Class of 2017

Gonta Kashio

As Managing Director and Head of Business Development for Shiseido Group, the world’s fifth largest cosmetic group operating in over 89 countries, Gonta began his TRIUM journey with the intention of developing a new vision and confidence for his next professional challenge at the company. Two years later, as a TRIUM Graduate and Capstone Project group winner with his business project ‘Craft Capital’, Gonta reflects on his learning journey and how TRIUM has helped to equip him with the understanding, knowledge and skills to confidently navigate his business within todays volatile global economy.

If you believe you only live once, TRIUM is well worth the journey

What were your objectives in exploring executive education and why did you choose TRIUM?

Before applying to TRIUM, I was nearing the end of turning around a European business subsidiary and the next responsibility awaiting me was to lead the overhauling of business operations of the entire European region. This was all part of executing a corporate strategy in setting a Japanese-oriented company on course to expanding into global markets and adapting to the fast changing need of consumers.

Before embarking on this challenge, I felt a strong urge to prepare and equip myself as I anticipated it would entail navigating a series of business complexities in different countries with different economic, political and cultural dimensions.

I was drawn to TRIUM because it was uniquely positioned as a global program that leverages on three world-class business and graduate schools with respective disciplines and strengths in Macro-Economics and Socio-Political Science (LSE), Strategic Management (HEC) and Strategic Finance (NYU). It was the ideal global program that I believed would best equip me with a new vision, knowledge, skills and the needed confidence in preparing for my next professional challenge.

What new values did you derive from your TRIUM journey?

Modern Japan is built on a history of bringing forward new ideas, technology and values. The inception of Shiseido 145 years history was founded on the principle of generating new value and on which the founder (Arinobu Fukuhara) established the first Western-style pharmacy in Japan.

TRIUM is no different. TRIUM represents a world of fresh ideas, perspectives and values drawn from the interactions with high-calibre professors and highly accomplished professionals from around the world, each having different cultural backgrounds and diverse professional experiences.

The combination of TRIUM’s academic rigour, stimulating debates and interactions with the professors and highly accomplished executives contributed much to my learning and development both professionally and personally. The outcome for me was a deeper appreciation of the corporate values of Shiseido, expressed in the company motto: “In Heritage, Excellence, In Diversity, Strength & In Challenge, Growth”. This embodies strong parallels to the TRIUM journey.

You were appointed Managing Director of New Business Development as part of your company’s long term Vision 2020 Strategy. How has TRIUM contributed to, or supported this transition?

The offer of a corporate position of Head of the Business Development Department came about halfway through completing my course modules. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I was up for this challenge as this new position entailed managing various corporate projects across new territories around the globe. This would add considerably to pressures from an already hectic life.

In retrospect, I found myself better prepared than I realised. I owe this to TRIUM which offers a holistic view of an increasingly complex global political economy, equipping you with the understanding, knowledge and skills to confidently navigate the issues affecting the global economy. During the course of the program, I felt my confidence getting stronger in coping with the increasing challenges and complexities of the business world. I consider myself very fortunate to experience Brexit and the tumultuous US election in my year at TRIUM. Had it not been for the professors being quick off the mark in incorporating these Black Swan events into the program, I would still be scratching my head trying to make sense of it all.

Today, I have a better understanding of the forces, dynamics and implications behind these events which I realise have increased my professional capacity to make unwavering business decisions.

Innovation is integral to Shiseido’s philosophy, with this in mind, what was your most valuable take-away from TRIUM?

The most valuable take-away from the Innovation perspective was Corey Phelps’ Entrepreneurship and Innovation class in India (Module 4).

The class gave a thorough overview of all the challenges and pitfalls encountered while innovating, and a practical framework to commercialising ideas when scaling a start-up. The timing of this class couldn’t have been more appropriate, as it came just as I was establishing a Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) as part of my new responsibility as Head of the Business Development Department.

TRIUM’s strength lies in the ability to draw on such professors’ teaching, know-how and guidance which gave me the confidence to establish the CVC. Corey also came to Japan, advised and lectured at my company which was a great booster that fostered the understanding of innovation and created the needed momentum for change and the embracing of innovation.

What was the highlight of your TRIUM journey?

Without doubt, it was winning the Capstone Project (Craft Capital). It was great to enjoy again the feeling of exhilaration of victory with such an accomplished team of professionals, with whom you create a strong bond and long-term friendship. It wasn’t easy getting there and yes there were clashes of opinion, ideas and methodologies. However, it was with mutual respect, humility and tenacity that allowed us to achieve something great together. Most importantly, we had so much fun as well. With the project already live and going well so far, it is a testament of the value of the TRIUM experience. Creating something new, creating enduring friendship I did not think possible at this stage of life, has been a rejuvenating experience.

What would you say to those currently considering the TRIUM Challenge?

I think anyone considering embarking on such a challenge at the height of their career would have anxieties, concerns and questions of whether they can balance the course along with their family, professional and personal commitments. As an overused cliché would have it, if you believe you only live once, TRIUM is well worth the journey. I am very glad that I overcame my own concerns, and took the plunge. The 18 month experience, the learning and the life-long friendship you develop will be an outcome you will cherish for many years to come.