The Launch of 'Founder's Legacy' by iYell
iYell, a prominent name in the housing finance sector, has recently completed an ambitious project: a comprehensive 250,000-word manual titled 'Founder's Legacy.' This guide builds upon the basic philosophy outlined in 'COMPASS,' which was published in 2021. The aim of this new book is to provide a more nuanced understanding of the company's management philosophy and its practical application in daily operations.
iYell's Growth Journey
Founded with the vision of becoming the largest housing loan tech startup in Japan, iYell has addressed the challenges faced by financial institutions, housing developers, and end-users alike. The company's growth is marked by the establishment of a marketplace for housing loans, with participation from hundreds of financial institutions and thousands of housing businesses across the nation.
The cornerstone of this success lies in iYell's unique management philosophy: focusing on 'who to work with rather than what to do.' This approach prioritizes employee happiness, fostering a culture where individuals support one another's dreams and goals, leading to sustainable corporate growth. This philosophy, which they call 'support capitalism,' emphasizes that true growth comes from relationships rather than mere profit-seeking.
Their focus on creating a great workplace has not gone unnoticed; iYell was ranked sixth in the 'Great Place to Work® Institute Japan' in the medium-sized company category, showcasing its commitment to employee satisfaction.
The Need for Practical Frameworks
As iYell continues to expand, the need for concrete applications of its philosophy has grown. While 'COMPASS' served as a guiding compass, the company's rapid growth has introduced complexities that necessitate a more detailed explanation of the philosophies and values at play. Understanding why certain decisions are made and which values take precedence is critical, especially as the workforce diversifies.
Consequently, iYell initiated a project to codify the founder's decision-making processes and principles, transforming them from an individual perspective to an organizational asset that can be passed down through generations. This initiative produced 'Founder's Legacy,' a practical framework intended to enhance recruitment, development, evaluation, management, and leadership.
Insights from the Founder
Embedded within 'Founder's Legacy' are explorations of the fundamental questions guiding iYell's operations:
- - Why does iYell exist to impact society?
- - What is the significance of long-term management focused on 1,000 years ahead?
- - Why is the distinction between a supportive workplace and one that simply offers comfort important?
The founder, Mitsuhiro Kubota, articulates these philosophies across 81 themes, delivering a detailed account of the values underpinning decision-making at iYell. There is an inherent belief that these values should remain constant, regardless of market fluctuations and company size, thus forming the DNA of iYell.
Collaborative Efforts
The creation of 'Founder's Legacy' involved collaboration with Reiko Nomiya, a leadership and organizational transformation strategist. Together, they extracted insights from Kubota's experience and designed the content to resonate across various organizational practices. The book's writing required over 5,000 hours of effort and spans 250,000 words—an ambitious undertaking that reflects the depth of iYell's philosophical framework.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, 'Founder's Legacy' is envisioned not just as a theoretical guide, but as a foundational platform from which all employees can derive meaning and direction. The goal is to integrate this philosophy into every aspect of the organization's operations, accelerating both growth and cultural integrity.
The company aims to ensure that its values remain accessible, regardless of the organization's size or industry transitions, thus avoiding dependency on personnel for sustainable growth. Furthermore, iYell plans to develop programs for nurturing the next generation of leaders who can carry forward this unique corporate ethos.
Ultimately, iYell aims for its unique management philosophy to deeply resonate within the daily lives of its employees, weaving happiness with business growth into the fabric of its organizational vision—'A Planet Supporting Each Other.'
About the Founder
Mitsuhiro Kubota, CEO of iYell, began his career at SBI Holdings in 2007, quickly rising to the role of executive officer at SBI Mortgage (now SBI Arahiy). In 2016, he founded iYell, catalyzing numerous innovations in housing loan support systems. The company has attracted funding exceeding 10.68 billion yen and employs around 290 individuals within its group of eight companies, championing the digital transformation of a traditionally analog sector.
Conclusion
As iYell moves forward, it remains committed to fostering an environment grounded in collaboration and mutual support. By prioritizing employee happiness alongside business success, iYell continues to envision a brighter, interconnected future for all stakeholders involved.