In this interview, we explore the extraordinary insights of Takahisa Karita, the Co-Founder and CFO of UNIFY PLATFORM AG, shedding light on the pivotal elements that have shaped his journey as a leader in the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship. Join us as Takahisa shares his perspectives on leadership, the unique ethos driving UNIFY PLATFORM AG, and his unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the organization and beyond. Discover how Takahisa navigates the complexities of managing a global platform, the significance of embracing diverse perspectives, and his aspirations for the future of UNIFY PLATFORM AG. Prepare to be inspired by Takahisa’s dedication to leadership excellence and his vision for a more inclusive world.
Leadership Qualities and Success
In his tenure at UNIFY PLATFORM AG, Takahisa Karita underscores the paramount importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity as key pillars of leadership. Since September 2021, the company has operated UNIPLAT, an online platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and researchers worldwide, irrespective of economic or geographical constraints. Central to this endeavor is a steadfast commitment to collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, transcending barriers of gender, nationality, age, culture, and belief systems. As of April 2024, UNIFY PLATFORM AG boasts participants from 139 countries, indicative of the organization’s global reach and resonance. To sustain this diverse ecosystem and cater to the myriad needs of stakeholders, Takahisa emphasizes the imperative of understanding and embracing a multitude of values.
Key Trends and Challenges in the Industry
In the IT and education sectors, Takahisa emphasizes the crucial need for integrating AI and environmental measures to propel progress and sustainability. He underscores the significance of harmonizing AI technologies with human resources for industry advancement. Additionally, Takahisa notes the expanding hardware requirements in IT, including servers and communication networks, posing challenges in managing electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. This underscores the urgency for innovative solutions to address environmental concerns while sustaining technological progress. Takahisa’s insights offer a glimpse into the transformative dynamics shaping the IT and education sectors, paving the way for a future where innovation and sustainability intersect for global impact.
Building a Culture of Innovation
Takahisa emphasizes the significance of collaboration with diverse human resources and external organizations as a pivotal strategy in fostering innovation within UNIFY PLATFORM AG. By harnessing the collective expertise and perspectives of various stakeholders, the company aims to establish a robust system capable of continuous innovation, thereby ensuring its readiness to navigate evolving industry landscapes and emerging challenges. Through this collaborative approach, UNIFY PLATFORM AG strives to maintain its competitive edge and drive sustainable growth in an ever-changing business environment.
The Power of Mindset
With over 28 years of experience in corporate management, Takahisa emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming challenges. Regardless of the scale of obstacles or failures, he believes that the mindset of leaders and managers plays a crucial role in navigating through adversity. Drawing from Chinese folklore, Takahisa reflects on the proverb “misfortune and good fortune are like a tight rope,” illustrating the intertwined nature of challenges and opportunities. He approaches difficulties with a sense of optimism and resilience, viewing them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Takahisa’s ability to maintain a calm and cheerful demeanor amidst adversity underscores his unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the path to success.
Embracing New Challenges
Takahisa emphasizes the organization’s commitment to embracing new challenges as a catalyst for innovation. Regardless of prior experience, UNIFY PLATFORM AG actively seeks to explore new ideas and knowledge through a culture of trial and error. One of the distinctive measures implemented is the adoption of a flat organizational structure, enabling open discussions on innovation-related topics among staff both internally and externally, irrespective of their position within or outside the company. This inclusive approach ensures that innovation is not confined to specific departments but permeates throughout the organization, driving creativity and forward-thinking initiatives.
Shaping Leadership
Takahisa emphasizes the profound influence of his experiences, both successes, and failures, in shaping his leadership style, enabling him to adapt and evolve in dynamic environments. Moreover, when confronted with challenges in new fields or unprecedented management issues, he turns to scholarly papers on management and widely acclaimed books for valuable perspectives and strategies. Through Takahisa’s commitment to continuous learning and assimilation of diverse experiences, we gain insights into the foundations of his leadership style, characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a pursuit of excellence.
Strategic Team Building and Talent Development at UNIFY PLATFORM AG
Takahisa Karita underscores the importance of aligning staff members with roles that match their strengths, ensuring optimal contribution to organizational objectives. By strategically placing individuals, a foundation for effective team building is established, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Moreover, he emphasizes ongoing talent development and mentorship, empowering team members to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success. Through mentorship programs and continuous feedback mechanisms, Takahisa drives innovation and excellence, positioning UNIFY PLATFORM AG for sustained success in a dynamic business environment.
Fostering Responsible Practices
Takahisa Karita emphasizes the importance of instilling a company credo within UNIFY PLATFORM AG, guiding executives and staff to prioritize social and environmental considerations alongside financial goals. By fostering a culture that evaluates business decisions based on their broader impact, the organization cultivates responsibility and accountability at all levels. Furthermore, Takahisa advocates for a holistic approach to business development, balancing profitability with societal and environmental desirability. Through his leadership, UNIFY PLATFORM AG demonstrates a steadfast commitment to integrating social and environmental responsibility into its core practices, aligning with broader principles of sustainability and ethical responsibility.
Driving Digital Transformation
Takahisa Karita highlights the early adoption of digital transformation (DX) within his managed companies, including UNIFY PLATFORM AG. While external services and products are typically the focal point of DX endeavors, he stresses the critical role of human resources proficient in creating, developing, operating, and designing digital tools. To this end, the company prioritizes investment in a skilled workforce, both internally and externally, adept in DX technologies and methodologies. This strategic emphasis on human capital development alongside technological advancements positions UNIFY PLATFORM AG as a leader in DX implementation, poised to capitalize on digital innovation for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business environment.
Essential Traits for Success
Takahisa Karita highlights the pivotal role of unwavering conviction and adaptability in achieving success in the business realm. He stresses the significance of persistently pursuing business goals, enabling entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and setbacks with resilience while advancing towards organizational objectives. Additionally, Takahisa underscores the importance of adaptability, emphasizing the need to pivot strategies when required. In the dynamic business landscape, the ability to recognize and rectify flawed approaches is essential for sustaining momentum and attaining long-term success. By prioritizing these fundamental traits—persistence and adaptability—entrepreneurs can adeptly navigate the complexities of the business world, fostering innovation, growth, and enduring success.
Empowering Change: UNIPLAT’s Global Impact
Takahisa underscores UNIPLAT’s transformative influence as a dedicated online platform for entrepreneurs and researchers addressing the world’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a diverse membership spanning 139 countries and exceeding 140,000 individuals, UNIPLAT serves as a hub for innovative solutions to global challenges, fueled by a convergence of diverse ideas and values. Takahisa encourages individuals to join this collaborative endeavor, envisioning a united community striving for initiatives that enhance our planet’s well-being. Under Takahisa’s leadership at UNIFY PLATFORM AG, his visionary approach fosters global collaboration, inspiring participation in endeavors poised to drive meaningful change and advance toward a sustainable future.
Driving Innovation, Impact, and Strategic Engagements
Takahisa Karita underscores the pioneering impact of UNIPLAT, where innovative services and systems swiftly address global challenges, envisioning a positive contribution to the world economy’s development and global environmental preservation. Beyond UNIPLAT, his influence extends through roles supporting and advising prominent organizations worldwide, ranging from serving as CFO at CDTEC China to contributing as a Board Member of the SDG Alliance at EU Tech Chamber (EUTECH). Through advisory roles at institutions like Tsangs Group and Chemiteras Inc. Japan, Takahisa aims to contribute to economic development, environmental conservation, and global peace, showcasing his commitment to fostering collaboration and progress on a global scale. Leveraging his extensive network and expertise, Takahisa remains dedicated to shaping a future marked by innovation, sustainability, and collective prosperity.
Significant Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his business career, Takahisa Karita has achieved several noteworthy milestones, reflecting his entrepreneurial acumen and visionary leadership. One of the most notable accomplishments is the development and launch of UNIPLAT in September 2021, within a remarkably short timeframe despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovative online platform provided a vital space for entrepreneurs and researchers worldwide to showcase their projects and research initiatives amid the pandemic-induced restrictions. Additionally, strategic partnerships with esteemed international organizations such as the Group of Nations, EUTECH (co-founded by the EU), and IFIA have significantly bolstered UNIPLAT’s global presence, amplifying its impact on a broader scale. Furthermore, in April 2024, Takahisa facilitated a listing at Probit Global, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the Korea, global ranking 20th on the Coin Market Cap. This listing paved the way for UNIPLAT to introduce its own cryptocurrency, UPT (Unify Platform Token), facilitating secure transactions and storage for participants across regions with weaker physical currencies. These achievements underscore Takahisa’s commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and the advancement of transformative initiatives through UNIFY PLATFORM AG.
Facilitating Global Innovation
In the realm of innovation, UNIPLAT serves as a catalyst for groundbreaking projects and initiatives, fostering collaboration and empowerment across diverse sectors. Notably, Takahisa Karita highlights the significant contributions of female leaders within the UNIPLAT community, exemplifying the platform’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Dr. Bola Olabisi, CEO of GlobalWIIN (GLOBAL WOMEN INVENTORS & INNOVATORS NETWORK), emerges as a prominent figure, advocating for female inventors and innovators worldwide. As a key member of the International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA), Dr. Bola’s impactful work resonates globally. Through UNIPLAT’s extensive network, Takahisa connects with Mis. Yuko Hiraga, the representative director of Hiraga Co., Ltd., renowned for its groundbreaking patented technology in the construction industry. As one of Japan’s few female presidents, Mis. Yuko Hiraga’s pioneering spirit and innovative solutions exemplify the transformative potential of UNIPLAT. Takahisa’s collaboration with Hiraga Co. Ltd. as a senior advisor underscores his commitment to leveraging global networks for the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies worldwide. This collaborative ethos extends beyond borders, empowering entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive on a level playing field. By democratizing access to opportunities and resources, UNIPLAT aspires to become a beacon of fairness and equality, transcending geographical and socioeconomic barriers to foster a truly inclusive global marketplace.
