MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT

MANNA OZAWA

Chief of Staff

 Elavon Europe

Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.

Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?

The source of my inspiration has always been the people I work and interact with on a day to day basis. These are real life stories that unfold in front of my eyes and there’s nothing more powerful and impactful than that to me.

Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?

Hard work increases the chances to embody the luck. Being ready when the opportunity arises. So, I’d say both. Having said that, I’ve been extremely blessed with whom I’ve met throughout my life and my career. People have taken chances on me, especially in my early career, and I am keen and conscious to do the same.

What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?

Definitely, curiosity. Constantly wanting to try new things and needing the sense of progress, as well as strong interest in people and their behaviors. I think this mindset has been formed due to my background, growing up across different cultures and geographies. Life is short and there’s so much to see and do!

If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?

I’m still not good at it, but to work on self-promotion earlier. I always thought it looked too eager to self-promote and good work ought to be recognized on its own merits, until I became responsible for others. This gave me a realization that appropriate acknowledgement is not only for myself but very much for others that contributed to the work and deserve the visibility.

What was your most favourite job/role and why?

Every job has been unique and interesting in its own ways, but there is one common thread.All of them had strong dynamics of a group working towards a common goal, and something new and different-which I really love and am excited about.

Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?

Life in general, ‘live dangerously’ (Niestzsche), in which I understood he basically meant, get out of your comfort zone, live your life fully. In connection, what I encourage people to do a lot these days – just ask. Want someone to be your mentor? Ask. Want to expand your experience? Ask to take on a project. You might not get everything immediately, but people will remember and think of you when the right opportunity comes.