CEO Insights Magazine

In today's dynamic business landscape, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) play a cru­cial role in steering com­panies towards sustainable growth and success. Among them, Daisuke Kobayashi stands out as a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence. With a background rooted in profes­sional ethics as a Certified Public Accountant, Daisuke has honed his skills across diverse sectors, from his early days in M&A advi­sory at an investment bank to his leadership roles at Nissin Foods Holdings and GSK. Now, as the CFO of REMOW, a burgeoning startup, Daisuke leverages his ex­pertise not only in financial man­agement and fundraising but also in strategic decision-mak­ing, M&A, and human resource strategies. His multifaceted ap­proach embodies a dedication to enhancing enterprise value and driving the company towards greater heights.

Daisuke's journey exemplifies the evolution of modern CFOs into strategic partners in busi­ness growth. His ability to navi­gate complexities, coupled with a deep understanding of both fi­nancial and operational aspects, positions him as a pivotal figure in REMOW's journey. By inte­grating financial acumen with strategic foresight, Daisuke con­tributes significantly to the com­pany's resilience and agility in a competitive market landscape. In this one-on-one interaction, we delve deeper into Daisuke's in­sights, shedding light on the piv­otal role of CFOs in shaping the trajectory of contemporary enter­prises. Let’s dive into this one-on-one interaction to know more.

How do you see the CFO's role evolving into a more strategic position within organizations? What methods do you believe drive business value?

Given the capital-intensive nature of the entertain­ment industry, particularly in film production, effec­tive fund utilization significantly impacts a company's value. This holds particular relevance for REMOW, a startup enterprise where fundraising assumes para­mount importance. The company strategically nav­igates its financial landscape, balancing equity and loans, while proactively anticipating its forthcom­ing balance sheet. Additionally, as a fledgling entity merely two years into its inception, REMOW places a premium on organizational development and hu­man resource optimization on a daily basis. Lever­aging the collective expertise of senior members, many of whom boast industry experience, is pivotal in refining REMOW's management approach, under­scoring the ongoing efforts dedicated to bolstering organizational efficacy.

Moreover, externally, the CFO's role assumes critical importance in charting a trajectory for disruptive growth through the formulation of comprehensive business plans. These plans are meticulously crafted to articulate a coherent narrative that resonates with both shareholders and investors, elucidating REMOW's vision and potential for sustained success in a manner that is readily comprehensible and compelling.

What impact does this have on steering and shaping decision-making processes? How does your role become a pivotal force in driving choices forward?

In my capacity as CFO, I prioritize the meticulous assessment of risk management protocols in our decision-making processes. Drawing from my extensive experience spearheading M&A transactions, I adopt a proactive stance in championing projects, cognizant of their potential impact on our enterprise. However, I also recognize the paramount importance of striking a delicate balance between fostering growth and exercising prudent restraint. As CFO, my overarching objective revolves around enhancing enterprise value, an endeavor that necessitates a judicious application of both the metaphorical brake and accelerator within our business framework. By maintaining this equilibrium, we can navigate complexities with confidence, ensuring sustainable progress and resilience in an ever-evolving marketplace.

How do you guarantee the preservation of the company's financial well-being?

The company strategically conducts its business operations with a forward-looking approach, consistently anticipating and planning for detailed funding requirements over the next six months to a year, along with broader projections for the coming years. As the financial steward, I meticulously manage funds with a keen awareness of this inherent risk, ensuring that our financial resources are allocated judiciously to sustain operational continuity and support future growth initiatives.

How do you recognize and address financial risks that have the potential to undermine both the stability and reputation of the company?

Financial risk management is a multifaceted endeavor intricately woven into the fabric of industry dynamics and a company's stage in its lifecycle. REMOW, an emerging player in the film sector with a mere two years under its belt, grapples with the substantial capital demands inherent to its industry's capital-intensive nature. In response, REMOW employs a methodical approach, meticulously forecasting cash outflows associated with various facets of its operations, including film production, rights acquisition, and distribution channels. Each film's financial trajectory is meticulously charted through the preparation of detailed cash flow statements, subjected to iterative reviews and ongoing collaboration with astute business managers. This synergistic exchange of insights yields a panoramic view of potential risks, empowering REMOW to craft tailored mitigation strategies finely attuned to its operational nuances.

In this pursuit, REMOW endeavors to harmonize its risk management endeavors with the idiosyncra­sies of the film industry, thereby fortifying its finan­cial fortitude and optimizing the allocation of its capital resources. By aligning these efforts with its growth aspirations and industry-specific challeng­es, REMOW aims to carve a path towards enduring prosperity within the labyrinthine terrain of the film industry's financial landscape.

Share your leadership approach with us. What principles or methodologies guide your leadership style?

As a leader, I place paramount importance on setting clear direction and objectives for the team. Once these are established, I strive to effectively communicate concrete steps and ideas to guide the team towards achieving our shared goals. My approach to communication varies depending on the team's level of experience and expertise. When working with seasoned professionals, I empower each member to take ownership of their tasks, offering minimal detailed instructions. Conversely, when leading a team of less experienced individuals, I provide more specific guidance to ensure clarity and alignment.

Central to my leadership philosophy is the belief that every team member should experience success in their daily responsibilities. I view these daily victories as building blocks for individual growth and development. By fostering an environment where success is achievable and celebrated, I aim to cultivate a team culture where each member feels empowered and motivated to consistently perform at their best. This, in turn, sets the stage for continuous improvement and progression to higher levels of proficiency and performance in the future.

What sort of effects do you envision generating as you continue on your professional journey?

It has always been my belief that finding joy in one's work is crucial. With only 24 hours in a day, and a significant portion dedicated to sleep, half of our waking hours are typically spent with family and the other half at work. Therefore, if work isn't enjoyable, a substantial portion of life feels wasted. I've found that maintaining enthusiasm for what you do, along with planning for future success, fosters enjoyment in work—a concept akin to the 'flow' state described by Professor Csikszentmihalyi, whom I had the privilege of learning from during my MBA program. I believe that continually striving for this 'flow' state enriches our professional journey.

Daisuke Kobayashi, CFO, Remow

Daisuke Kobayashi, CFO At Remow, Began His Career In Financial Audits At Ey Japan. He Holds An Mba From Peter F. Drucker School Of Management. With Extensive Experience As Investment Banker At SBI Shinsei Bank And Head Of M&A In Nissin Foods Holdings, He Played A Pivotal Role In Achieving Jpy 1 Trillion Market Capitalization Of Nissin Foods. Transitioning To Glaxosmithkline K.K., He Served As Finance Partner Before Joining Remow As Cfo In July 2022.