The challenge
Despite significant investment in talent, few Japanese women were advancing into senior leadership roles. The central issue was not a lack of capable people, but the organizational and developmental conditions that prevented readiness from translating into advancement.
The work
Applied research was used to examine the barriers affecting leadership readiness and progression. The work connected research findings with leadership development and targeted interventions, creating a practical framework for strengthening capability and addressing systemic obstacles.
The contribution
The framework helped participants prepare for increasingly senior responsibilities and informed broader thinking about talent development within the organization. The engagement also became the basis of Leslie Taylor’s graduate research in organization management and development.