Date of publication: Jul 02, 2018
Nicholas Walters
- Executive Vice President and Statutory Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer
- MetLife Insurance K.K. www.metlife.co.jp
Date of birth: Dec. 9, 1974
Hometown: Lytham St Annes, United Kingdom
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 17 (as of July 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
I first came to Japan when my then-employer transferred me from the London office to the Tokyo office. At the time, I did not have a strong desire to come to Japan, but I thought: “Why not? It might be interesting.” Seventeen years later, I am so glad I took that chance.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
Be your best. If you can look yourself in the eye before bed every night and honestly say that you did your best that day, then you will sleep deeply and calmly with the knowledge that yours is a life well-lived. You don’t have to win medals, but if you can be the best version of yourself, you’ll be a champion.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
I feel remarkably proud every day when I realize how much my team has achieved, how much value they are creating for our customers and our company. So today, I am most proud of what our team achieved today, and I know that tomorrow I will be even more proud.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
My goal in life is to be useful, to add something to the world through all my actions. I like being active, and I really dislike feeling as though I’m just observing something when I could be contributing. I think that is why I prefer karaoke over attending concerts.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
I’m not going to pretend to give advice, but I would say take the opportunities that come your way. I came to Japan thinking, “Why not?” and I would recommend that everyone take that approach, for big decisions and small, because you never know where it will take you. No matter what happens, you’ll learn something.
Last updated: Jul 02, 2018