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Respect for human rights, the development of human resources, and the promotion of diversity

Employee Interview: 4

Employee Interviews

Shin-Etsu Challengers

4

I would like to see SESE be the starting point for turning diversity into a Group-wide strength

C.S.
Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V.

Joined Shin-Etsu Silicones Europe B.V (SESE) in 2015 as Sales manager after a previous experience as Area Sales Manager in the silicone industry. Head of Sales for Industrial Silicone Fluids.

Diversity makes a team stronger

I had the opportunity in 2022 to take over the responsibility of Head of Sales for Industrial Silicone Fluids in EMEA. We are currently focusing not only on expanding sales of silicone fluids, but also on developing specialty markets such as contact lenses, antifouling coatings for marine vessels, modified silane to improve durability of tires, release coatings (siliconized liners to easily remove from the adhesive), and heat resistant coatings.

One of our unique characteristics is diversity. We have Japanese but also German, Spanish, Hungarian, Malaysian, and Italian colleagues. There are also cultural differences among European countries, and we sometimes have different approaches, or we may react differently. However, I believe this brings new perspectives and is an asset in times of rapid change.

The sales team consists of 18 men and 6 women. Women are well represented among the company, especially in Customer Service and the Purchasing Team. I believe that it is my roleto embrace diversity and turn it into a team effort, regardless of whether one is a man or a woman. I also feel that the skills I have honed are respected and that I am trusted to do my job.

Communication that respects cultural differences

Although there are significant differences between Japan and Europe in terms of diversity, the cooperative relationship with our Japanese colleagues (both expats and people working in Japan) is good. In Japanese culture, there is a style of communication where they don't say things directly out of consideration for the other person, and they expect the other person to understand, so it took me some time to get used to it. I believe that my eight-year experience has led me to better understand the Japanese culture and my Japanese colleagues. However, in situations where it is important to accurately convey what is happening, such as when faced with a difficult situation, I try to communicate directly and quickly share information, even if the person is Japanese. I think we can cooperate well because we understand and respect each other's differences in communication culture.

Be a leader to spread the benefits of diversity

The silicone division of Shin-Etsu Chemical (HQ in Japan) consists mainly of Japanese people. Benefiting from the multi-cultural experience of some overseas members would however certainly help to have a more global approach and bring more diversity in the future. Furthermore, in order to turn this kind of diversity into value, I believe that collaboration between overseas subsidiaries is also important. This is because it is an advantage to be able to communicate with other sales managers working at a different subsidiary in order to have a better follow-up of our global customers. This would also increase opportunities to participate in trade shows abroad, and it is very helpful to share our success stories or the challenges we have encountered with sales managers of overseas subsidiaries who have different values and perspectives but are facing similar issues. If I have the opportunity, I would like to spread the benefits of this diversity throughout the Shin-Etsu Group.

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