Four Women in Leadership Growing Their Careers in Japan

Tell us about your role at Disney. What makes you passionate about your field?

Aki: My responsibilities regularly consist of ensuring the Disney Japan eCommerce website is functioning properly for users and customers. As a Solution Architect, I’m passionate about creating truly efficient digital services to make the user’s experience memorable.

Louise: I am a Marketing Director leading a team of very talented growth marketers with Disney+. It’s a type of marketing that requires both a creative and analytical mind, which makes what we do really interesting – you get to wear a lot of hats, and it helps to be curious!

Chie: I am a Product Designer at Consumer Products, Games and Publishing (CPGP) and am involved in the design and development of licensed products. I also develop style guides used for merchandising. Japanese guests — from children to seniors — love Disney so much.

Emi: I’m a Manager for Direct-To-Consumer Retail Marketing, taking care of Promotion and Public Relations for all 44 Japanese Disney Stores and the official online store Disneystore.jp. To deliver magical, fun, and entertaining shopping experiences to our guests, I improve and maximize brand value through a variety of campaigns and events.

What has been your proudest moment or greatest achievement in your Disney career?

Louise: My greatest achievement is the growth we’ve seen for Disney+ in Japan since we launched the global product in 2021. We are experiencing some great momentum, and it all comes down to the collaboration between all the different teams at Disney. Having amazing content on our service definitely helps too!

How are you helping to build the future of Disney?

Aki: My long-term goals involve growing with the company and continuing to learn, take on additional responsibilities and contribute as much value as I can. I love Disney, and I am proud of my work here. I am confident I can make someone’s day.

Chie: I am voluntarily participating in the WOMEN Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) activities. I support members who are struggling with life-work balance and help create an environment where Disney cast members can shine brightly in the future.

How have you felt encouraged and supported at Disney?

Louise: I feel encouraged to invest in my own development as a leader at Disney, and there are tools and opportunities that are made available to me to support me with this journey – such as a variety of executive leadership development programs focused on growing the soft skills a leader at a company like Disney needs to be successful.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work at Disney?

Aki: Rely on your strengths. There are so many experts at Disney. You may have stronger collaborative results by working with others who can balance your strengths and areas you may need assistance.

Emi: I recommend that you clarify your goals and what you want to do in the short, mid and long-term first. The environment around you will almost always change and what you want to do may change along the way. If you can respond flexibly and have an open mind to everything, I think you will be able to further broaden your perspective and experience.

Are there ways that you implement diversity, equity and inclusion in your role?

Chie: The WOMEN BERG I am a part of holds many activities and events. Last year, we held a Mom's Lunch Party so that mothers raising children in the company could expand their networks. This year, we invited a film commentator and held a session to discuss gender equality.

Finally, who is a woman that inspires you?

Emi: The person that inspires me is my mother. She is never afraid of failure and always has an active and open mind, trying new things, visiting new places and volunteering. At the same time, when I struggle with something, she listens carefully and gives me advice. I would like to be someone who also gives encouragement and energy, communicating with an open mind.