We are all on a journey to become the best versions of ourselves. Each road may be filled with our individual challenges and setbacks, but we are all capable of reaching that which we aspire to be.

How do I know this is true? Because if I have endured and thrived throughout this journey of becoming my best self — I know that you can, too. As someone who has worked her way to the executive level while also being a single mother, I desire nothing more than to empower others to unlock their true potential.

Now I serve as Head of International Business Development at ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and oversee teams in 17 countries. By working to bridge the information gap between Japan and the U.S., I’m also building an online technology-focused media hub called InTech Media. And my ultimate mission? To inspire others to accept the invitation into their own calling.

I believe that everyone has the capacity to succeed. You only need to unlock yourself. Unlock your power. Unlock your drive.

This is how we move past standards, expectations and barriers in the world around us in order to create a better one. As a growth-focused businesswoman, I am passionate about career mobility and elevating companies, professionals, and communities. My drive to help others expand themselves stems from my love for improving every space I navigate—starting with my own.

I invite you to unlock yourself, rise up and achieve your truest potential. Are you interested in learning about how we can work together? Please reach out at kokotakakohirata@gmail.com or visit my website at https://intech.media/en/home/

Women Empowerment | Leadership | Business Development | Branding | International Business

Takako Hirata is Director of International Business & Board Member of Mentholatum, where she works at the frontier of healthcare and technology.

After overseeing major product lines such as Febreze at P&G, Takako Hirata then worked as a Marketing Design Manager, leading branding strategy in P&G’s US and China markets. She later took on a role as Director of Brand Strategy at Aeon.

Currently, she is an Executive MBA candidate at UCLA-NUS and the only Japanese certificate holder of the MIT-Harvard Medical School Healthcare Innovation Bootcamp.

Takako has also established intech.media, a soon-to-be released media site where healthcare meets technology, and consults for organizations due to her expertise with healthtech trends, entrepreneurship, business models, and branding.

Leading the Future with Virtual Leadership

Visionary. Resilient. Innovator. These three words perfectly encapsulate the essence of Takako Hirata, a distinguished alumna of the UCLA-NUS Executive MBA (EMBA) program. As the head of the international business department in Japan and the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, “The Virtual Leader: How to Manage a Remote Workplace,” Hirata has consistently demonstrated her ability to steer skillfully through global landscapes and lead with distinction. In 2020, she joined the 17th class of the UCLA-NUS EMBA program, seeking to enhance her leadership skills further and gain a global perspective. This powerhouse juggles multiple roles as a corporate leader and a writer. With such significant achievements, we are intrigued to learn what keeps this overachiever going.

Why the UCLA-NUS MBA?
Reminiscing why she wanted an EMBA, Hirata explains, “I wanted a comprehensive program that would enhance my leadership skills and provide me with a global perspective. The combination of UCLA and NUS offered a unique opportunity to learn from diverse cultures and business environments.”

The UCLA-NUS EMBA program provided Hirata with a significant learning experience. “The program significantly impacted my career by equipping me with advanced knowledge in global business strategies and leadership,” she shares. After completing the program, Hirata’s company offered her opportunities to work in the Bay Area, focusing on mergers and acquisitions as a CVC VP. Her book, “The Virtual Leader,” further demonstrates her expertise in online leadership, a skill crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023.

Hirata attributes a significant portion of her leadership development to the UCLA-NUS EMBA program. “The program played a crucial role in shaping my leadership skills by emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity,” she notes. Learning to approach challenges holistically and leading teams with a more inclusive and collaborative mindset were key takeaways from her experience.

The global perspectives gained from the program have profoundly influenced Hirata’s approach to business and decision-making. “I am now more adept at navigating cross-cultural interactions and making informed decisions that consider global market dynamics,” she explains. This has been particularly beneficial in her role involving international mergers and acquisitions.

One of Hirata’s best learning points? She highlights how her EMBA experience reinforces lifelong learning and continuous improvement. “The program taught me to always seek new knowledge and to be open to diverse perspectives,” she reflects. This mindset continues to drive her professional growth and success.

Balancing Work, Study, and Family
Embarking on an EMBA program while managing a demanding career and personal life is no small feat. Hirata recognises the challenges but also stresses the rewards. “Balancing work, study, and family required careful time management and a strong support system,” she recalls. Her advice to prospective students is to stay organized, communicate openly with family and colleagues, and take advantage of the support networks offered by the program.

On the topic of a strong support system, she says of the network she has built in the program, “ These relationships are a valuable source of support and inspiration. The alumni network has been incredibly beneficial for me professionally. It has allowed me to collaborate on projects, seek advice, and explore new business ventures. This network’s shared experiences and connections have been instrumental in my career growth.” We are glad to see that such ties, forged in the middle of challenging academic and professional commitments, continue to thrive and contribute to her success.

Happy 20th Anniversary!
As the UCLA-NUS EMBA program celebrates its 20th anniversary, Hirata reflects on its evolution and continued relevance. “It is exciting to see the program turning 20 years old. Over the years, I have noticed positive changes, such as the incorporation of new technologies and a greater emphasis on global perspectives,” she observes. The faculty and diverse cohort remain the program’s greatest strengths, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience.

For those feeling stuck in their careers or uncertain if an EMBA is the right choice, Hirata offers encouraging words: “An EMBA can be a highly rewarding experience. It can give you the skills, knowledge, and network to open new doors and take your career to the next level. It’s an investment in yourself that pays off in countless ways.”

Looking ahead, Hirata envisions the UCLA-NUS EMBA program continuing to make a significant impact by staying at the forefront of business education. “It will likely expand its global reach, incorporate emerging technologies, and foster a culture of innovation and leadership,” she predicts. The program will continue to produce leaders who can navigate complex global challenges and drive positive change. Ending on a high note, she says, “Happy 20th anniversary to the UCLA-NUS EMBA program! It has been an honor to be part of this incredible journey. I look forward to seeing the program continue to grow and make a lasting impact on the lives of future leaders.”