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In any revolution, passion
is what opens new eras. ...The world of creativity
is governed not by statistics, but
by the passion of the designer.
--- Kazuo Inamori
If you wish to excel in
life, you must be willing to encounter many barriers.
The biggest of all is your own mind, which seeks comfort and ease.
--- Kazuo Inamori
As markets continue to cast a sense of uncertainty around the world, there is much that can be learned from one of Japan's most admired businessmen, innovative thinkers, maverick doers, and great leader of people ...
Dr. Kazuo Inamori is Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Kyocera
Corporation, a global leader in high-tech ceramic and electronic
products and DDI Corporation, the first long-distance telephone
company to challenge NTT, Japan's communications monopoly.
If you've not read his books or heard
of him, you are missing a most extraordinary leadership success
story. What is most striking about Inamori's legend is he is
truly a leader that has "walked his talk".
Dr. Inamori credits his success to core beliefs that are reflected in Kyocera's corporate motto. Kei-Ten Ai-Jin, or "respect the divine and love people." In his book, A Passion for Success released in 1995, Inamori describes profit as the reward for those who serve society. In an interview at that time*, Dr. Inamori explained, "To be honest with you, I cannot think of a time when I had difficulty because of that ideology. Rather, I believe it is the other way around."
Inamori went on to speak boldly, "Quite commonly those who develop new technologies or make their company prosperous are surrounded by people who praise them and cater to them and this leads to less hard work and more self-righteousness." Inamori admits that he too, was at such a point in his career and overcame it by redirecting his talents and successes toward the good of society. What makes Inamori extraordinary is that he built a highly successful business empire living these principles.
In 1997, Dr. Inamori went a step further in his characteristic straight-forward style in For People-and For Profit: A Business Philosophy of the 21st Century, sharing is perspective on the problems facing corporate Japan from many vantage points, where he emerged as a convincing and outspoken advocate for the need for immediate change. His belief-companies must adopt a policy of "coexistence" rather than "profit at all cost."
In keeping with his strong beliefs, Dr. Inamori donated $200 million of his personal fortune to establish the Kyocera Foundation. It's mission: Recognizing outstanding, but little-known contributions in the fields of science, technology, and the humanities. In September, 1997, Dr. Inamori, 65, entered the Buddhist priesthood. He had previously announced his intentions to devote the remainder of this life to "cultivating my soul quietly."
We honor Dr. Kazuo Inamori and all of the people of Kyocera and DDI Corporations. We will remain grateful for learning from your leadership example.
* IW Electronics & Technology, Kazuo Inamori by George Taninecz, 1995
Photos: Kyocera Corporation