“If you act with conviction, someone is always watching. Even in the face of 90% opposition, dive into the Gemba (the front lines), prioritize right and wrong over profit and loss, and challenge the status quo to transform the organization.”
On January 29th, 2026, Shizenkan hosted Leadership Night* as part of its MBA program. This interactive lecture series invites leaders driving transformation to reflect on their life journeys and explore the essence of leadership through dialogue.
For this session, we welcomed Mr. Hiroaki Koda, Representative Director and President of Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc. (PPES).
Following his career at Toyota Motor Corporation, Mr. Koda now stands at the forefront of global competition as the leader of a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic responsible for the automotive battery business.
His story was not a tale of glamorous success, but rather a raw account of a leader who has persistently taken on gritty challenges. He shared his journey of transcending organizational boundaries and precedents to elevate Japan’s technological prowess into a globally competitive business.
Particularly impressive was the discussion regarding his “axis of judgment,” as highlighted in the key message above. Mr. Koda always chooses his actions based on the standard of “what is right for Japan’s industry,” even when 90% of those around him oppose it.
Rather than focusing on internal politics (Sontaku) or short-term gains versus losses, he asked what was “right or wrong” for society and the future, personally visiting the Gemba to engage in dialogue. This consistent stance became the driving force that united the hearts of employees from disparate backgrounds and fostered a new organizational culture.
“If you act with conviction, someone is always watching. It takes three years to see results, but it is important to keep sowing seeds without giving up.” Mr. Koda’s heartfelt words served as a powerful push for students aiming to bring about change within their organizations without fearing isolation.
During the Q&A session, candid dialogues unfolded regarding the secrets to building allies both inside and outside the company and the mindset required in the face of adversity. It was a night where students gained the courage to take the first step on their own “Leadership Journey.”
* “Leadership Night”
Leadership Night is part of Shizenkan’s formal course, Exploring the Journey of Leadership, and is held once a month in both Japanese and English.
Each session features a guest speaker at the forefront of their field, who shares their personal leadership journey. The series provides participants — including both students and external guests — with an opportunity to envision their own future paths and to reflect on their ongoing journey of leadership.
For Shizenkan students, these sessions also serve as valuable opportunities to meet potential role models, mentors, and supporters — individuals who embody the spirit of challenge and transformation that Shizenkan seeks to cultivate.