Knowledge at Wharton

Ripple Effect: Resolute Japan | Harbir Singh and Mike Useem

Jun 3, 2025
Harbir Singh and Mike Useem, Wharton management professors and co-authors, dive into their book on Japan's corporate resurgence. They discuss the transformative leadership models that are reshaping Japanese companies, emphasizing innovation and adaptability. The conversation covers how the perception of failure is shifting towards a growth opportunity, and how decentralization of decision-making is fostering employee engagement. They also share insights on how these concepts can benefit leaders across various cultures, blending traditional and modern practices for success.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Hybrid Leadership Drives Japan's Resurgence

  • Japanese companies have pivoted from manufacturing to tech, gaming, and media sectors with a hybrid leadership model.
  • They blend traditional process discipline with tolerance for failure, flatter hierarchies, and employee empowerment.
INSIGHT

Old Successes Won't Secure Future

  • What got Japan to global leadership in the 70s and 80s no longer drives success today.
  • It has taken decades to shake old methods and embrace new leadership principles.
ANECDOTE

Asahi Glass Embraces Exploration

  • Asahi Glass created a business development function to experiment with new materials and pivot away from commoditized glass.
  • This 10-15 year effort expanded into various applications including life sciences, illustrating disciplined exploration.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app