b'Getting back to your professional life, can you speak aboutInitiative (EII) businesses due to the potential that the South your experience succeeding Mr. Yoshida as president of SCAmerican region possesses. With the right strategy to fulfill that South America?potential, we can establish a global supply chain of commodities Stepping into the shoes of the energetic and unique Mr. Yoshidawith goods or products, leveraging the abundance of resources was initially overwhelming yet purposely informative and edu- that South America can offer. cational. During the hectic 10-day transition period, I learned much. My aim has been to carry forward the legacy he has builtYour management principles speak to values like loving your in Sumitomo Corporation South Americas operations.neighbor as yourself and building human bond and trust, which lean more towards ethical and moral aspects rather What approach did you adopt to continue Mr. Yoshidasthan profits. Is it your belief that adhering to these values legacy, particularly concerning the MaPPS initiative he wasautomatically takes care of the business aspect? known for?Oh yes, I do believe so. No matter how technology evolves, Absolutely, continuing with the MaPPS was integral. It was avalues like human bond and trust should never be downplayed. message and a methodology that Mr. Yoshida always champi- Even in this amazing time we live in, where advancements in oned. Maintaining that tradition and ensuring the continuedtechnology are prevalent and always presenting new oppor-operation and methodologies that have been successful for thetunities, fundamental values still serve as the foundation that organization was crucial, even though we have adjusted whatdifferentiates our company from others. These values are not MaPPS means to stay ahead. Now, because each leader bringsjust dreamy concepts but fundamental values that guide our something distinctive to the table, our personal brand andbusiness practices. our special management style are vital to showcasing our ownHow does this notion of growing our human capital feed into leadership style and priorities, even though we might all shareyour view of SC South Americas future? common objectives.Workplaces should not only be platforms for business growth Since assuming your role as GM of SC Brazil, what has beenand profit earning but also spaces where we grow and stimulate your latest impression of the country? each other through thought exchange, whether its business-re-I moved to So Paulo and became the president last spring, andlated or personal. Sumitomo Corporations corporate slogan, every day has been incredibly thrilling to me. Brazil has alwaysenriching lives and the world, extends to enriching our own impressed me with its rich culture, ethnic diversity, and thelives and personal journeys as well. I am a great believer in the variety of delicious food.necessity to unleash our potential in our career path journey and embodying enriching lives and the world through our approach Balancing personal values and the pursuit of definitiveto our work, and therefore how we grow those businesses. profits is a tightrope walk. How do you manage to navigate through it, especially given the vast responsibilities of lead- The journey to enrich lives, including our own, seems to be ing SC South America?embedded in your leadership style. How do you perceive your Prioritizing how best I can mobilize peoples potential forjourney and story in the corporate world thus far? business growth is crucial. Emphasizing peoples potential andIm very pleased if my journey and story are considered interest-considering people management vital are intrinsic to my man- ing! (laughs) But its crucial to acknowledge that everyones path agement principle. Its a personalized approach, ensuring thatis unique and valuable in its own right. My leadership journey enhancing peoples abilities is monumentally important.is simply a reflection of my personal beliefs and management principles that prioritize human potential and values. This, I In terms of expansion in the South American business land- believe, resonates well with enriching not only the lives of those scape, which areas or businesses within SC South Americawe serve, but also our own, as we navigate through our career do you anticipate will see the first signs of growth? The first thing that comes to mind is our Energy Innovationand life journey.Sumitomo Corporation of Americas 7'