CEO Insights Magazine

An effective business leader plays a crucial role in guiding a company towards success by fostering a culture of innovation, teamwork, and strategic decision-making. Directors, in particular, have the responsibility to oversee and align the company’s vision with long-term goals while ensuring operational efficiency. They serve as a bridge between the executive team and the board, providing leadership in areas like corporate governance, resource allocation, and performance evaluation. Takayuki Kuromiya exemplifies this type of effective leadership. As a Director at NTT Communications, his career has spanned multiple disciplines, from IT engineering to human resources management. In 2004, while working at NTT Europe in London, Kuromiya spearheaded a significant IT outsourcing project for a Japanese megabank, leading a diverse team of six in the UK and more in Japan remotely to design and implement a system for remote IT service operation support. This milestone highlighted his ability to unite talent across different backgrounds to achieve common goals.

In 2008, Kuromiya shifted from engineering to human resources, where he successfully revamped the graduate recruitment system, hiring 500 new employees in two years. His innovative approach, including post-selection interviews, helped motivate new recruits, many of whom now serve in senior management roles at NTT Communications. His ability to adapt and lead across varied roles demonstrates his leadership versatility.

Kuromiya’s tenure with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee further showcased his ability to handle large-scale, high-pressure projects. Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, his leadership kept teams motivated and led to the successful execution of the Games in 2021, setting a new benchmark for leadership in times of crisis.

Let’s dive into this one on one interaction to know Could you share your academic experience at Tohoku University in Japan and what you learned on campus beyond academics?

At Tohoku University, I explored the effects of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) cell jitter on the quality of computer networks and addressed the challenges associated with TCP/IP over ATM. I collaborated with various companies to investigate potential solutions for these issues. My research revealed that increasing the capacity of ATM switches does not automatically lead to improved communication quality. Additionally, I found that TCP throughput could be limited in high-speed, large-scale networks, underscoring the need for a new protocol to overcome the limitations of the TCP mechanism.

The guidance from my professor was both enthusiastic and rigorous, pushing me to excel for my benefit rather than for his or the lab's gain. This experience taught me invaluable lessons that extended beyond technical expertise in computer networks, forming a significant part of my identity.

I also enjoyed being a member of the varsity tennis team at Tohoku University. Competing in the Intercollegiate Tennis Championships as a representative of the Tohoku region was a highlight of my time there. Since our team wasn’t professional, not every member was solely focused on winning. This environment allowed me to learn how to align the diverse goals of our team members, each with their own priorities, and to collaboratively consider essential aspects like practice methods and scheduling.

How are you leveraging these experiences to make an impact in your role at NTT Communications?

Currently, I provide ICT consulting services that draw on my knowledge of network and security technologies, market trends, and global expertise for large Japanese companies across various industries. We build trust with our clients by prioritizing their best interests rather than merely fulfilling their requests.

In one instance, a client requested the implementation of a completely new IT system and our previous knowledge and experience proved largely ineffective. Therefore, I adhered to the fundamentals and devised a comprehensive, step-by-step upgrade plan to ensure the client's business remained operational. The mindset I developed during my university days, emphasizing consistent effort, plays a vital role in establishing the ICT infrastructure essential for executing the client’s business strategy.

How do you stay informed about the latest market trends and ensure you are up-to-date?

The first step is to cultivate a genuine interest in emerging technologies and a desire to share that knowledge with customers to create something innovative and valuable for them. Relying solely on magazines or the Internet for market intelligence is insufficient. The most effective approach is to maintain close communication with various clients, which allows for a deeper understanding of their needs and the market landscape.

Additionally, collaborating with trusted global partners is beneficial. Given the differences in market trends between Japan and the global market, it's essential to have partners who can grasp and address the requirements of customers outside other than my basic scope. Since my role is technically to facilitate connectivity, often viewed as just a conduit for data flow, I expect the content of that data to be meaningful and impactful. That may be one of the reasons why I value the communication with others.

Can you share your leadership approach? What principles or methodologies do you adhere to as a leader?

While I don’t follow any specific guidelines or methodologies, I believe there is no singular right way to be a leader. The most effective leadership style depends on the unique characteristics of the organization, its mission, and the personalities of its members.

For instance, during my time with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the role required a leader with strong vision and direction, as no one had a clear understanding of what the Games would require and entail. I focused on articulating a compelling goal that I believed in and consistently emphasized, 'We can definitely achieve this.'

In my current position, I have confidence in my team members and empower them to take the lead. I encourage them with affirmations like, 'You can absolutely do this,' fostering an environment of trust and motivation.

What has been your success mantra so far?

It's not about 'where' you work or 'what' you do, but 'who' you work with that truly matters. Success comes from building strong relationships and surrounding yourself with the right people. It's also not about the 'evaluation' you receive from your boss, but the 'reputation' you earn from your customers. Their trust and satisfaction are what drive long-term success. Lastly, always be willing to help those around you when they're in need. This creates a supportive network, and when you're facing challenges, they'll be there to help you in return.

Takayuki Kuromiya, Director, NTT Communications

Takayuki Kuromiya is a Director at NTT Communications with extensive expertise in ICT consulting, network security, and global market trends. His diverse career includes leading large-scale projects, such as the Tokyo 2020 Games, and successfully transitioning between roles in IT engineering, human resources, and international business development.