From bodybuilding and aircraft engineering to business governance in telecom, Fleming Sebastian, Director of Product Pricing & Performance, has never been afraid of bold moves. In this employee spotlight, Fleming reflects on his career journey, the mindset that drives him, and how he brings a human touch to every cross-functional project he leads.
Let’s start with your story - how did your career path lead you to Rakuten Symphony?
I’m originally from India, but I was born and raised in Bahrain. After finishing school there, I moved to India to pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering, driven by a deep fascination with planes and a childhood dream of becoming a fighter pilot.
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I got licensed as an aircraft engineer and began working on Boeing and Airbus aircrafts for major airlines like Kingfisher Airlines. But I was eager to grow and push beyond the boundaries of what I knew. That curiosity took me to the UK, where I completed a second degree in mechanical engineering. During that chapter, I discovered other passions like fitness, event management, and eventually consulting in the hospitality industry. These experiences helped me develop a broader perspective and a more adaptable skillset.
I later pursued an MBA that gave me the opportunity to study across different countries, including Canada, Vietnam, Singapore and China, which really broadened my global perspective. I’ve worn many hats over the years: engineer, consultant, project manager, and strategist. When I learned about Rakuten Symphony, it felt like the perfect next step. The role brought together everything I’d done, technical work, business thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration.
What convinced you to join the Rakuten Symphony team?
What attracted me was the nature of the role itself. It offered the rare chance to combine different chapters of my career, engineering, business, and project governance, into something cohesive and impactful. The scope of the work aligned perfectly with my interests, especially the opportunity to build systems and processes that drive value across the organization. I was excited to contribute in a space that was both familiar and totally new.
What does your current role involve?
As Director of Product Pricing & Performance under the Business Governance & Partner Alliance team, my role is all about identifying opportunities to create impact across the business. I’d say we identify gaps, build processes, and drive initiatives that create value for the wider organization. Whether that’s helping sales streamline rate cards, defining product launch and retirement workflows, or reviewing opportunity pricing - my job is to connect stakeholders, align strategies, and move things forward.
No two days are quite the same. I usually start with a team sync, and then dive into meetings, strategy discussions, and data work. I collaborate closely with colleagues across regions and departments, and the cross-functional dynamic is something I really enjoy. It keeps the pace fast, the ideas fresh, and the work deeply fulfilling.
What’s surprised you the most about working at Rakuten Symphony?
Working at the Rakuten Crimson House in Tokyo, I have been amazed at the caliber of people. I’ve worked across several industries, and the talent density here is unlike anything I’ve experienced. Everyone, from my teammates to leadership, is open, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable. The level of expertise across departments has created an environment where continuous learning is part of the everyday experience. There’s so much to learn, not just technically, but also interpersonally.
Has there been a particularly meaningful moment since you joined?
There was one situation early on when I had a tough conversation with a senior stakeholder. We started off completely misaligned, and I left that meeting feeling defeated. But I reached out again, asked for a coffee, and we talked it through. That moment of connection turned everything around. By the end of the day, we were laughing over drinks. It reminded me of my personal motto: I’ll always be the first to extend a peace flag. Whether you shake my hand is up to you.
Is there a phrase or idea that guides your approach to work?
How people react usually comes from a place of past experience, often their childhood. If you understand the human behind the behavior, you’re better equipped to build bridges instead of walls. That’s what I try to do, every day.
One idea that really resonated with me came from the book The Body Keeps the Score. It says: if you don’t take time to heal your inner child, the pain you carry will not only grow but can be passed on to the next generation. That really hit home. Personal development isn’t just about professional growth; it’s emotional, too. And the more you understand yourself, the more positive energy you bring to those around you.
Do you have any activities or hobbies outside of work that help you recharge?
I used to compete in bodybuilding and I’m also a certified personal trainer - physical activity has always helped me stay grounded. Over the years, I’ve also taken up rock climbing and even earned a certification in that. I've picked up tennis, mainly because my three-year-old is learning it too, so it’s become a fun parent-child bonding activity.
Now that I have two kids, my routine has changed drastically. Life used to revolve around me, then me and my partner; but now, everything centers around our children. It’s redefined my priorities and added so much meaning to the day-to-day. My time outside of work is all about being present for them, staying healthy, and nurturing what really matters: family, health, and meaningful connections.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out at Rakuten Symphony?
Be open, stay curious, and talk to people. That’s honestly the best way to get the most out of your work life. One of the best things about Rakuten Symphony is the diversity - of cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking. You’re not just working with one team or region; you’re interacting with people from all over the world, and every one of those interactions can teach you something.
If you show interest, you’ll find that people are more than happy to support you. There’s a great sense of collaboration and momentum here. Just get involved, be present, and enjoy it. It’s a dynamic place with a lot of heart - and a great environment to grow, both professionally and personally.
