“Christina,” my mom informed me one day, “you have been invited to dinner by Mr. Mizuno. He’s the founder of a program much like yours.”
The moment I had received her call, I was in the midst of deciphering my molecular genetics homework. Setting my work aside, I listened as Mom briefed me on the details and quickly accepted. Now I had a day to look forward to: March 3rd. During those days before the dinner, I would research this mysterious Mr. Mizuno. What was this program that I had heard about? Apparently, Mr. Mizuno is the CEO of CoTech International, and founded the Kawamura Fellowship in 1988, which is a program centered on cultural exchange between students of Harvard/MIT and the people of Japan. (I distinctly remember ‘wow’-ing after a perusal of the fellowship’s website.)
On March 3rd, 6:00pm, I find myself at the door of Kaya, a Korean restaurant close to Harvard University. Mr. Mizuno had kindly agreed to allow a quick interview before our dinner. He arrives not long after I do. Solidly built, Mr. Mizuno exudes a jovial air that makes one want to lean in to listen to his words.
After our greetings, we relocate to a tatami room filled with an enormous table; students from Harvard and MIT would be joining us later for dinner. I start off the interview asking Mr. Mizuno if he could speak more about the Kawamura Fellowship.
“Basically, the concept of the program is people and information. I am trying to have the students meet with as many people as possible, from various industries including bureaucratic, politicians, and such, so they can hear interesting comments from many people. They obtain an overall view of the Japanese culture; there is no specific target. For five weeks they get to visit interesting places, meet many people, eat yummy” he chuckles here, “and drinks lots of sake!” Both of us descend into laughter. “The reason why we select students from Harvard and MIT is because these are school that educate people that will be the leaders of the future.”
Then, what does he look for in these students? Mr. Mizuno smiles. In fact, he had just come from a long day of interviewing prospective fellows, and had decided only an hour ago who the lucky students would be. “It is very hard, choosing four students out of a hundred students. Overall, we select students who have a nice personality. We don’t care about school scores, because we have learned many times that scores do not mean enough to be used to evaluate people. A bright, sunny personality is the best!”
Now, I want to know more about Mr. Mizuno and his opinions on leadership. “First, a leader should decide what direction the team should go. Also, the leader should have the ability to persuade people that he is leading them in the right direction. Third, the leader should have a very concrete belief in his opinion and never be uncertain about his opinion or plan. He should never waver from his decision.”
He believes that leaders are innately talented, and also exert much effort to achieve what they do. Charisma is also important. “The bigger the better!” he says. Then, after a moment of contemplation, “Perhaps, it can be created?”
Soon, the students arrive.They are from all over the world: South Carolina, Japan, China, just to name a few. ”Hi, Sumio!” resounds throughout the room while conversations spark between the former fellows, many who have met each other for the first time. The room fills quickly, and soon the aroma of sizzling beef permeates the air. Topics fly fast and fun. They range from farms in Oklahoma to an upcoming wedding to (!) matchmaking.
Eventually, the dinner winds down and I bid everyone goodbye as they leave for the night. However, Mr. Mizuno stays behind for a final, encouraging word.
Dream. Aim for the best.
“You can do it.”
