Shota Inoue

Shota Inoue arrived at Stanford’s MSx Program with two very specific goals in mind.

In the short term, he wants to return to his multifaceted Tokyo-based company, Sumitomo Corporation, and unite its various businesses in energy transformation, mineral, chemical, and automotive to create an all-new lithium-ion battery business.

In the long term, Inoue wants to build the leadership skills to help him restructure the century-old Sumitomo, which has diverse interests including steel, urban development, lifestyle, and media. Indeed, the breadth of industries across which it operates is unique in Japan.

“I believe Sumitomo can grow if there are more cross-organizational collaborations and synergy between businesses,” says Inoue, whose wife and two young children have joined him in Palo Alto for the year-long program. “We can create a structure to unlock the company’s real potential. That’s my ultimate goal: To find a key to make that happen.”

Why did you decide to get a degree at Stanford GSB?

Stanford GSB is teaching me skills that are critical to my career goals. Innovation is not always part of the business culture in Japan so the MSx Program is an incredible learning opportunity for me. I’m learning about company structure, technology, and culture, as well as how a leader inspires an organization. I’m working to build an innovative mindset so I can make an impact once I return to Sumitomo.

You have impact-driven goals of what you’d like to achieve at Sumimoto post-graduation. Can you speak to these?

Our company is involved in many industries, and we have the potential to solve multiple issues. One simple idea is to combine our real estate, infrastructure, and energy businesses into a smart city and improve the lives of our residents. I’d like to be involved in the type of innovation that really makes a difference for people.

Which Stanford GSB courses have taught you the most?

Acting With Power combines theater and psychology, and you learn how your tone and body language make an impression on those around you. That has been really interesting and important for my growth as a leader.

I’m also taking Entrepreneurship Inside Existing Organizations, where we learn the skills and mindset of leaders who drive change or innovation within large companies. The instructors invite guest speakers from large companies such as Microsoft and Panasonic, and those speakers share their leadership stories about what worked and what didn’t when driving innovation. What I’m learning supports my career goals of innovating at Sumitomo.

You worked at Starbucks for three years while you were an undergraduate. What did you learn that you still value today?

Starbucks taught me some of my first lessons in business. I was young, and the job was my first experience with a customer-facing role. I learned how challenging it is to address all of the customers’ wants and needs, especially in a business that promotes customization.

One great lesson I learned was how to address unsatisfied customers. You first listen, acknowledge their opinion, and then take action, thank them, and encourage them to come back. I’m applying that strategy even now at my workplace. Great businesses teach you great skills.

You co-founded a soccer team and played as a striker while studying at Waseda University. How does soccer serve you off the field?

Soccer has helped me make connections throughout my life and has given me confidence in my skills and strategies. Being a good striker is about where you position yourself and when to take the shot. In business, you have to consider the same strategies: how do you approach a customer and make the best offer. I like how lessons in soccer translate to life.

Photos by Elena Zhukova