Joshua Gillman, Senior Director of Strategy and Executive Office at Rakuten Symphony, shares his journey from tech consulting to shaping the future of telecom.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
I’m originally from Wokingham, a town about an hour away from London, UK. After graduating, I ventured into tech consulting, working on various projects, including deploying software for telcos and assisting banks with data migrations. This experience sparked my interest in the broader strategic aspects of technology deployment. To deepen my understanding of strategy and delivery, I pursued an MBA at London Business School. This education provided me with a comprehensive view of business transformations and industry impacts, exposing me to strategic processes that shape successful companies.
As I considered my next career move, Rakuten Symphony caught my attention. I was drawn to its mission of democratizing connectivity and its innovative approach to transforming the industry with cutting-edge technologies. The company's commitment to leveraging advanced tech to revolutionize the telecom sector presented an exciting and challenging opportunity for meaningful contribution.
In August 2022, I joined Rakuten Symphony and relocated from the UK to Japan with my wife and daughter. Moving to Japan and joining Rakuten Symphony has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The company's supportive community and innovative work environment made the transition seamless. I've been impressed by the collaborative culture and the passion of my colleagues, who are all dedicated to driving progress and innovation.
What does your daily job involve?
As the Senior Director of Strategy and Executive Office, I’m part of the strategy team, working to unify the various innovations and strategies across different Business Units into one cohesive company story. My role involves acting as an interface between the BU Presidents and Rakuten Symphony management to ensure a common understanding of our goals. This includes business planning, deciding on department targets, targeting goals, unblocking cross-department challenges, and shaping our sales strategy narrative for customers.
A significant part of my job is to bridge the communication and strategy gaps between various departments, ensuring everyone is aligned and moving towards the same objectives. This means I spend a lot of time collaborating with the heads of different BUs to understand their unique challenges and opportunities, and then conveying these insights to the management. By doing this, I help craft a unified vision that supports both our short-term targets and long-term aspirations.
In addition to strategic alignment, my role also involves a lot of problem-solving. Whether it’s unblocking cross-departmental challenges or finding innovative solutions to streamline our operations, I’m constantly working to keep all parts of the organization moving smoothly. This often requires balancing immediate needs with future goals, ensuring that our strategies are both effective and adaptable.
Essentially, we are the glue that holds the different departments together, fostering collaboration and ensuring that our collective efforts contribute to the overarching success of Rakuten Symphony.
What has been your best day so far?
Since joining Rakuten Symphony, some of my most memorable days have been at Leadership Summits. These events showcase the exchange of ideas and the passion driving the company forward. Being involved in preparing for these events and facilitating discussions is truly inspiring.
One standout moment was the Leadership Summit in Barcelona this year. What made this day particularly special was seeing everyone bring their ideas to the table and engage in meaningful discussions. This experience underscored the innovative drive and collaborative spirit at Rakuten Symphony, making me proud to be part of the team and excited for our future.
Is there anything that inspires you?
One quote that inspires me is by Elon Musk: “If something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me and reflects the spirit of our company. It’s not easy, and often people think you’re crazy for trying, but progress requires bold moves, and this company truly embodies that message.
On a more personal level, my family is my greatest source of inspiration. Seeing my daughter and wife every morning motivates me to be the best version of myself. I want to make them proud and set an example through my work and dedication.
Do you have any hobbies?
Family time is very important to me, especially with my young daughter. I try to spend as much time with her as possible, cherishing these moments as she grows. Alongside family activities, I have a strong interest in sports. Recently, I picked up jiu-jitsu, and it's been thrilling to be a beginner again. I enjoy the challenge of learning something new and the physical and mental discipline it requires.
I also play futsal with some colleagues from Rakuten. It's a great way to stay active and socialize with people from different departments. Beyond sports, I listen to a lot of podcasts, particularly those focused on technology, to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations.
Any plans for what you want to do next?
I’m eager to build my experience in strategic decision-making and positively impact the company's direction. Personally, I plan to take on bigger and more challenging projects to grow as a leader within the team. My goal is to bring new positive impacts every day and learn from each step of the way.
By taking on more significant challenges and fostering innovation, I aim to enhance my skills and make a meaningful impact on our team's growth and success.
