UC San Diego

“Who you are is how you lead.” — Dare to Lead, Brené BrownMy stage management journey began at Takarazua Stage Company in Japan. Takarazua employs a strict, hierarchical system where responsibilities are clearly defined, and production needs take precedence over everything and everyone else. In that environment, I learned to value directness and honesty, as feedback was given bluntly, focusing solely on achieving the best results as efficiently as possible. This approach became an intrinsic part of my identity. When I started my graduate studies at UC San Diego, I encountered a leadership model centered on empathy and individuality, where company members had diverse working styles that felt unfamiliar to me. I feared my previous style would be too harsh for some people and ineffective outside its original cultural context. At the same time, abandoning the structural working method entirely to adopt a new approach felt like erasing a part of myself. During The Rogues’ Trial, a production with thirty cast members, I faced numerous challenges, including scheduling conflicts and the sudden illness of a lead actor, requiring three understudies to step in at the last minute. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to proceed, I turned to my core values of directness and honesty. I openly shared my struggles with the company and asked for their support. The response was remarkable. The company members rallied behind the process, offering me their full support. Even when I had to use a firm voice under pressure, they understood my intent rather than perceiving me as too harsh. Setting clear expectations with honesty, vulnerability, and transparency became the bridge to trust. By fostering trust through open communication and feedback, I discovered a way to serve both the process and the people. Through my journey, I have learned that leadership is not about choosing one approach over the other. It is about intentionally creating my leadership style. The discipline and efficiency I developed in the hierarchical system remain valuable, but those qualities are most effective when paired with trust, openness, and adaptability. I have shaped a leadership style that honors my past while allowing me to continue evolving with new experiences. Trust became the bridge connecting these two worlds, allowing me to lead with clarity and compassion.