Don't Miss! JBDN Tokyo Event Issue

JBDN News: The TOKYO EVENT Issue!

Message from the Founder

WOW! We had an amazing launch in Tokyo. 
JBDNの日本初のイベントは大成功しました。
 
Thank you to all members, partners, and supporters who participated live and on zoom. 
The LIVE event sold out (満席). 
 95% of registrants join the event. 
Four incredible speakers. 
Excellent content.
Extensive networking.
 
Impact through Education and Inspiration. 
When YOU learn and take action, the network achieves its mission of impact. 
 
JBDN is the only global network dedicated to advancing corporate governance and board diversity in Japan through education, inspiration and action. When you are excellent directors and leaders, you create a virtuous cycle. One woman on a board is only a starting point for diversity. You are the role models for the future.
 
JBDNは世界中の女性取締役員またシニアプロフェッショナル達がJBDNのミッション「日本におけるコーポレート・ガバナンスと取締役会の多様性の向上」を推進させるために集結した、唯一の世界規模のネットワークです。
 
Board Searches
JBDN has also been working on several board searches from small companies to mega-companies to activist requests. 
JBDN Members (JBDN会員の皆様): Even if you are an experienced director, if you are looking for positions in 2023 or 2024, please be sure to update your profile in the JBDN Member Candidate Database.
 
Membership 
If you are not yet a member, but interested in joining, please apply today. 

Become a Member Today　メンバシップの申し込み

JBDN Event in Tokyo

Speakers and Content

My first recognition goes to Chris Vilburn, Head of APAC Stewardship at Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM). As soon as I suggested the event idea, Chris immediately secured approval from Etsuko Kobayashi, President of Goldman Sachs Asset Management Japan. 

Chris arranged for opening remarks by Masanori Mochida, President and Representative Director of Goldman Sachs Japan Co., Ltd. Event support by Yumi Nakamura and the entire GSAM team was outstanding. 
 
The Presentation: 
So many of you took pictures of the event slides during the event. As promised, I am pleased to share the slides below. We discussed GSAM's key areas of engagement, proxy voting process, as well as overall strategy. We learned good answers and "not so good" answers when engaging on topics including:  
How are you handling diversity on your board/in management? 
How are you tackling issues with climate change? 
What is your strategy for capital allocation? 
How are you managing your cross-shareholdings?

GSAM Presentation

The JBDN would like to express gratitude to Yasuyuki Konuma, Executive Vice President, Tokyo Stock Exchange for his excellent speech. 
Key Quote: 
"The performance of each company for which you participate on the board, or your own cumulative performance on the board, will provide strong and persuasive proof that ensuring diversity will be effective in increasing corporate value, and may also serve as inspiration and raise the standards for the next generation of women."

Kathy Matsui, former Vice-Chair and Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs and founder of Womenomics, shared her newest inspiration-based on stories of how her ESG-focused venture fund, MPower Partners, supports startup companies on their ESG journey. You can read more here about MPower's own ESG charter and how they integrate ESG into their portfolio strategy (UNPRI Case Study). 

Meghan Barstow, President and Representative Director of Edelman Japan, closed the event with some excellent tips for directors. Three tips are here: 
Director Engagement Policy: Does your company have a policy for engaging with directors? If there is no policy, consider formulating a policy. 
Message Training: Learn to deliver your points on strategy, regardless of the question.  
Shareholder Communication: Consider other ways to communicate with shareholders beyond shareholder meetings. 

Special thanks for Edelman's sponsorship of this JBDN Event. Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. With 6,000 people in more than 60 offices, Edelman delivers communications strategies that give clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earning the trust of their stakeholders. 

Reception & Photos

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Email tracy@thirdarrowstrategies.com with any questions!