237 Orjan Pettersson, Managing Director, Profoto KK

Previously, Orjan was Director of Sales, Japan at iPoint Systems
gmbh, Area Sales Manager Thule Group, Director of Sales &
Marketing Asia-Pacific, BA Bags/President Thule Japan, Directeur
des ventes VB Autobatteries S.A.S., Regional Sales Manager East
& SEA Optima Batteries, Johnson Controls, Import and Export
Coordinator Aichi Sangyo.


He has a Masters Degree in east Asian studies from Stockholm
University


Orjan Pettersson’s leadership journey in Japan is shaped by his
deep understanding of the local culture, his ability to build
trust, and his belief in the importance of personal connection.
Having lived in Japan for over 27 years, Pettersson has navigated
diverse roles, from working in a small Japanese company to
leading major international businesses. His leadership philosophy
centers around empathy, responsibility, and fostering a
collaborative work environment.


Pettersson highlights the significance of cultural adaptation,
emphasizing that foreign leaders must learn how Japanese
businesses operate, particularly in terms of hierarchy, loyalty,
and long-term stability. He believes that understanding the
unwritten rules of Japanese corporate culture—such as respect,
obligation, and group harmony—is essential to gaining trust and
credibility. One of his key leadership approaches is maintaining
open communication with employees, valuing their expertise, and
empowering them with greater responsibility.


A major factor in Pettersson’s leadership success is his
commitment to authenticity and relationship-building. He fosters
a work environment where employees feel personally invested in
their roles, rather than merely following orders. By insisting on
working in Japanese and immersing himself in the local business
culture, he has gained the respect of his teams and counterparts.


Pettersson also stresses the need for adaptability and
resilience. From the Lehman shock to the 2011 earthquake and the
COVID-19 pandemic, he has faced numerous challenges, but his
ability to stay grounded, make decisive decisions, and support
his employees through uncertain times has strengthened his
leadership. His belief that leadership is about "innovation with
empathy" reflects his approach to balancing strategic direction
with human-centered management.


Additionally, he recognizes the importance of fostering
creativity within his teams. While Japanese employees may be
hesitant to take risks, he encourages idea generation through
open discussions and structured brainstorming sessions. His
introduction of informal team-building activities, such as a
weekly coffee break, has helped create a culture of trust and
collaboration.


For foreign leaders in Japan, Pettersson advises learning the
language, engaging directly with employees and clients, and
demonstrating an understanding of Japanese business values. He
acknowledges that bridging the gap between headquarters'
expectations and local realities is an ongoing challenge,
requiring both cultural sensitivity and strategic negotiation.


Ultimately, Pettersson’s leadership style is defined by his
ability to balance Western efficiency with Japanese business
traditions, fostering an environment where both innovation and
long-term stability can thrive.


 


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About The Author


Dr. Greg Story, President Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training


Contact me at greg.story@dalecarnegie.com


Bestselling author of “Japan Sales Mastery” (the Japanese
translation is "The Eigyo" (The営業), “Japan Business Mastery” and
"Japan Presentations Mastery".  He has also written "How To
Stop Wasting Money On Training" and the translation "Toreningu De
Okane Wo Muda Ni Suru No Wa Yamemashoo" (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのは止めましょう)
and his brand new book is “Japan Leadership Mastery”.


Dr. Greg Story is an international keynote speaker, an executive
coach, and a thought leader in the four critical areas for
business people: leadership, communication, sales and
presentations. He leads the Dale Carnegie Franchise in Tokyo
which traces its roots straight back to the very establishment of
Dale Carnegie in Japan in 1963 by Mr. Frank Mochizuki.


He publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter


Has 6 weekly podcasts:


1.     Mondays -  The
Leadership Japan Series,


2.    Tuesdays – The Presentations Japan
Series


Every second Tuesday - ビジネス達人の教え


3.    Wednesdays - The Sales Japan Series


4.    Thursdays – The Leadership Japan Series


Also every second Thursday - ビジネスプロポッドキャスト


5.    Fridays - The Japan Business Mastery
Show


6.    Saturdays – Japan’s Top Business
Interviews


Has 3 weekly TV shows on YouTube:


1.     Mondays - The Cutting Edge Japan
Business Show


Also every Second Thursday - ビジネスプロTV


2.    Fridays – Japan Business Mastery


3.    Saturdays – Japan Top Business
Interviews


In the course of his career Dr. Greg Story has moved from the
academic world, to consulting, investments, trade representation,
international diplomacy, retail banking and people development.


Growing up in Brisbane, Australia he never imagined he would have
a Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making, become a 39 year veteran of
Japan and run his own company in Tokyo.


Since 1971, he has been a disciple of traditional Shitoryu Karate
(糸東流) and is currently a 6th Dan.


Bunbu Ryodo (文武両道-both pen & sword) is his mantra and he
applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business.