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.
Yuko Tashiro’s career is an extraordinary journey of resilience, late-blooming, and the power of determination. Born in Makurazaki, Kagoshima Prefecture (Japan) in 1954, Yuko’s life took many turns before she found herself in top executive roles in major corporations such as KPMG, GE Japan, Aon Holdings, and most recently as President of Accordia Golf Corporation. A candid conversation with Karin Wellbrock reveals Yuko’s remarkable story, one that is particularly compelling not just because of her professional accomplishments but also because she started her career later in life after being a full-time mother. Her journey serves as an inspiring example for women, especially those who believe that age might limit their career opportunities. Yuko’s leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) further cements her status as a trailblazer for women across generations.
Starting late, soaring high
Yuko’s path was not a conventional one. She moved to Ohio at as a young woman with her American husband and devoted herself to raising their children. It wasn’t until her children were older that Yuko decided to pursue higher education. Despite her initial fears of returning to academics, Yuko earned her CPA and began her career at KPMG—well into her thirties, an age when many professionals are already established in their careers.
Starting later didn’t slow Yuko down. In fact, her extensive experience at KPMG in the US, where she worked as an auditor and CPA for over 15 years, gave her a unique edge. Her expertise in finance and business management, coupled with her ability to ask tough questions and navigate complex situations, laid the groundwork for her future leadership roles. Her late start highlights an important lesson: it’s never too late to pursue your ambitions. Yuko’s journey challenges the notion that professional success must happen early in life. Instead, it showcases that with determination and the right opportunities, success can come at any age.
Empowered by experience: From corporate halls to community revival
Yuko’s career took a significant turn when she returned to Japan and joined GE Japan. At GE, she was tasked with leading the implementation of global procurement systems, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps to achieve success. Her experience at GE was transformative, teaching her the importance of adaptability and the power of inclusive leadership.
However, it was her time in Tohoku that deeply informed her as both a human being and a professional. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Yuko moved to the region and dedicated nearly five years to helping rebuild small businesses affected by the disaster. This period of volunteer work was one of profound personal growth for Yuko. She learned about resilience, community, and the importance of giving back, which shaped her approach to leadership in the years that followed.
Experience meets opportunity: Leadership in her 60s
Building on her experiences at KPMG, GE, and in Tohoku, Yuko’s career reached new heights when she assumed the role of President at Accordia Golf Corporation—at an age when many professionals are considering retirement. Her deep experience as a CPA and auditor provided her with a solid foundation to lead Accordia through a period of significant transformation.
In her 60s, Yuko wasn’t merely managing a company; she was leading one of Japan’s largest golfing enterprises through complex challenges, including the intricate process of taking the company private. Her background as an auditor gave her a sharp eye for detail and a strong understanding of financial structures, which proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of the business. Her earlier leadership roles at GE Japan had already honed her ability to bridge cultural gaps and implement global systems in Japan, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges she would face at Accordia.
Yuko’s leadership at Accordia is a powerful reminder of what women can achieve in the Japanese business world. Her extensive experience, coupled with a fresh perspective as an older leader, enabled her to guide the company with wisdom, clarity, and strategic insight. Her work in Tohoku profoundly influenced her approach, teaching her the value of resilience and the importance of community. These experiences shaped her understanding of what it means to lead with empathy and a strong sense of purpose.
Yuko’s story serves as a beacon for women of all ages in the workforce, demonstrating that it’s possible to take on significant new roles later in life and make a profound impact. Her journey underscores that the knowledge and skills acquired over a lifetime can be invaluable assets in leadership, particularly when navigating demanding and fast-changing business environments.
Breaking barriers: A bold vision for diversity and inclusion
One of Yuko’s most significant contributions has been her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). At Accordia, she recognized the untapped potential of women, both as employees and customers, in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Yuko understood that real change required more than just talking about diversity; it needed actionable strategies that could transform the company’s culture.
Under Yuko’s leadership, Accordia launched initiatives specifically designed to attract more women to golf, a sport that had long been tailored primarily to men. She formed project teams led by female employees, giving them the opportunity to influence the company’s direction and develop their leadership skills. These initiatives were not just about improving business outcomes; they were about creating a more inclusive environment where women could thrive.
Yuko’s approach to DEI goes beyond quotas and surface-level changes. She believes in embedding diversity into the fabric of the organization, ensuring that it informs decision-making at every level. By doing so, she has made Accordia a more inclusive company, setting a standard for other organizations in Japan to follow. Her work in this area demonstrates that DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that can drive innovation and growth.
The art of networking: Unlocking opportunities
Throughout her career, Yuko has maintained strong professional and personal networks, which have been instrumental in her career moves. Her ability to build and sustain relationships has opened doors at critical junctures, from her role at GE Japan to her leadership at Accordia. These networks have provided her with support, opportunities, and the insights needed to navigate complex business landscapes. Yuko’s story underscores the importance of cultivating and maintaining a strong network, which can be a crucial asset in any professional journey.
Inspiring generations: A legacy of female empowerment
Yuko Tashiro’s story is not just about personal achievement; it’s about paving the way for other women to follow. Whether they are just starting their careers, returning to the workforce after raising a family, or looking to take on new challenges later in life, Yuko’s journey shows that it’s never too late to make a difference.
Her leadership at Accordia, especially in the areas of DEI, serves as a blueprint for how organizations can harness the full potential of all their employees, regardless of gender or age. Yuko’s life and career challenge the traditional narratives around age, gender, and leadership, offering a new vision of what is possible for women in Japan and beyond.
Yuko Tashiro 10 leadership lessons
Leading self
It’s never too late to start: Age should never be seen as a barrier to success. It’s important to pursue your ambitions, no matter when you start in life.
Age as an asset: Experience and maturity can be powerful assets in leadership, offering wisdom and perspective that younger leaders may not yet possess.
Redefining success: Success doesn’t have to follow a traditional timeline. Significant career achievements can happen at any stage of life, challenging conventional notions of what success looks like.
Continuous learning and adaptation: Embracing learning and adaptation throughout life is crucial. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, embracing new challenges, or taking on different roles, a commitment to growth is key to continued success.
Leading others
Mentorship and sponsorship: Mentorship is vital, especially in male-dominated industries. Finding a mentor or sponsor can provide crucial guidance and support, helping navigate complex career paths.
Leading with empathy: Leadership marked by empathy and understanding builds strong teams and fosters an inclusive work environment. Empathy is a critical component of effective leadership.
The Importance of networks: Cultivating and maintaining strong professional and personal networks can open doors and provide invaluable support throughout one’s career.
Leading for results
Empowerment through DEI: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion goes beyond meeting quotas; it’s about creating a genuinely inclusive culture that drives strategic success.
Building a legacy: Leadership is not just about current success but also about creating opportunities for others and building a lasting legacy for the future.
Leading transformation and change
Resilience and giving back: Resilience and the value of giving back are essential qualities in leadership. True leadership involves making a meaningful impact on communities and society, not just achieving business success.
Conclusion
Yuko Tashiro is a groundbreaker in every sense of the word. Her late start, her leadership in her 60s, and her commitment to DEI all serve as powerful examples of what women can achieve, regardless of their age or stage in life. Yuko’s story is not just one of personal triumph; it is a call to action for women everywhere to pursue their dreams, challenge the status quo, and lead with confidence and compassion.
Karin Wellbrock, Leadership Consultant and Coach
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.
