CEO Insights Magazine

In the contemporary professional landscape, an increasing number of enterprises conscientiously recognize the imperative of championing female leadership and cultivating gender parity. As a burgeoning multitude of companies embraces the ethos of gender equity, the data substantiates the unequivocal significance of integrating women seamlessly into the organizational fabric. Being in the head position wherein women empowerment is embraced is invaluable, bringing unique perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment that enables female managers to excel, thereby contributing to the overall success and diversity of the organization. Flamme Japan is renowned for delivering career counselling to more than 2,000 women and initiating various projects centred around female MR and managerial programs, has actively engaged in numerous endeavours guided by the philosophy of advancing women's empowerment. Mami Iijima, as the CEO of Flamme Japan, has been a significant source of support, fostering a strong connection with the concept of women's empowerment and bringing positive transformation to their lives.

During an interview with us, Mami shared insights into the industry's operations, elucidated her organization's functioning, and expounded on the motivations that propel her towards daily success.

Can you provide a concise overview of your professional history and encounters? Additionally, what is the driving force behind your daily routines?

I specialized in social and developmental psychology at mission-based woman's University in Japan, where the concept of developmental psychology is distinctly divided by gender roles. Japanese women are expected to navigate complex roles encompassing their identity as women, business professionals, and societal members, placing a unique burden on them within the same 24/7 timeframe as men. Our initial venture into serving a pharmaceutical company involved devising a diversity project for one of the world's leading pharmaceutical firms. Recognizing the industry's lag in diversity, especially in Japan, despite an equal distribution of patients between genders, we targeted the pharmaceutical sector for reform. Viewing it as a formidable challenge, I believed that reshaping this industry would pave the way for change in others. Despite Japan holding the position of the world's second-largest pharmaceutical market, there was a notable absence of the Japanese female perspective in sales and marketing. Acknowledging the cultural challenges present in Japan, I aimed to integrate women's perspectives, emphasizing the necessity of the endeavor.

Can you characterize Flamme Japan as an entity and delineate its present standing in the market?

In depicting the market landscape, Flamme Japan emerges as a unique hybrid, intertwining aspects of the pharmaceutical industry and the human resources industry. This amalgamation allows us to create a distinctive output that encompasses both industries. Due to this hybrid nature, we find ourselves in a category of our own, lacking direct competitors and pioneering a novel concept. In terms of organizational ethos, we aspire to be a model for diversity, exemplified by the presence of women in key positions such as CEO and managerial roles within Flamme Japan. Our workforce, which includes male employees, collectively acknowledges and embraces gender equality, demonstrating a profound understanding of diversity. Essentially, Flamme Japan stands as a forward-looking company, embodying the potential trajectory for businesses in the next two to three decades.

Share insights into your leadership style. What principles or approaches do you adhere to as a leader?

Upon assuming a managerial role, I pursued an uncommon objective at the time, which involved revitalizing the organization and elevating its overall value. To achieve this, my approach entails managing the organization holistically, moving away from a silo mentality. Instead of defining a set scope of work and hiring individuals based on that, my management style revolves around recruiting those who comprehend the firm's business and concept. I prioritize understanding the unique characteristics of each team member and the organization as a whole. The goal is to strategically position talents where they can best contribute, fostering a sense of personal growth within the company.

How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization toward future success?

Flamme Japan operates at the intersection of the pharmaceutical and human resources and organizational consulting industries, making it imperative to stay abreast of the latest developments in both sectors. To effectively integrate this diverse information into Flamme Japan's framework, I focus on maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry, including global networks, and staying informed about the latest trends in the human resources industry, often originating from the United States. This involves actively engaging with networks of pharmaceutical companies with global reach and staying connected with individuals seemingly unrelated to the industry but possessing valuable insights. Maintaining an open-minded approach towards various countries, networks, and sources of knowledge is deemed crucial for this endeavour.

Where do you see your path leading in the future?

While aspiring to expand the company's scale, I recognize the existing limitations in Japan's cultural diversity landscape, which hinder our potential for growth. Japan significantly lags behind in global gender diversity, making it challenging to catch up in the ongoing game. Despite the complexity and numerous challenges, addressing all issues within the next five to ten years is a formidable task. Nevertheless, the fervour and commitment exhibited by other companies in investing in diversity initiatives inspire us to persist in our current programs. Looking ahead, beyond the specified timeframe, we anticipate encountering new management challenges beyond diversity and gender equality. During such periods, we aim to approach these emerging issues with the same meticulous attention and dedication.

Mami Iijima, CEO, Flamme Japan

Representing the company, Mami Iijima has demonstrated a keen interest in the commendable sales capabilities of female Medical Representatives (MRs) since the early stages. In 2013, she spearheaded a project focused on nurturing female MR managers, garnering significant acclaim for its innovative content. Over time, she has achieved various milestones, extending recruitment support to companies previously less proactive in hiring women. Her role as an indispensable consultant for driving the progress of women in the professional arena has solidified her reputation, earning immense trust.

Quick Facts:
•Hobbies: Visiting architecture site on a tour, Skiing
•Favorite Cuisine: Japanese
•Favourite Book: Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie