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Interview with the President (Part 2)

Interview with the President (Part 2)

January 13, 2022

Interviewer

Manami Inoue

Manami Inoue

Miginanameue Inc.

Interviewee

Etsuro Sumita

Etsuro Sumita

Berkeley Consulting Inc.President and Representative Director

Manami Inoue

Manami Inoue

Can you tell us about the future plans for the expansion of Berkeley Consulting?

Etsuro Sumita

Etsuro Sumita

I hope to gather members who have the energy to become even stronger and go even higher, and use that energy to expand the organization. The world talks about digital transformation (DX), and in fields like DX, I believe that younger people have an advantage in this new, never-explored field. Continuous innovation will bring forth new ideas, and I anticipate that many approaches in consulting and business will deviate from traditional methods. Rather than relying on seasoned professionals, I believe it is essential to empower young individuals with their fresh perspectives to embrace challenges and collectively contribute innovative ideas.

Manami Inoue

Manami Inoue

Do you have a strategy for surviving among the many consulting firms?

Etsuro Sumita

Etsuro Sumita

There are two strategies: (1) Being an organization with high adaptability that can incorporate new things (2) Being a company that can respond to the needs of the world Let me explain the first one, "Being an organization with high adaptability that can incorporate new things". When adapting to the evolving times, it is more efficient to embrace and integrate new ideas rather than continuously trying to fix old ones. For example, as people age, they often become more resistant to change. Instead of trying to change older individuals who resist change, it is quicker to establish an environment where younger people can thrive and become more proactive. If a culture that fosters the growth of younger individuals is established, it can lead to the growth of the older generation without them becoming complacent. Creating this cycle of growth is essential.

Manami Inoue

Manami Inoue

Please also tell us about the second strategy, being a company that can respond to the needs of the world!

Etsuro Sumita

Etsuro Sumita

The main concept is that for a company to thrive, it must provide solutions that address the world's needs. Some outdated companies focus solely on 'technology,' and this pattern is also observed in the consulting industry, where there is a perception that those with technical expertise are more valued than others. But in reality, that is not true. The most important thing when running a company is increasing revenue. Increasing revenue involves offering products that are in demand in the world and getting paid for it. Hence, what matters the most is whether or not you are being sought after by the market. Consider 8K TVs as an example - they technically support 32K and engineers strive for even superior picture quality. However, the market does not express a demand for it. The same rationale applies as to why consultants are retiring at age 60. People and products only translate into sales (value) when there is market demand. Thus, I believe steering the company with a market-oriented approach is essential for remaining a resilient organization in the future.

Manami Inoue

Manami Inoue

I see - everything clicked as I listened to what you had to say! By increasing adaptability and being a company that can flexibly respond to market needs, the market value of not only the company, but also each individual, increases dramatically, right?

Etsuro Sumita

Etsuro Sumita

Absolutely. This is why the HELLONET Group, including Berkeley Consulting, operates on a merit-based system. We value being an organization that lets individuals advance based on their abilities. Our goal is to remain a company where people can thrive, regardless of their titles, positions, or past experience.

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