CEO Insights Magazine

It is curiosity that propels exploration, leads to reinvention, and gives the bravery to explore unexplored grounds. It is a way of turning obstacles into opportunities, and those who take it in their stride and those who embrace it redefine the landscapes they navigate. Such an attitude is a source of change in a world that runs on technology and innovation.

Junji Takeshima, Senior Director of Future Global Design, embodies this insatiable curiosity, where business challenges are met with groundbreaking solutions. At Future Global Design, this banker-turned-consultant drives initiatives that bridge digital innovation and business strategy.

He assists organizations in transforming management strategies into strategic systems, maximizing corporate value, and bringing innovation across industries.

An alumnus of Kyoto University, Junji pursued a course in Law and International Politics before embarking on a 29-year career that started with a leading Japanese mega bank. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in key Core Banking replacement projects across the USA, Canada, and the APAC region, and contributed to the introduction of Payment system or Loan Workflow Systems in these regions.

Today, he leads Future Global Design with an innovative and development-driven mindset, bringing decades of global banking expertise to transform businesses through technology. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Junji, who takes us through his academic journey in Kyoto and his experiences.

What have been the most transformative learning experiences during your time at Kyoto University?

At Kyoto University, I embraced its liberal arts philosophy, which emphasizes developing character through broad knowledge and critical thinking rather than narrow specialization. As a law student, I attended various civil law classes while joining a seminar in international politics.

Beyond academics, I pursued personal interests such as evolutionary theory and environmental issues to maintain a balanced intellectual perspective.

How has the Institute supported the development of your passion and business acumen?

Kyoto University's ethos of academic freedom, encouraging students to question and challenge, inspired me to transition from a nearly 30-year career in banking to consulting, a completely different industry.

Running a company requires more than operational expertise; it involves managing diverse internal and external risks, from personnel systems to client and partner negotiations. Operating our Singapore subsidiary, alongside our parent company in Japan, demands a deep understanding of both local and global political-economic contexts.

Could you illustrate the accessibility of faculty from your time at the institution?

When I attended my seminar in international politics, I had the opportunity to interact closely with one of my professors outside of the classroom.

Non-formal chats and drinks enabled me to listen to his experiences of learning in a foreign country and how he is deeply involved in scholarship. I also learned about his life by visiting his home, which was a Buddhist temple where he worked as a priest, and it provided an intimate insight into the life of maintaining a balance between spiritual life and academic rigor. This encounter made a significant mark and is one of my most pleasant memories of Kyoto University.

How have you utilized the alumni network both during your time as a student and after graduation?

I continue to maintain close ties with fellow executives from my tennis club, meeting at least annually. While I do not leverage this network for direct business purposes, these connections, now in leadership roles at major Japanese corporations-allow me to openly discuss challenges, strategies, and decision-making processes. Such candid exchanges offer diverse perspectives on managing large organizations, navigating complex issues, and adapting to changing business environments.

What is one memory that stands out from your time at the University?

Before graduation, I went on a month-long budget trip across Europe with a university friend, visiting countries including England, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, and Spain. Staying in modest accom­modations, we faced various challenges that became unforgettable experiences. This experience taught me about various cultures and worldviews, how to find happiness despite breaking down communica­tion barriers, and instilled in me a desire to leave a strong mark in the world arena.

What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

I believe true leadership stems from a clear understanding of situations and firm confidence in one’s own judgment. Leaders under pressure may rush decisions without sufficient understanding, which I view as mere risk-taking rather than sound judgment. To lead effectively, it is essential to gather accurate information and evaluate it carefully. Without confidence in one’s conclusions, reliance on others’ opinions increases, undermining genuine leadership. Therefore, cultivating independent judgment and confidence is, to me, the most important aspect of effective leadership.

What is the future destination you are headed towards?

My vision is to expand Future Global Design by broadening its business scope, operational regions, and customer base to elevate the company to new heights. Currently, we provide PMO support for large-scale projects, such as global operations planning or banking system replacements, and develop internal systems for SMEs using ERP solutions. Moving forward, we aim to support AI-driven solutions and expand our services beyond Japanese companies in Singapore to the broader APAC region, targeting non- Japanese clients through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or strategic alliances.

Junji Takeshima, Senior Director, Future Global Design

An ex-banker and visionary IT leader with more than three decades of experience, Junji blends financial insight with technological curiosity, driving innovation and value creation through Future Global Design.

Hobbies: Cycling, Kaggle

Favorite Cuisine: Japanese

Favorite Book: The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

Favorite Travel Destination: Japan