Several iQ 360 team members are part of the U.S. Japan Council (USJC), an organization dedicated to developing and connecting global leaders to strengthen U.S.-Japan relations.
As part of its Visionary Voices Leadership Series, USJC recently held a fireside chat in the Bay Area featuring Michael Kobori, former chief sustainability officer at Starbucks and former vice president of sustainability at Levi Strauss & Co., alongside iQ 360 principal and former vice president of corporate communications at Levi Strauss & Co., John Onoda. The discussion focused on leadership and personal growth, and was moderated by USJC Associate Sydney Dake, Gntl founder and daughter of iQ 360 CEO Lori Teranishi.
Here are a few of our takeaways from the inspiring conversation:
There is a crucial distinction between a manager and a leader.
Good managers excel at mastering industry knowledge, refining processes and breaking down tasks into actional steps to help their teams reach success.
Great leaders, on the other hand, go beyond execution — they think holistically, anticipate long-term impact and create new opportunities for growth. Leadership isn’t just about meeting expectations; it’s about raising the bar and having the confidence to take action — even when it means disrupting the status quo.
Embracing disruption and taking risks is key to becoming a better leader.
John and Michael both reflected on how their upbringing and Japanese cultural values of humility and hard work initially led them to keep their heads down rather than stand out. However, they quickly realized that success requires visibility, engagement and taking risks — even if it means stepping outside their comfort zones.
Michael found confidence by bringing more of his authentic personality into the workplace, while John emphasized the importance of actively seeking opportunities to develop new skills and speak up.
Sustainability isn’t just saying the right things — it’s about doing the right things.
As the former head of sustainability for Starbucks, Michael underscored that sustainability isn’t a trendy buzzword — it’s a commitment to understanding the full environmental impact of a product, from sourcing raw materials to disposal.
John added that today’s customers are more informed than ever. If a business hasn’t done its homework, the market will see through the façade, putting its credibility at risk. Furthermore, true leaders in sustainability don’t just talk about change — they take responsibility for it, going beyond slogans to ensure that sustainability claims hold up to scrutiny.
Building trust within a team is one of the most essential responsibilities of a leader.
Throughout their careers, John and Michael have navigated significant crises — from 9/11 to corporate layoffs. Their experiences reinforced a key leadership lesson: trust is the foundation that carries a team through difficult times.
Michael emphasized that taking a personal interest in the well-being of your team is crucial in moments of uncertainty. Leaders who speak from the heart earn the trust and confidence of their teams. When employees believe their leaders genuinely have their best interests at heart, they are more likely to stay engaged and resilient through challenges.
The conversation highlighted that leadership is an ongoing journey of learning, challenging norms, rallying others around a shared vision and building trust. It also requires stepping back to gain a broader perspective and fostering a deeper and more meaningful understanding of not just your industry, but the world.
iQ 360 is grateful to USJC for creating opportunities to learn from exceptional leaders.
