The MUSUBI Mentorship Program for Women Leaders Kicks Off with Prominent Mentors

Introduction

The MUSUBI Mentorship Program, aimed at empowering women leaders, is set to commence its first cohort from October 2025 to March 2026. This initiative, backed by Odgers, aims to forge strong connections between Japanese and British professionals through mentorship. Recently, the program announced its lineup of esteemed mentors, bringing together a diverse array of leaders from various sectors.

Mentor Profiles

1. Peter Bukan - President, International Nuclear Services Japan
Peter emphasizes that exceptional companies thrive on diversity and inclusion. He hopes that sharing experiences—both successes and failures—will help aspiring women leaders carve out sustainable careers.

2. Marie Clare Joyce - UK Diplomat, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
For Marie, mentoring is an investment in people. She looks forward to sharing her experiences to build confidence in mentees and believes in supporting their potential on their growth journey.

3. Magnus Hansson - President, Jaguar Land Rover Japan
Magnus states that organizations that fail to embrace diverse talent risk falling behind. He praises the program's focus on nurturing women leaders in Japan.

4. Yukiko Morishita - Executive Officer, Chubu Electric Power Co.
Yukiko highlights the six-month mentorship, where experienced mentors will guide participants through career challenges while helping them develop personal leadership styles.

5. Mayuko Tabito - Marketing & Alliance Promotion Manager, NEC
She aims to bridge geographical divides through shared experiences, fostering both commonalities and diverse perspectives for growth.

6. Natasha Pfeiffer - Regional Director, BAE Systems Asia
Natasha underscores the program's role in identifying leadership talent and promoting diversity, which is essential for business success.

7. Michael Shearer - Special Advisor, Veracity Worldwide
With increasing geopolitical uncertainties, Michael stresses the need for diverse viewpoints in managing business risks, making the MUSUBI program a timely response to current challenges.

8. Jay Campton - Former CEO, Ralph Lauren Japan, Korea & Australia
Jay expresses his honor in mentoring future female leaders in Japan, emphasizing the need to support their growth during this transformative period.

The MUSUBI Initiative

The MUSUBI Initiative is a collaborative international project led by the UK government, focusing on building strong ties between Japan and the UK while fostering international talent in various sectors, including sports, science, culture, and women's empowerment. Odgers operates the mentorship program as a part of this initiative, which runs on a non-profit basis.

Conclusion

As the first cohort of the MUSUBI Mentorship Program prepares to embark on their journey, the insights shared by influential mentors provide a glimpse into the supportive and enriching environment they will experience. Interested individuals for the upcoming second cohort, starting in April 2026, are encouraged to reach out to the MUSUBI office for inquiries. This initiative promises not only personal growth for participants but also a step towards a brighter, more inclusive future for women leaders in Japan.