Winding Paths to Success - by Nobuko Kobayashi (Hardcover)

About the Book

"This book tries to answer this question through firsthand interviews with successful senior Japanese women who have embarked on a career around 1987, thus approaching retirement. They range from corporate, entrepreneurs to academic. They are a minority compared to their male peers in the cohort, but they present a wide spectrum of how a minority can carve out a long and rewarding career. Diversity of their colorful lives tells a reality of Japanese women not relegated to a monolithic, victimized position in the society. Often their careers take an unexpected turn making them more thrilling rides than straightforward paths of men. The mentors play an important role. The role models are often amiss, but not missed by these trailblazers. It is also about riding the wave -- if the employer is routing for women to ascend, why feel ashamed about seizing the opportunity? They are tales of individual struggles and triumphs. The women are funny and forthcoming. Much has changed throughout their career, but there is still a long way to go. Having been there done that, they share their observations for what needs to be done. Prefacing these stories will be the societal context within which the readers should associate each chronicle."--

Book Synopsis

An inspirational compilation of stories from successful Japanese professional women

In Winding Paths to Success: Chart a Career in Uncertain Times, experienced management consultant Nobuko Kobayashi delivers an engaging and insightful discussion of the professional and personal successes of senior Japanese women executives, academics, and entrepreneurs who started their career in the late '80s to '90s, the dawn of gender equity at work in Japan. You'll discover how these remarkable people carved out a long and rewarding career in a challenging environment.

The author describes the substantial diversity of Japanese professional life, exploring the rich and varied histories of women who are often stereotyped and relegated to a one-size-fits-all story. Their creative navigation amid uncertainties inspires anyone who wishes to establish a career in the highly volatile world of today. You'll also find:

• Personal and forthcoming stories from women executives
• Recommendations for public and private sector employers to further enhance diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace
• Individual strategies for crafting successful careers from a minority position

Perfect for those building a career, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, founders, and other business leaders, Winding Paths to Success is a must-have resource for aspiring and practicing business leaders in Japan and other countries.

From the Back Cover

Praise for WINDING PATHS TO SUCCESS

"Japan has embarked on the long journey to improve gender equality in the workplace. Winding Paths to Success is a refreshing read that both celebrates the women, who flourished despite the obstacles, and sends a strong message to business leaders to push for a more inclusive workplace."
--MASAHIKO UOTANI, Chairman and Group CEO, Shiseido Co., Ltd.

"The stories told by Kobayashi provide surprising and compelling new perspectives on the diverse ways Japanese professional women have navigated the obstacles they face."
--GEOFFREY JONES, Isidor Straus Professor of Business History, Harvard Business School

"Provoking, insightful and enjoyable. A powerful source of inspiration and ideas for leaders in business and beyond."
--JORGE GARDUÑO, President, Japan and South Korea, The Coca-Cola Company

"In these uncertain times where there is no one-size-fits-all path to success, the stories of the women so brilliantly illustrated in this book, provide real inspiration and encouragement to anyone thinking of stepping into a new stage in their career."
--GINKA TOEGEL, Professor of Leadership, IMD, Switzerland

"Equality in the workplace remains a pressing challenge and Nobuko's book offers innovative structural solutions, while also illustrating personal strategies to overcome adversity through the life stories of 12 trailblazing women. Working in a variety of careers, they find a common need for purpose -- believing that what they do matters and makes a real difference. A must-read for leaders and anyone striving for inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces."
--CARMINE DI SIBIO, Global Chairman and CEO, EY

"Winding Paths to Success beautifully captures the courage and creativity of the women who have built their career in the last decades. Their stories, and Nobuko Kobayashi's insights, provide a valuable perspective to leaders on how to tackle the systemic inequalities still present today."
--CHRIS MAZZEI, former Global Vice Chair Strategy, EY; Adjunct Professor at Cornell and NYU

"From each career episode of the Japanese women protagonists, emerge universal lessons -- double down on your core skills, turn disadvantages into advantages, and seize the right opportunities all while never losing empathy for others. Nobuko Kobayashi brilliantly captures the essence of long-term career and life success in Winding Paths to Success."
--DR. OTTO SCHULZ, board member of the German Sustainability Award Foundation

About the Author

NOBUKO KOBAYASHI is a partner at EY-Parthenon, a strategic consulting arm of EY. A Japanese and English bilingual professional based in Tokyo, she contributes opinions and columns regularly to Nikkei Asia, Japan Times and frequently appears on international media platforms such as the BBC. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MS/BS from the University of Tokyo.