Toshimi Itakura is now general manager of the Sojitz Corporation’s legal department. But it has been a long road to get there – she has worked her way up from the most junior position in the legal team all the way up to the top job at one of Japan’s largest companies. Sojitz is one of Japan’s famed sogo shosha, a term that translates as general trading company, which explains their approach to business: in short, they’ll manage a dizzying array of businesses. In Sojitz’ case, automotive, aerospace & transportation, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, metals & minerals, chemicals, agriculture and retail are just some of the areas the company takes on. During the course of her career progression, Toshimi has managed an ever-growing team of people which now numbers over 70. She has developed a keen sense of what to do – and what not to do – when managing others. Toshimi spoke to GC about her philosophy.
GC: Could you begin by explaining your approach to people management?