Tell us what made you choose to join LIXIL and what was your career journey like?
The answer lies in LIXIL’s impactful vision. In particular, my introduction to the SATO brand and business, and LIXIL’s commitment to creating a positive societal impact resonated deeply with my values. This was a pivotal starting point that laid the foundation for my interest in the company.
Before embarking on my journey with LIXIL, I had the privilege of working with several organizations where I held various roles. I made the move to LIXIL in 2018, initially taking on the role of HR Leader for the India and Subcontinent business. In the subsequent years, the company underwent changes, leading to the creation of global corporate functions. This led to my transition into the role of leading HR for global functions, encompassing responsibilities for Asia and Africa within the LIXIL Housing Technology (LHT) business. A year later, the opportunity came for me to relocate to Tokyo with my family to lead the HR transformation in Japan.
Fast forward to the present, and I am serving as the Global HR Business Partner for Digital, SATO, LIXIL Public Partners, and Hydrific. In this role, my focus is to ensure the seamless alignment of our global charter strategy with our LIXIL Playbook, business strategy, with an overarching goal of creating an inclusive environment within LIXIL that is a home for everyone. Till today, I remain passionate about contributing to LIXIL's mission of making a meaningful impact on society and contributing towards the overall employee experience globally.
How has your experience in LIXIL been so far?
I would say that my time in LIXIL has been incredibly rewarding. From a career perspective, it has been an enriching and transformative journey. I've had the privilege of collaborating with global teams, engaging in cross-functional multicultural projects, and supporting diverse business units across various regions. This opportunity has presented an unwavering learning experience where there is constant opportunity to upgrade your skills through new and varied experiences.
The multifaceted experience with LIXIL has not only enriched my professional journey but also made it clear that there is synergy when diverse experiences from different regions, geographies, and cultures come together. As a result, we form strong, inclusive, and diverse teams. This collective strength has not only influenced my thought processes but also left a positive impact on my personal approach to work.
One of the most meaningful and impactful experiences that will stay with me, is the opportunity to work beyond my shores, and in our global headquarters in Japan. The prospect of working in Tokyo with a diverse global team may not always come about, but LIXIL attempts to seek out such opportunities to match talent, capability and need.
When I first landed in Japan, I found myself intrigued by the unique and culturally rich country. At the same time, within the work environment, there were a myriad of challenges such as language barriers and cultural differences. It required time and patience, the ability to adapt and transition. All parties had to learn from each other, to comprehend and communicate. Eventually, we reached a consensus to unite as a team and adopt ways to communicate effectively, given the substantial tasks at hand.
This profound learning experience, both professionally and personally, would not have been possible if LIXIL hadn't been open to providing such opportunities.
What sets LIXIL’s HR department apart from the rest?
Each company's HR department has its own unique characteristics. What sets LIXIL apart is its unwavering focus on the human element, exemplified by its genuine commitment to the well-being of its individuals. There is a sincere commitment to curating positive experiences for employees, aligning with our HR or Global People Organization’s (GPO) strategy, the employee value proposition, inspired by the overarching company purpose of making homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.
At LIXIL, the GPO is not just about overall experiences but delves deeper into creating an environment of collaboration, learning, open communication, alongside a strong commitment to inclusiveness and diversity. LIXIL stands out for its dedicated focus on enhancing employee experiences and this goes beyond the overall work environment. I would say our methods are distinctive, progressive, and significantly ahead of the industry.
We heard that you were nominated for the Tuck Innovation Program during your time at LIXIL. What was the experience like for you?
In my role as an HR business partner, my primary focus is on addressing the HR needs of the business and aligning them with overall business goals to enhance the employee experience. LIXIL played a crucial role by nominating me to attend the Tuck Innovation program at the Tuck Business School.
Our CEO Kinya Seto invited the award-winning Tuck School of Business Professor Vijay “VG” Govindarajan to run the program for LIXIL leaders from around the world. LIXIL is willing to invest time and resources to strengthen our people. In fact it is part of our LIXIL Strategy Playbook and global strategy to Build and Grow Innovative Future businesses and Empower People to Deliver on our Strategies and Create Value.
This program is not your typical run-of-the-mill initiative; rather, it's a meticulously designed curriculum that delves into various dimensions of innovation, addressing day-to-day operations, exploring new ideas, and identifying core areas that require special attention. Professor VG led virtual live sessions and small team meetings. The sessions encouraged participants to think differently, and it truly provided me with tremendous knowledge and a fresh perspective on three-box thinking.
Previously, my approach was somewhat ad hoc, relying on behaviors and experimental methods to operate. However, through the program, I gained clarity on how to structure my operational plan. I could clearly identify ongoing tasks and shift my focus to the various stages in the 3-box strategy for improvement. It was an incredible program, and I am really grateful to LIXIL and the leadership team for providing me with the opportunity to grow.
Were there any experiences that shaped your approach as a HR leader to encourage talent development?
The rich and diverse career journey that LIXIL presents is a testament to the company's exceptional culture of learning. LIXIL's commitment to continuous learning is ingrained in its DNA. It is reflected in the array of programs tailored for employees at various stages of their careers, from programs like our NEXT program in Japan for high potential talent, to our self-learning initiatives.
When talking about learning and development, it's important to ensure that we don't create distinctions where one program is seen as more challenging or important than another. The essence of any learning program is, in fact, the act of learning and how we apply that knowledge.
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in an offsite session in Japan. It was a great learning experience. This event was open to a broad spectrum of managers and leaders, and delved into the practical applications of artificial intelligence, AI, an area that's currently being piloted within LIXIL for various operations. I believe that it's experiences like these, made possible by LIXIL's commitment to our Behaviors, in this case ‘Experiment and Learn’, that empowers individuals to apply new knowledge, improve their work, and contribute meaningfully to their personal development and LIXIL’s success.
Are there any programs or initiatives in particular that are fundamental to LIXIL’s learning culture?
One initiative that I have advocated and helped leaders implement within LIXIL would be the SCRUM@Scale. This initiative is something I learnt from a training program, and it embodies an agile and focused organizational approach. It is about steering away from the traditional hierarchical models that are driven by legacy structures. Unlike the traditional model with multiple layers, SCRUM@Scale enables a horizontal structure to ensure quick communication, improves the collaborative nature between teams and enables teams to promptly adjust to changes in business priorities.
Beyond the availability of learning programs or championing initiatives, I think what’s fundamental is having an environment that can make these possible. LIXIL strongly supports a holistic lifestyle and is constantly focusing on our well-being.
I have been able to pursue my passion, been on uninterrupted road trips, because of LIXIL’s focus on work-life balance. If LIXIL had not been the way it is, I would not be able to pursue my hobby and I would not be as resilient in what I do without the time to recharge and re-energize!
What would you say to someone who is considering a career at LIXIL?
There are no shortcuts, that’s for certain. What truly matters is having an open mindset, complemented by a strong inclination for continuous learning. These two elements are undeniably invaluable. They go hand in hand with the requisite functional skills and other skill sets needed for the day-to-day tasks. One guiding principle I've carried with me is to "do the best you can and leave the rest." It is important to give your best effort with sincere intent and trust that the results will follow instead of dwelling on them.
LIXIL also encourages one to think differently and to innovate. At LIXIL, we emphasize three fundamental behaviors: Work with Respect, Do the Right Thing, and Experiment and Learn. By embodying these three behaviors and infusing them with your passion, LIXIL becomes a home for everyone, a place for you to grow, a place where you can make an impact.
(As of November 2023)