Ryo Kawashima

How did your experience at IE influence your move to the public sector?

Since earning my MBA from IE, I have  developed an entrepreneurial mindset, embracing risk-oriented growth and challenging global markets. Developing said skills propelled me into a career path that led to co-founding a startup and later working in venture capital. I was then fortunate to participate in a public–private talent exchange with the Japanese government, where I designed and promoted startup policy. While the private sector focuses on the pursuit of profit, the public sector emphasizes fostering innovation from startups. With Japan’s startup policy currently undergoing a growth phase, it was exciting to use my experience to contribute meaningfully to advancing my government’s innovation. 

What skills acquired at IE have been most useful in addressing the challenges you faced in your role at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry? 

The skills that helped me most were research and analysis, risk management, and negotiation, but also building resilience. When tackling open-ended problems, I start by asking the right questions, gathering comprehensive data, and conducting scenario analysis, followed by close collaboration to determine the best path forward. In today’s volatile environment, the ability to manage risks calmly is crucial. Staying calm especially helps when negotiating with a myriad of diverse domestic and international stakeholders where the goal is to build consensus. Resilience ties it all together, seeing things through despite unexpected setbacks. These skills, honed through numerous project management assignments and intensive startup lab programs during my MBA at IE, have and continue to support my endeavours today. 

 Based on your experience, how does decision-making differ between the public and private sectors? 

When I first began working in the public sector, I was surprised by not only the amount of stakeholders involved, but how diverse they each were. It took me several months to fully understand their unique decision-making mechanisms, but coming to that realization changed my approach. I realized the importance of both seeing the big picture and not undermining how each initiative affects specific individuals and groups. 

Japan has traditionally been perceived as having a risk-averse culture, something that might have hindered the development of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. What policies is the Japanese government—and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in particular—implementing to promote entrepreneurship?

Japan has long been characterized as a risk-averse culture, but this is now changing. The traditional economic model—centered on large corporations—has begun to shift. With increased risk capital inflows, talent entering the startup space, and measurable GDP contributions, public recognition of startups is rising. These changes are driven by younger generations who feel a sense of urgency and who both welcome and bring diverse lifestyles and values. The government sees this shift and is actively fostering entrepreneurial talent among ambitious young people, sending them early to top-tier global ecosystems. As a result, “born global” entrepreneurs are on the rise. Even at the high school and university levels, many are choosing the entrepreneurial path, driven by a belief in testing their ideas in the market, courage to take action, and ambition to venture into uncharted territory. 

If you could implement one lesson from your time at IE directly into government policymaking, what would it be? 

For me, the “Ask Me Anything” session in the startup lab was especially impactful. Its value lies in empowering founders to consult experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. While it may be challenging for the government to provide such a robust expert network directly, Japan’s ecosystem already has a broad array of professionals with proven track records who are willing to collaborate. This forms a vital pillar in supporting startup success. 

You are involved in many extracurricular activities. How do you maintain a work-life balance?

I view extracurricular activities as a vital part of my life’s work. They fulfil my curiosity and sense of purpose while my daily job supports my family. To some degree, pursuing an MBA abroad with a young daughter at home, was a courageous extracurricular investment, but one that altered both my own growth and that of my family’s. Rather than seeing extracurricular pursuits as optional, I carefully select challenges that offer the greatest potential for growth and maximize the return on my limited time and resources, balancing precious moments with my family and meaningful contributions to society—an approach that has become a quiet core competency beyond my resume. 

You’ve mentioned that your values are deeply rooted in your early exposure to team sports—particularly baseball and football, which you played at a young age. Can you share more about those experiences and the values that they helped forge? 

Achieving ambitious goals within a limited timeframe requires the team to unite and win—whether in sports or business. I believe a leader’s role is to create an environment where everyone, as a strong contributor, can pursue goals passionately and perform at their best. This means articulating a clear vision, encouraging autonomy and initiative, and providing support to those who struggle. That balance is key to delivering results. 

You have visited more than 30 countries. Is there a place you've visited that significantly changed your perception on things? 

Traveling to 30 cities with my family during my studies was an invaluable experience. I am truly certain that choosing Madrid as my study abroad destination was the right decision. It’s a culturally rich place where the classical and the modern merge, and traditions are cherished. Parks close to my house such as Park Retiro and Berlin Park are lush, offering plenty of play areas for children. Infrastructure like the metro, buses, and hospitals is well maintained. Residents are as warm as sunshine, treating us—a foreign family with a baby—as if we were their own. During daylight saving time, it stays light until 10 p.m.; seeing people enjoy their holidays reminded me of life’s simple pleasures. I hope to blend Japanese prudence and risk awareness with moments of optimism, positivity, and boldness. 

Define your experience at IE in one word.

Investment

Which classmate do you admire the most, and why?  

Rather than just one individual, several classmates inspired me. Charles became my first friend in class. He invited me to the Harvard case competition, showing me not only the value of ambition, but generosity. As a teammate in that same competition, Aditya was always someone you could count on for insightful and intelligent conversations. He was skilled at holding firm opinions while seeking mutual understanding. During the MBA, I was impressed by countless of my classmates: Dhiren’s strong leadership, Chris’s logical yet creative thinking, Beny’s magnetic presentation skills, and the courage of Alejandra and Alexandra to break out of their shells. I’m also grateful to Jay, Amir, Guido and Pedro for their examples of leadership. Surrounded by such living role models, every day was literally a lesson. 

What was the biggest mindset shift you experienced during your MBA, and how has it influenced your approach to work?

A simple yet profound idea changed my perspective: taking risks reduces risk and increases the likelihood of success. Trust your intuition, act first, focus on the execution, but never forget to learn from your mistakes—that is the key to success. Although I spent a decade not using English in my career, by speaking up in class and joining several extracurricular activities, I learned through trial and error and grew mentally, and now I have grown into someone who was capable of representing the government and delivering solo speeches on startup policy at international conferences. This is testament that without action, there can be neither failure nor success in creating real value. For me, gaining a risk-taking mindset in my mid-thirties was a significant achievement. 

What’s the importance in maintaining close ties with your peers and engaging with the IE community?

Because we cannot always see people in person, it’s important to stay connected in any way possible. It can be as simple as celebrating friends’ promotions and achievements while they return the kindness as you share your own endeavours. I’ve maintained bonds this way, and even gotten to touch base when visiting each other's respective countries. My classmate Andrea came to my office during her trip to Japan. Mutual cooperation with IE community members who are active in diverse fields is extremely valuable. I want to continue nurturing the bonds with my wonderful network of friends. 

What can alumni do to create a positive impact, not only within the IE community but also for the rest of the world?

 IE alumni are diverse, yet united by one trait: they follow the path they believe in. Some work in large corporations, while others are independent professionals stretching from entrepreneurs, politicians, search fund entrepreneurs, management consultants, hedge fund managers, or work as government officials. But an undercurrent, regardless of profession, is that many drive innovation. When driven by curiosity, we all craft our own unique narratives, persistently confronting challenges with an open mind. In this way, I believe, we collectively have the power to make a significant societal impact. 

How is the Ryo of today different from the Ryo who first arrived in Madrid to study at IE?

I pursued my MBA at IE ten years into my career. I plunged into a completely different world and competed alongside younger peers. Those were the experiences that flipped a switch and made me the Ryo I am today. No longer confined to a narrow domestic perspective, I now have the confidence to live anywhere in the world and pursue my numerous ambitions. Alongside my core work, I have expanded my options, including launching ventures of my own. After returning to Japan, my family grew to four, and I hope my children, too, will believe in their potential and strive to become bridges between Japan and the world. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. 

If you had a billboard that you could display to the world, what would you write on it?

Enjoy the adventure of life. 

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