Date of publication: Aug 20, 2018
George Borovas
- Partner and Head of Nuclear
- Shearman & Sterling LLP www.shearman.com
Date of birth:
Hometown: Athens
Number of years in Japan (cumulative): 6 (as of August 2018)
Q1: What was your first encounter with Japan?
It was in 2006 when I was visiting a client’s facilities in Kobe and their offices in Tokyo. From the very first moment everything felt different, but also strangely familiar and I knew from day one that I would eventually move to Japan.
Q2: Please state your motto in life and why you have chosen it.
I know one thing: that I know nothing. Translated from the Ancient Greek saying, “All that I know is that I know nothing.” This is a basic realization of the humility that Greek people have been taught from a very young age from ancient times through today.
Q3 : Over your career, what achievement are you the proudest of?
Moving to Japan with my family after the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011 to support my clients and the Japanese nuclear industry in their time of need. This effort and support was sincerely appreciated and defined my future career.
Q4 : What are your goals during your time in Japan, your current position or in life?
To expand my firm’s global nuclear practice (while it is headquartered in Tokyo) and support the Japanese nuclear industry. I also want to support Japan and Tokyo to once again become the preferred location for the Asian headquarters of global companies.
Q5 : What wisdom, advice or tips can you give to people living and working in Japan?
Open your senses and savor every moment of your time in this unique nation steeped in culture, tradition and refinement. There is never a dull moment, so try to absorb all that Japan has to offer from architecture, technology, history, the arts, cuisine and spirituality. But most importantly, use this time to learn what is possible to achieve when you work as a team. And wear comfortable shoes — you will walk a lot!
Last updated: Aug 20, 2018