I was here initially as an exchange student at Ritsumeikan for university, which opened the doors to a host of interesting career opportunities. A long stint at the global headquarters of a top-tier Japanese brand working with the board and management team meant that I had sealed my place in the automotive world, which drives my passion now, both literally and figuratively, to advance the cause of mobility in our lives.

I am a firm believer in the adage, “There is no elevator to success; you have to take the stairs” because I have had to work hard, work diligently and work smart to get any measure of success. My 10 cents would be on that there is no other recipe to succeed in life, and to be satisfied with your achievements.

I do not believe I have done anything exceptional in life, but I am satisfied with where I am today, coming from a modest means family, a moderate education, in a country where I could not speak the language, which goes on to show that if you put your heart into it, anything is possible. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

My life goal is to try and be a better person than I was yesterday, and not regret something I have not tried to accomplish. Time is the best resource we have, and I want to use it wisely. One of my Japan goals would be to try setting up a nonprofit organization with a voice for all residing foreigners that would get involved with politics and policy making in this country.

Assimilate into the culture but do not try to be “Japanese.” It is always best to retain your own identity and your own strengths. Be patient, focus on the positives and learn the language! It goes a long way in helping develop relationships that are vital in this culture. Above all, keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.