Japan's Corporate Comeback: New Leadership Models for Global Impact
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW Japan’s corporate sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by a shift from traditional hierarchical systems to adaptive, hybrid leadership models. This podcast episode with Wharton professors Michael Useem and Harbir Singh examines how leading Japanese firms are embracing stakeholder capitalism, long-term strategic vision, cultural reinvention, and organizational agility to regain global competitiveness. Based on insights from their new book, Resolute Japan, their discussion details examples of top executives navigating structural change, talent redeployment, and innovation across industries from manufacturing to technology.
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
Learn more at http://whr.tn/rippleeffect.
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Brief Summary
Japanese companies are shifting leadership styles to embrace technology and innovation, as discussed by authors Harbir Singh and Mike Useem.
Key points
- The Lost 30s. Japanese companies have struggled for three decades but are now on the path to resurgence.
- A Cultural Change in Leadership. Japanese firms are embracing a new leadership model that encourages exploration and agility.
- Resolute Japan: The Leaders Forging a Corporate Resurgence. A new book explores the shift in Japanese corporate leadership and its implications for the future.
- Resolute Japan: A New Perspective. The authors discuss how Japanese leadership models can influence future business practices.
- The Ripple Effect Podcast. A closing note encouraging listeners to subscribe for more insights from the Wharton School.
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Episode highlights
- The Lost 30sJapanese companies have struggled for three decades but are now on the path to resurgence.“What got you here won’t get you there.”5:41Jun 3, 2025
- A Cultural Change in LeadershipJapanese firms are embracing a new leadership model that encourages exploration and agility.“It’s a quiet, largely unseen revolution in how business is getting done.”15:59Jun 3, 2025
- Resolute Japan: The Leaders Forging a Corporate ResurgenceA new book explores the shift in Japanese corporate leadership and its implications for the future.“Japan is kind of creating the future, not only for them, but for us.”20:27Jun 3, 2025
- Resolute Japan: A New PerspectiveThe authors discuss how Japanese leadership models can influence future business practices.“We think that some of the— our future is seen now in Japan.”20:57Jun 3, 2025
