BCCJ International Women’s Month – Leading by Example

Rachna Ratra |  Managing Director, Robert Walters Japan 

With over 18 years at Robert Walters Japan, Rachna has developed strong teams and leaders, resulting in years of record-breaking results. In addition, she helped establish the “Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Council” for the company’s Japan and Korea offices, demonstrating her commitment to positively impacting her business and community.

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Rachel Ferguson | Executive Director, Kosodate Villege NPO

“DEI education for children and youths is imperative. It’s not enough to be ticking SDG boxes; real systemic change requires a generation to evolve from the old ways of thinking. I am excited to see the growth of Girls Talk, our meeting for young women in Tokyo to learn about social impact issues such as structural sexism and develop the critical thinking and debating skills essential for them to forge their way toward a more equal future. Boys Talk next!..”

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Joy Ho | General Manager, Unilever Japan

“I truly believe everybody is equal and the world can be a better place when each of us can embrace to be our true selves. I am a lesbian and I knew I am different from others since I was very young. Everybody has a unique identity, and because of that diversity, this world can be so colourful and so powerful with collective power…”

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Vivian Tokai | Director, North Asia, Economist Intelligence Corporate Network (Economist Intelligence: EIU)

“It has become common knowledge that Japan is lacking in female leaders across sectors. In my opinion, this is down to 3 main reasons;

1. Lack of networking & mentorship
2. Female executives often compete with each other and seem reluctant to expand opportunities to other young female candidates
3. The younger generation of females voice their unease at the current of affairs, however, they feel that they cannot stand up out of fear of breaking a glass ceiling…”

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Jane Best OBE | Executive Director, Refugee Empowerment International

“I draw my inspiration from the amazing women I meet in refugee communities. They have been displaced due to a lack of inclusion and equity. These women have to keep family and community together and are prepared to face tremendous risks to rebuild their communities…”

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Yuki Miura, MBA | Partnership Director, LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group)

When Yuki worked as an ex-pat in China in 2013, she started a monthly professional community because there was a limited number of Japanese women ex-pats. The connections made through the community supported the members’ work and life overseas, and her successors still run the monthly event today. Last year, Yuki created a new network with D&I leaders group alongside many major Japanese financial organisations and hosted a global networking event that helped many female leaders connect with each other and strengthen their unity for progress.

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Aila Marie Amoyo Reyes | Reginal Sales Director & DEIB Ambassador, Hult EF Corporate Education 

“I have experienced discrimination due to my demographic as a young, Asian, Filipino woman. I have also seen how a lack of understanding of people’s backgrounds can affect the mental health of individuals and this is something that I do not want other people to experience…”

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Claire Fletcher | Founding Head of School, Phoenix House International School

“In July 2021, I landed in Japan and plunged straight into my newest leadership role, a mission the magnitude of which challenged even my boundless energy! Launching a brand new British prep school, in central Tokyo, in the midst of a global pandemic! Twenty months on, I am delighted to be still smiling, celebrating our thriving young school and community, and working to embed excellence alongside new traditions…”

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Kate Sedwell | Co-founder/Director, Atlantic Pacific International Rescue Ltd

In 2016, Kate co-founded Atlantic Pacific (AP) International, and in 2019, Atlantic Pacific Japan. Both organisations share a vision to reduce global drowning by providing trained crews and tools to areas in need, and also in educating local communities about taking caution and how to act in times of necessity. Being one of very few women in the emergency search and rescue sector, Kate is proudly pushing for more opportunities for women in Japan, the UK and globally.

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Anny Tan | Director of Sales and Marketing, Park Hyatt Tokyo

With a mission to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that allows women to be their best, we are proud of the strides we have made at Hyatt. At Park Hyatt Tokyo, almost 50 percent of our associates and 40 percent of the management leaders are women. In addition, 10 percent of our women associates juggle raising children and working, and the number of mothers taking maternity leave is also increasing.

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Janelle Reiko Sasaki | Global Women Athletes Business Network Leader, EY Japan

“The Women Athletes Business Network (WABN) is an external network of business leaders and elite athletes. The purpose is to unlock leadership potential in athletes and guide them in their transition from sport to careers in business and entrepreneurship. EY conducted research and found that female athletes make great leaders. A recent study of 400 female C-suite executives found an undeniable correlation between athletic and business success. Did you know that 94% of female business executives have a background in sports? Such insights are one of the reasons why WABN was created and launched at the 2016 Rio Olympics.”

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Suzanne Price | President, Price Global

Price Global has assessed and developed award-winning DEI strategies for big-name companies in Japan and globally. We have delivered comprehensive leadership programmes for under-represented groups, such as women, addressing the systemic issues within the organisation and developing decision-makers and sponsors. Our experience has shown us that developing more compassionate, enlightened leaders advances the cultivation of workplaces where people feel a sense of belonging and thrive.