Episode #111: Scott Smalley, Managing Director, Solutions, Japan, DSV

Scott Smalley is presently the Managing Director of DSV in Japan. Mr. Smalley is originally from Michigan in the United States and his first introduction to Japan was through an exchange he did with Japan during his schooling at Michigan State University. He returned to the US to finish his degree in Economics and Anthropology before starting to explore more opportunities in Japan. Mr. Smalley worked in Sales for a few years before pivoting into Logistics starting with Herbalife in Japan. After this role, he held various mid-level and senior leadership positions in Logistics in the US and Japan.

Mr. Smalley defines leadership as leading by example. One of his biggest leading examples is taking a vacation. In Japan, Mr. Smalley finds that many people have not taken a vacation in 5, sometimes even 10 years. He emphasizes that without ample work life balance, people are not at their creative best. He emphasizes that taking vacation will encourage people to be more innovative and to work smarter not harder. Working long hours does not necessarily mean that someone is more productive, and he tries to show his staff this by leading by example.

Mr. Smalley explains that they try and reward innovation by giving out $100 Amazon gift cards as they are a big motivator. He explains that in Japan, the culture is so unique that you really must try as a non-Japanese leader to make that connection, which starts with understanding the language and culture. He emphasizes that to make people drop their defenses, you must show them that you value their culture, be honest and straightforward, and try to share your own experience of being in Japan. Additionally, Mr. Smalley connects with his staff over drinks after work, holding meetings in the mountains and connecting with people at Onsen, the Japanese hot springs.

Mr. Smalley would advise newcomers to Japan to really listen and get to know people outside of work, perhaps through a drink after work. He says that learning Japanese has become easier now with more technological options. He recommends trying to learn Japanese, which will help with communication, getting people to let their guard down and in ensuring good teamwork in Japan.