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235 Michael Witt, President ,Nicole Racing Japan LLC

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Release Date: 02/15/2025

238 Fabio Crisafulli, Japan C&SI Alliance & Netvibes Director, Dassault Systemes show art 238 Fabio Crisafulli, Japan C&SI Alliance & Netvibes Director, Dassault Systemes

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Japan C&SI Alliance & Netvibes Director, Dassault Systemes as at December 2024 when we recorded this session. Previously Fabio was C&SI Alliance Executive, Dassault Systemes; Global Alliance Director, Strategic Business Director, Director Strategic Pursuit Team, Director Mechatronics Solution at Siemens Digital Industries Software; Project Manager Promec Automotive. Summary A seasoned leader with extensive experience in Japan, he highlights the unique challenges and adaptations required to lead effectively in a Japanese business environment. Having transitioned from a Western...

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237 Orjan Pettersson, Managing Director, Profoto KK show art 237 Orjan Pettersson, Managing Director, Profoto KK

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously, Orjan was Director of Sales, Japan at iPoint Systems gmbh, Area Sales Manager Thule Group, Director of Sales & Marketing Asia-Pacific, BA Bags/President Thule Japan, Directeur des ventes VB Autobatteries S.A.S., Regional Sales Manager East & SEA Optima Batteries, Johnson Controls, Import and Export Coordinator Aichi Sangyo. He has a Masters Degree in east Asian studies from Stockholm University Orjan Pettersson’s leadership journey in Japan is shaped by his deep understanding of the local culture, his ability to build trust, and his belief in the importance of personal...

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236 Alan Malcolm, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Udemy Japan show art 236 Alan Malcolm, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Udemy Japan

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously Alan was Executive Advisor, Nikkei; Chief Commercial Officer at Exceedo; Head of Asia, Pearson, President and Representative Director Pearson Japan; Director of Client Services and Marketing Phoenix Associates; Director Asia, Soshigakuen Group; Director and COO Metropolis Japan. He has a BA in International Relations from Victoria University, Wellington. Summary Alan Malcolm provides key insights into leadership, shaped by his extensive experience in Japan’s business environment. Malcolm’s leadership philosophy revolves around building trust, understanding individual...

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235 Michael Witt, President ,Nicole Racing Japan LLC show art 235 Michael Witt, President ,Nicole Racing Japan LLC

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously Michael was Vice-President Sales and Marketing Nicole Racing, Senior General Manager BMW Alpina, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Nicole Automobiles, General Manager Sales Division BMW Alpina Nicole Automobiles, General Manager Aftersales BMW Australia, Director Aftersales BMW Japan Corp, Department Head Price and Volume Planning Aftersales BMW Group, Strategic Consultant Accenture.  He has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Otto-Friedrich Universitat Bamberg. Leading in Japan presents unique challenges and opportunities that require adaptation and a deep understanding of...

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234 Itai Yanai, COO, Plus500 show art 234 Itai Yanai, COO, Plus500

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously Itai was the Country Manager for Trax Retail, Co-Founder and Acting CEO for ABJ Japan, Managing Director ImpacTech, Director of Business Development APAC Kyodo International Corporation Japan, Sales Manager Moroccanoli Japan, . He has a Masters Degreee in Media and Governance/ Environmental Innovation from Keio Univerity and a BA from Tel Aviv University in East Asian Studies. Itai highlights that Japanese employees value humility in leadership. Foreign leaders should initially adopt a learning mindset, showing a willingness to understand local practices and seek guidance from their...

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233 Hartmut Pannen, CEO K.K. Irisu show art 233 Hartmut Pannen, CEO K.K. Irisu

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously Hartmut was a Partner at Bizits Partners, Senior Consultant at z-anshin, Managing Director at TRUMPF Japan, Managing Director at TRUMPF United Kingdom, Managing Director TRUMPF Japan.  He graduated with a Master of Science from Penn State University, and a degree in Industrial Engineering from Technische Univeritat Clausthal. Summary Hartmut has built his leadership philosophy on trust, adaptability, and a deep understanding of Japan’s business culture. His experience leading organizations in Japan has taught him that success is not just about implementing strategies but...

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232 Koji Endo, Chairman, Kai Group show art 232 Koji Endo, Chairman, Kai Group

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Koji Endo's approach to leadership in Japan offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of running a business in a culturally rich and nuanced environment. As the third-generation leader of the Kai Group, Endo inherited a legacy steeped in tradition and innovation. He took over the presidency at 33, following the sudden passing of his father, and transformed the company from a predominantly domestic enterprise into a global brand. This journey required balancing respect for the past with a vision for the future, a common challenge in Japanese family-run businesses. Endo’s...

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231 Corinne Southarewsky, COO Axa Japan show art 231 Corinne Southarewsky, COO Axa Japan

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously, Corrine was the Chief Distribution and Chief Claims Officer AXA XL APAC Europe and XL Insurance Company SE, Head of Claims XL Insurance company SE & AXA XL Business Unit APAC Europe, Head of Global Claims Operations, Global Chief Claims Officer, CEO Protexia France, Allianz France.  She graduated in engineering from Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussees and has an MBA from College des Ingenieurs. Summary Corinne Southarewsky’s approach to leadership in Japan blends her extensive global experience with an acute sensitivity to local cultural dynamics. Transitioning to her...

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230 Irina Menshikova, President, Amway Japan show art 230 Irina Menshikova, President, Amway Japan

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Previously Irina was Amway Russia Chairman of Liquidation Committee, Managing Director Russia, Ukraine and Central Asia, Vice-President Sales and Operations Russia, Director of Sales and Marketing Oriflame Kazakhstan, Supervisor Reporting Philip Morris Kazakhstan.  She has an MBA from the University of Manchester Business School, and a Ph.D. from Bauman Moscow State Technical University.   Summary Leading effectively in Japan requires a nuanced understanding of its unique cultural and social dynamics. Irina Menshikova, President of Amway Japan, emphasizes the importance of patience,...

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229 Aytekin Yildiz, APAC Cluster CEO Group BEL, President Bel Japan show art 229 Aytekin Yildiz, APAC Cluster CEO Group BEL, President Bel Japan

Japan's Top Business Interviews Podcast By Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo Japan

Aytekin previously was Greater Turkey Cluster General Manager, Turkey Country Manager, CFO Turkey, Sales Controlling Group Manager Paris Groupe Danone, Project Manager, Sabanchi Holding Danone JV.  He has a BA Business Administration from Bogazici University and MA Finance & Accounting from Marmara University.   Summary Aytekin Yildiz, APAC Cluster CEO of Group Bel and President of Bel Japan, shared insights from his two-and-a-half years in Japan during this interview. Having a background in finance, he transitioned into leadership roles through deliberate career moves and...

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Previously Michael was Vice-President Sales and Marketing Nicole Racing, Senior General Manager BMW Alpina, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Nicole Automobiles, General Manager Sales Division BMW Alpina Nicole Automobiles, General Manager Aftersales BMW Australia, Director Aftersales BMW Japan Corp, Department Head Price and Volume Planning Aftersales BMW Group, Strategic Consultant Accenture. 

He has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Otto-Friedrich Universitat Bamberg.

Leading in Japan presents unique challenges and opportunities that require adaptation and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Michael Witt, President of Nicole Racing Japan, shares insights into his leadership journey and the lessons he has learned while managing a diverse team in a foreign business environment.

One of the fundamental aspects of leadership in Japan is the emphasis on relationships and trust. Unlike in Western business cultures, where leadership can be transactional and results-driven, Japanese employees expect a leader to be deeply engaged in their long-term well-being. Trust is built gradually through consistency, transparency, and genuine concern for employees. Witt emphasizes the importance of spending time with employees, engaging in small talk, and providing regular positive feedback. Leaders must also lead by example, as employees keenly observe their behaviour, mood, and actions.

Communication is another critical element in Japanese leadership. Language barriers can be a significant challenge, as many business discussions rely not just on words but on subtle nuances. Witt highlights the importance of learning Japanese to build deeper relationships and avoid misunderstandings. He also stresses the need for patience in decision-making, as Japan's corporate culture often involves a slow, consensus-driven approach. Processes like Nemawashi (informal groundwork discussions) ensure that major decisions are pre-negotiated before they reach formal meetings, making execution smoother.

Witt also discusses the differences between Western and Japanese attitudes toward innovation and risk-taking. While Japan may not embrace disruptive change as readily as some Western cultures, it excels in continuous improvement (Kaizen). Employees are often hesitant to take risks unless they feel supported by leadership. As a result, leaders must provide a "parachute"—offering guidance and structured support rather than simply delegating tasks and expecting independent problem-solving.

Company culture is another key factor in successful leadership in Japan. Witt describes the cultural transformation within Nicole Racing, focusing on unity and shared values under the "One Nicole" initiative. This approach emphasizes teamwork, recognition, and structured communication to align employees with the company’s long-term vision.

Lastly, Witt underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and personal well-being. Maintaining a positive mindset, engaging in physical activity, and having a strong support network are essential for leaders managing the complexities of the Japanese business landscape.

By respecting cultural traditions, fostering trust, and guiding employees with empathy, foreign leaders in Japan can build strong, loyal teams and drive long-term success.