Leading with Integrity: on “Doing the Right Thing” at LIXIL

Meet Rhoderick Gatbunton, who shares how LIXIL’s focus on growth, innovation, and people-centered leadership has shaped his 20-year career journey. From tackling digital transformation through AI projects to fostering collaboration and nurturing talent, Rhoderick reveals how LIXIL’s Behaviors like “Do the Right Thing” inspire him to drive change and empower his team across the globe.

So, first of all, just tell me a bit about yourself, your career journey, and what made you choose LIXIL?

I’ve been with LIXIL for nearly 20 years, having started in a programming job that offered a more independent work environment than others. This led me to want to explore opportunities where I could grow both personally and professionally. I joined American Standard, which LIXIL acquired in 2011, and in 2013, when I felt I could start taking on more challenging or impactful work, LIXIL made me an offer for a global role. This allowed me to develop my technical and social skills, leading me to roles in programming, network administration, system administration, and project management.

After eight years managing Business Information for several countries, I’m now moving into a new role as a Global SOR Test Automation Architect/Lead focused on automation. I’ll be working on projects in the Philippines, using AI to automate repetitive tasks, like manual testing of data processing systems, applications. This change started with a trial project for the US, Mexico, and Canada, and is now expanding further. While the shift to AI has had its challenges, it is ultimately about enhancing productivity, and helping people with their current jobs. We’ll be moving forward with this change over the next year, using what we’ve learned from the first steps to guide us.

One of your top projects is AI and digital transformation. What are your biggest challenges and what do you believe LIXIL should focus on in the coming years? 

The biggest challenge has been changing long-established practices, especially when it comes to preparing test scripts. While we aim to move away from these traditional methods, resistance remains. The debate often centers on whether to stick with the old ways or embrace new approaches. Our strategy was to first implement the current methods, which allowed us to identify the challenges both sides faced. These insights became the foundation for explaining to the business why gradual change is necessary. By addressing these challenges step by step, we’ve made meaningful progress.

As for the future, AI is still in its early stages—it's almost in the "Jurassic era" compared to where it could go. However, the rapid evolution of IT makes it important to take a gradual approach, focusing on one thing at a time to avoid overwhelming staff. So while AI can be a hurdle for some, finding a balance is crucial for success.  

What do you enjoy the most about being part of the LIXIL team?

In 2020, just before the pandemic, I had a realization about the importance of collaboration and building connections within the team—not just as colleagues but as friends, as a family. This sense of shared experience, celebrating the highs and supporting each other through the lows, became something I truly valued.

It’s shaped how I approach teamwork. I don’t just help when needed; I actively show my team that “I’m here and you can always count on me.” This culture of connection has given me so much drive and enjoyment in working with the team. It’s a dynamic that makes every challenge feel more manageable and every success more rewarding.

What would you say was your greatest achievement since you joined LIXIL? 

Of course, every project I’ve worked on has given me a sense of achievement. But to be honest, what stands out the most for me—something I’m truly honored to have witnessed—is the growth of one of my team members. Back in 2017, he started with me as a contract employee,and when we eventually hired him, it gave him an opportunity to grow. Now, I’m incredibly proud to see him thrive as part of the global team, which has excelled in their chosen career paths and contributed to both local and international projects.

I believe the support and experiences we’ve shared at LIXIL played a big part in his journey. I also passed on what I had learned during my own time here, and he found similar value in his own experience, which I think inspired him to stay and thrive. For me, this is one of the greatest achievements—not just for myself but for LIXIL as well.

And it’s something I’m committed to continuing with my current team: helping them grow, excel, and realize their full potential.

What personal values guide you in your approach to work and decision-making at LIXIL?

For me, it’s about appreciating my experiences and valuing those moments. I try not to lead with emotion or overthink, but instead balance both to stay people-centered and human. If emotion takes the lead, it’s easy to regret things, as I learned in my first job. Now, I approach things more analytically, focusing on the potential in people—skills, experiences, and achievements.

As I lead a team, I guide rather than direct. I emphasize "not you, not me: we always." They’ve come to appreciate this approach. Our openness—being able to talk things through and reach out—makes a big difference. They know they can count on me. This openness is key when we face challenges; together, we always find a way forward.

Would you say this is how you ensure your team's efforts align with LIXIL's mission and goals? 

Yes, I think so. The values of LIXIL are very prominent across all countries, particularly our LIXIL Behaviors: "Do the Right Thing," "Work with Respect," and "Experiment and Learn." These values are close to our hearts, and we make sure we embody them. Even if they think I might be wrong in some areas, I tell them directly, "No one will hurt you for sharing your opinion." We are a team, and they appreciate that. This openness encourages them to speak freely, and during meetings, we often discuss personal topics. We may spend just five minutes on work-related matters, while the rest is spent on casual conversation. It really helps me feel at ease with them, and I’ve realized—especially during the pandemic—how important even small talk can be for building communication.

If you had to choose one LIXIL behavior that you connect with the most, which would it be?

For me, it’s about “doing the right thing.” This mindset opens doors to positive outcomes, guiding me through decision-making, relationships, and challenges. It’s not just about following rules but making thoughtful choices that align with respect, integrity, and long-term impact.

“Do the Right Thing” isn’t always easy or obvious, but when I’ve embraced it, it has consistently led to valuable results—trust, collaboration, and better outcomes. It’s not just a principle; it’s an approach to life, ensuring that my actions reflect positivity and values in both work and life.

Have you led any cross-functional projects, or – since your team is cross-national – worked on projects that required collaboration across functions? How do you ensure successful collaboration among such diverse teams?

While I haven't exactly led cross-functional projects, I've worked closely with cross-functional leaders, especially during the SAP LISA (WMS) implementation. The project required collaboration with finance, sales, procurement, and manufacturing teams, each with their own priorities. Balancing these priorities was challenging.

One major hurdle in such projects is dealing with individuals who resist listening or insist on doing things their own way. I’ve found that one-on-one conversations help bridge these gaps. There was an incident during a large meeting where someone directed harsh comments at me. Fortunately, my leader stepped in to support me, and afterward, the individual apologized. I acknowledged their passion, saying, "I sense your passion, and I understand where that’s coming from." That moment of understanding helped us build a strong working relationship, and we eventually became good friends.

What would you say to someone considering a career at LIXIL?

Anyone considering joining LIXIL should first assess their own personality and career goals. At LIXIL, you have the freedom to shape your path and take charge of your career direction. It’s a company that thrives on energy and initiative, offering opportunities to grow and tackle exciting challenges.

What I admire most about LIXIL is how much they value their people. During the pandemic, LIXIL ensured we were fully supported over the two years, while helping us adapt how we worked. That flexibility continues today.

LIXIL provides everything you need to grow in terms of opportunities, learning, and training. When we transitioned from American Standard to LIXIL Philippines, I saw firsthand how much the company supports its employees.

But what stands out to me is the culture of openness and communication. It's like an open book—I can immediately contact someone, ask for assistance, and find the right person to talk to for a clear understanding of the situation. This open communication has made a huge difference in how I work and tackle challenges.

(As of January 2025)