This winter at Tuck, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Masahiko Uotani, CEO of Shiseido, and hear about his leadership journey. Learning from him—especially about his experience leading global brands, first at The Coca-Cola Company and now at Shiseido—was both inspiring and eye-opening.
What struck me most was his approach to leadership—he’s all about balancing innovation, integrity, and vision. He spoke about how crucial it is to respect a brand's heritage while also staying ahead of the curve. Leading Shiseido through its evolution while honoring its rich legacy isn’t easy, but Uotani does it by blending the old with the new. His ability to navigate this balance highlights what it takes to grow and sustain a global brand in today’s fast-paced world.
One of the most compelling aspects of his leadership is how he applied lessons—things like global brand building, customer engagement, and operational excellence—to a completely different industry. It was impressive how he brought a fresh perspective to Shiseido, driving innovation and improving brand positioning.
However, what resonated with me most was how he made sure that learning and growth weren’t just reserved for the top leaders. Uotani emphasized that, no matter the level, everyone in the company should be learning, evolving, and engaged in solving problems. It’s not just about the decisions at the top; it’s about creating a culture where everyone, even at the ground level, feels involved and valued.
On top of all that, his emphasis on authentic leadership—leading with purpose, staying true to your values, and making bold but thoughtful decisions was a reminder of the kind of leader I want to be.
Experiences like this are what make Tuck so special. Learning from real-world leaders like Uotani doesn’t just expand our business knowledge—it challenges us to think about the kind of leaders we want to become and the impact we hope to make.
I’m grateful for the experience and excited to carry these lessons forward!
Preksha Shah T'26 holds a master’s degree in business analytics and consulting experience across various industries. She specializes in turning complex data into actionable insights that fuel growth. Passionate about community service, she’s been involved with Rotary from a young age and has spoken at several events on data science and consulting.
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