, what is the difference between becoming a specialist and a generalist? Does it make any difference when wanting to become a leader?
- A specialist is someone who is an expert in one area or industry. Such as a dentist, mathematician, beautician, etc. A generalist is someone who knows the big picture of certain thing or issues but may not have the expertise. The more one is exposed to different ideas, and ways of doing things, the better leader they will be. Hence, a leader can be both an expert and specialist but it is better to be a generalist and have an expertise vs. being a specialist and not having much knowledge in other areas.
- 6. What do you value most when engaging in your work or business?
- I need to have an interest in the work I am doing and be able to fully engage. I also need to be with people I like and can trust. Hence, the human capital and work content is what is the most important.
- 7. What are some of the things the students and generations of the young people should now start preparing for the future to be a globalized individual or leader?
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The same as question 4 of the FIVE Cs: Character, Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity. How can we nurture this?
Travel and meet people who are different from you.
Have opportunities to do Debate sessions, speaking and presentation opportunities, group projects, Model UN, A year abroad in a different country (immersion) etc., these are all muscles that need to be built up over time.
- 8. In your opinion, what are some of the things Japan excels in and falls behind in?
- Of the 5 Cs, Japan excels in Collaboration and Character (Trust) plus written communication, following directions and working in a group. Japan may fall behind in Critical Thinking, Oral Communication and creativity (to think out of the box and take risk).
- 9. What level of English skills of foreign nationals is desired by global companies?
- It all depends but the more the better. For example, if you are a computer programmer, maybe the level does not need to be high. However, if you are a leader and need to communicate effectively to your group, you need to be able to speak English very well as this will otherwise cause miscommunication. In general, the more effective one is in communicating, the better outcome and job satisfaction.
- 10. Who is your ideal leader (or what is your vision of an ideal leader)?
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Ideal leader: one who is an expert and a thought leader on a global level, yet humble and does not have an ego/or brag, a good listener, thoughtful, has humor and compassionate and can lead a large group with grace when needed.
My two Heroes: Professor Linda Hill from Harvard Business School and Professor Henry Rosovsky from Harvard University.
- 11. What is the most important thing when dealing with people of diverse backgrounds?
- To be a good listener, let them know you care deeply on a personal level too and want to learn about them. This will lead to trust and they will open up more.
- 12. A message to students who wish to pursue their goals and dreams on a worldwide scale:
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Have a dream and this can be large or small, but have a dream as you all have a “slice of genius in you and collectively, we can make a difference.” (Linda Hill). The three messages below are important to me.
