Ayako Shotoku, Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer at Panasonic, shares her journey detailing her unexpected pivot from an international marketing role to go on to become the head of Panasonic's legal team and also an Executive officer and board member. Ayako opens up about her early career, including her decisive transition into law, the influence of mentors, and the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Ayako also reflects on her challenges, notable mistakes, and the invaluable lessons they taught her. If you are wondering if you are cut out to lead hundreds of people in an organisation, then this is the episode for you.
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In this episode you’ll hear:
What happened when Ayako’s marketing section was closed and she was assigned to the legal department
Her learnings from challenges inside the company and in her leadership role
The importance of mentoring forward in gratitude for mentorship received
Her favourite bar, a memorable travel experience and other fun facts
About Ayako
Ayako Shotoku is a Director, Member of the Board, and Executive Officer at Panasonic Holdings Corporation, where she serves as Group General Counsel and Chief Risk Management Officer. With a career spanning over three decades at Panasonic, she brings extensive experience in legal, compliance, and risk management to the table.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Comparative Culture at the University of Tsukuba and an LL.B. from Chuo University. She also obtained an LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Her career at Panasonic has been marked by consistent advancement and leadership. She joined the company, then Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., in 1991 and has since navigated the complexities of legal and compliance in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. From serving as General Counsel for various key divisions, including Automotive and Connected Solutions, to her current role overseeing the entire group's legal and risk strategy, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and innovate within a global corporation.
In her free time Ayako likes traveling, visiting places she has never been to, slow jogging and watching movies/dramas.
Connect with Ayako
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E5%BD%A9%E5%AD%90-%E5%B0%91%E5%BE%B3-2a98b6163/
Links
Bar Augusta https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270101/27002511/
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