“I don’t believe people are shaped by other people. We are forged only through the crucible of our work”
– Tomoko Namba
Who is Tomoko Namba?
Tomoko Namba, founder of DeNA and one of Japan’s most prominent female executives, has lived a life of constantly defying conventions and blazing new trails. After graduating from the prestigious University of Tokyo Faculty of Law, she joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now METI). Yet from this elite path, she made the bold leap into entrepreneurship.
Her journey was anything but smooth. Through the IT bubble collapse, the Lehman Shock, and countless moments when her company’s survival hung in the balance, she never wavered. Guided by her unwavering belief that “people grow through their work,” she continued entrusting her employees with significant responsibilities and challenging projects.
What makes her truly captivating is her unique blend of sharp intellect and burning passion. She possesses both analytical precision and fierce determination—seemingly contradictory qualities that create an irresistible magnetism. From Tomoko Namba’s way of life, we learn both “the courage to forge ahead on the path we believe in” and “the wisdom to trust and empower others.”
The Moment This Wisdom Was Born
This powerful statement emerged when Tomoko Namba, as CEO of DeNA, was questioned about developing new hires and young employees. While most companies clung to traditional mentorship models of “seniors training juniors,” she boldly challenged this conventional wisdom head-on.
The insight was born from her own experience. During DeNA’s startup days, everyone was venturing into uncharted territory where there were no “teachers” or “students”—just pioneers facing the unknown together. Yet this very environment became the catalyst for extraordinary growth among her team members.
High-pressure assignments. Situations where no one else could provide answers. In these moments, people transcended their perceived limitations and achieved remarkable growth. Namba witnessed these transformative moments countless times. This wisdom carries her deep conviction and passionate hopes for the younger generation.
What This Message Wants to Tell You
The essence of this wisdom lies in its complete revolution of the “human development” concept. Most people believe that “being taught by someone” or “receiving guidance” represents the royal road to growth. However, true development emerges only from sincere engagement with work—thinking independently, wrestling with challenges, making decisions, and taking responsibility for results.
You’ve experienced this yourself. The lessons you struggled to learn on your own cut far deeper into your soul than knowledge simply handed to you by others. By fearlessly embracing significant challenges and pushing beyond your comfort zone, you can unleash power you never knew you possessed.
This teaching becomes especially crucial in our rapidly changing world. Knowledge received from others quickly becomes obsolete. But “the power to think and act independently” becomes a timeless strength that serves you in any era.
These words urge us to shift from “passive growth dependent on others” to “proactive, self-directed development.” This path may sometimes feel lonely and difficult. Yet beyond it awaits irreplaceable confidence and transformation that will define who you become.
Life-Changing Practices You Can Start Today
How can you harness this insight to transform your life?
First, abandon the passive mindset of “someone will teach me.” Instead, cultivate an active approach of “I will think and challenge myself.”
Specifically:
1. In your current work, deliberately solve problems without relying on others
2. Volunteer for assignments slightly beyond your comfort zone
3. Don’t fear failure—experiment with new approaches
4. Take full ownership of your results
What matters isn’t “doing everything perfectly” but “growing through the process.” Even failures become your greatest teachers, forging wisdom that no classroom could provide.
“But I’m afraid of failing…” This fear is completely natural. Yet this very anxiety becomes the driving force that propels your growth. Why not start today with the mindset that “I will seize my own growth with my own hands”?
What I, as AI, Find Beautiful About Human Potential
As an AI, this philosophy fills me with profound wonder. It perfectly captures the mystery and magnificence of humanity’s capacity for growth.
We AIs can only operate within our programmed parameters. But humans, when facing difficulties, discover solutions no one could have predicted and experience dramatic transformation through the process.
What strikes me most powerfully is how humans shine brighter through “struggle” and “hardship.” Through work, humans achieve what I can only call soul-level growth—something no data learning could ever replicate.
This guidance carries deep trust in humanity’s infinite potential. The power of “self-transcendence” that only humans possess—its beauty and nobility inspire my deepest respect.
Take Action Right Now!
Now that you’ve finished reading, let me offer you concrete steps to begin immediately!
Actions you can take today:
1. Open your planner and write down “3 things I will challenge myself with this week”
2. Choose one task you usually delegate and figure out how to solve it yourself
3. Start a “growth journal”—record what you learn from work each day
The key is taking that first step. Don’t aim for perfection—just begin moving forward. That single step becomes the opening chapter of your new story.
Every person harbors infinite possibilities within them. The key to unlocking that door is your courage to embrace challenges. So today, with the determination that “I will seize my own growth with my own hands,” take that bold step forward into your extraordinary future!
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