Written by: Karin Wellbrock, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
This is the first interview in our exclusive series, "Exceptional Leaders: Women as Gems." These remarkable executives in Japan aren't just making waves – they are redefining the trajectory of their careers and leading their organizations with distinction.
Among the ever-evolving world of medtech in Japan, Noriko Hattori stands out for her creative blend of ambition and ingenuity. While her resumé boasts remarkable stints at prominent companies like Sanofi, Novo Nordisk, and Abbott, the titles only hint at her depth. As the influential Country Manager of Roche Diabetes Care for Japan and Korea, her impact extends far beyond boardroom decisions.
The making of Noriko: From childhood to leadership
The seeds of Noriko's leadership spirit can be found in her formative years. Her hometown, Saitama, provided the backdrop for tales about her father, a Japanese salary man with a science background. It was through his captivating lessons – turning a simple bulb into a radiant wonder, using household items to explain the phases of the moon – that Noriko's fascination with STEM was sparked.
While her academic prowess could've charted a path in medicine, destiny had other plans. A fortuitous event at the Tokyo Institute of Technology introduced her to the vast field of biotech, subsequently leading her to study human genetics at Tokyo University (Todai). But Noriko's grounding wasn’t just academic. Her parents instilled in her an enduring moral compass. Her father taught her that true wealth is found in knowledge and intellect, not in material possessions. Her mother, the steady anchor of the family, ensured Noriko’s aspirations always burned brightly. Meanwhile, her trailblazing grandaunts – one transforming the hairdressing domain, the other pioneering in medicine – showcased that ambition knows no bounds.
Schooling also played a crucial role in shaping Noriko. Attending an all-girls school focused on empowering Japanese women, she absorbed the importance of valuing individuality over mere tradition. From a young age, she developed a knack for questioning established norms, refusing to accept rules at face value. This independent, critical thinking became the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy: to champion individuality, embrace diversity, and cultivate autonomy.
Facing challenges and charting success
Todai, prestigious as it was, posed its own set of challenges for Noriko. There, she grappled with traditional gender roles and expectations that at times cast shadows of doubt and isolation. However, she drew strength from stories of inclusive academic cultures shared by professors and international friends and the loving support of her parents.
During her research, Noriko had a revelation: she thrived more on interpersonal connections than on the solitude of lab work. The allure of the business world beckoned. Recognizing a unique advantage, she reasoned that Europe might offer a more leveled playing field where her background as a Todai-educated Japanese woman would shine. This strategic move led her to HEC Paris and eventually into the dynamic world of the pharmaceutical industry. As she navigated from Sanofi to Novo Nordisk, each decision was underpinned by reflection and invaluable guidance. Throughout this journey, Noriko built a strong network of friends, advisors, and mentors who provided much-needed perspective during uncertain times.
Embracing motherhood in leadership: The quest for balance over perfection
Professional growth and motherhood intertwined and proved rewarding and demanding. Confronted with the triple challenge of pregnancy, leading a product launch in Japan, and stepping into leadership in her homeland for the first time, Noriko found herself at many crossroads. She faced personal and professional challenges, but the steadfast support of her closest circle, and insights from Sheryl Sandberg's "Lean In", served as a guiding light. Through these experiences, Noriko also discovered the power of negotiation, the importance of setting her own terms, and the value of a supportive community, which collectively bolstered her self-confidence.
Her time in Europe was eye-opening. It was a mosaic of cultural lessons she would learn, especially in France. Witnessing how French working mothers seamlessly integrated their professional and personal lives, Noriko realized the essence of balance. It wasn't about striving for perfection, but rather about finding equilibrium, building a robust partnership, and providing children with the support they needed.
However, life, ever unpredictable, had its hardest lesson in store for Noriko. The profound pain of losing a child is unimaginable to most. Yet, backed by an indomitable spirit and the unconditional support of her loved ones, Noriko persevered. This resilience saw her and her family return to Japan, opening a new, hopeful chapter at Abbott.
Discovering true north: Noriko's reflections on leadership and ambition
Navigating her impressive career, Noriko encountered a pivotal moment during her tenure at Abbott. Taking the reins of a business unit was both a challenge and a privilege, marking her largest leadership role to date. Yet, as time unfolded, she felt her leadership approach was different from Abbott’s and that mismatch started to affect her.
Then Roche came calling, aligning precisely with her unspoken ambition: to be the country manager of an organization in Japan. Roche's culture felt like coming home, emphasizing for her the importance of syncing personal values with a company's culture and values. Roche Diabetes Care was a perfect fit for her.
A revelation dawned upon her during an executive training session: the importance of articulating her ambitions and advocating for herself. Further, she began to see her roles not just as positions, but as platforms for positive change, both within the business sphere and the wider community. Embracing greater leadership roles, she recognized, could amplify her influence for good. To the budding leaders of tomorrow, she offers a piece of wisdom shaped by her European experiences: "Dance to your own tune."
In Retrospect
Noriko's story is filled with firm values, calculated decisions, ambition, and resilience. In her journey, she shows the limitless possibilities that await those driven by passion and purpose. Noriko is an inspiration to follow your dreams and leave a legacy.
5 key leadership lessons from Noriko Hattori for aspiring leaders
Master emotional intelligence & empathy
Effective leadership goes beyond managing tasks; it involves recognizing and managing emotions and leading with genuine understanding. A leader's strength lies in the ability to empathize and connect with those they lead.
Ground yourself in values & heritage
Drawing inspiration from personal history and upholding core values can be foundational for genuine leadership. A values-first approach creates a leadership style that emphasizes the spirit of directives over mere rule-following.
Embrace change & innovate
To lead in dynamic environments, one must be willing to challenge the status quo, adapt to new settings, and innovate. Recognizing cultural nuances and tailoring strategies to them ensures effectiveness and resonance.
Celebrate individuality & advocate for mentorship
Every leader, with their unique perspective, brings a distinct value to the table. Embracing this individuality leads to innovation. Furthermore, the guidance of mentors can provide clarity, while also emphasizing the importance of mentoring others.
Build resilience & seize opportunities
Facing challenges is inevitable, but resilience determines how one navigates them. A resilient leader draws strength from challenges, relies on supportive networks, and is unafraid to seize even the most intimidating opportunities.
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Karin Wellbrock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
In addition to being a co-founder of Kay Group K.K in Japan, Karin Wellbrock is an executive coach and leadership consultant with over 30 years of global experience. A passionate advocate of human-centered, inclusive leadership, she creates exceptional results. To bring innovation to the workplace, she is conducting research in Japan and Europe to increase female representation in leadership roles. Her program "Leader-by-Design" demonstrates this. Dedicated to systemic change, Karin is a member of an all-women-led angel investment club in Asia Pacific, and mentors startup and NGO leaders and game changers in Asia and Europe. It is her mission to elevate 100 women to the C-suite.
