The Age of Excellence: Yuko Tashiro’s Remarkable Rise

Insights on maintaining relevance and impact throughout your career

Dear Friend,

In my work with leaders and executives of all ages, I’ve noticed some common themes that emerge, regardless of how confident and determined a leader may appear on the outside. As leaders grow older, two tendencies often arise: they may become set in their ways, relying on past recipes for success, or they may experience lingering self-doubt about their ability to stay relevant and keep pace with change.

The first tendency can quickly stall a career. Becoming the "we’ve-tried-that-before" person or the "not-done-here" person often turns leaders into obstacles rather than catalysts for innovation. On the other hand, the second tendency—self-doubt—can fuel growth. Given the constant dynamics we all face in our lives, work, and communities, those who consciously choose to align their actions with their inner drive and purpose tend to find themselves in a more fulfilling place later in life.

I’ve had the honor of knowing Yuko Tashiro since my first stint in Japan over 15 years ago. Her determination to step out of the safe corporate world and support communities in Tohoku right after the Triple Disaster in 2011 was nothing short of inspiring. We recently reconnected, and I’m excited to share Yuko’s journey with you. Her story is a powerful reminder that it’s up to each of us to make an impact and stay relevant throughout our careers—and indeed, our lives.

Meet Yuko Tashiro in my exclusive series, "Exceptional Leaders: Women as Gems." In a world where professional success is often measured by early achievements, Yuko's journey stands as a powerful testament to the idea that it's never too late to make a significant impact. Born in 1954, Yuko’s career didn't follow the conventional path. In fact, she started her professional journey later in life, after dedicating herself to raising her children. But what makes her story truly remarkable is how she defied age norms and transformed into a trailblazing leader in some of Japan's most prominent organizations, including KPMG , 通用电气 Japan, Aon Holdings, and Accordia Golf Co Ltd .

A Late Start, but a Strong Finish: Building Expertise and Experience

Yuko’s story is not just about resilience; it's about the power of deep subject-matter expertise and experience. She began her career at KPMG in her thirties, an age when many professionals are already well-established. Her work as a CPA and auditor in the U.S. honed her financial acumen and strategic thinking—skills that would later prove invaluable as she took on leadership roles in her 60s. Yuko’s path serves as a beacon of hope for those who might feel that their time has passed—showing that career success is not bound by age, but by passion and determination.

Transformative Leadership: From Corporate Japan to Community Revival

Her career took a significant turn when she returned to Japan and joined GE Japan, where she was responsible for implementing global procurement systems—a role that required bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. However, it was her volunteer work in Tohoku after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake that truly shaped her leadership style. This period of community revival taught Yuko the importance of resilience, adaptability, and giving back, values she carried into her later roles.

Breaking Barriers at Accordia Golf: A New Era of Inclusive Leadership

At Accordia Golf Corporation, Yuko assumed the role of President in her 60s, leading the company through complex challenges, including the intricate process of taking the company private. Her leadership at Accordia was not just about managing a company; it was about transforming an industry traditionally dominated by men and paving the way for more inclusive business practices.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

One of Yuko’s most significant contributions has been her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). At Accordia, she recognized the untapped potential of women, both as employees and customers, in a male-dominated industry. By launching initiatives designed to attract more women to golf and creating opportunities for female employees to develop their leadership skills, Yuko didn’t just talk about change—she made it happen.

A Lasting Legacy: Leadership Beyond Age

Yuko’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by age, but by the experiences and wisdom we accumulate over a lifetime. Her story challenges traditional narratives around career progression and serves as an inspiration for women at all stages of their careers.

If Yuko’s journey resonates with you, I invite you to explore her story and leadership lessons - here . And if you’re looking to infuse your leadership journey with the same resilience, adaptability, and purpose that Yuko exemplifies, let’s connect. There’s always room to grow, no matter where you are in your career.

Recent Cast Study: A Leader’s Journey to Self-Worth

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a seasoned female executive in the APAC region who found herself navigating a tough transition. After a top management change, she suddenly had to report to a new regional executive. Despite her impressive track record of commercial successes, the new executive expected much more. For the first time in her career, she faced a situation that deeply hurt her: the regional executive didn’t seem to like her personally, didn’t acknowledge the hard work behind her achievements, and questioned her strategic thinking.

Feeling undervalued, she concluded it was time to move on. But that decision opened another challenging chapter—job hunting. She quickly encountered the harsh reality of age discrimination, leaving her feeling trapped between staying in a company that didn’t appreciate her and facing rejection in the job market.

It took time, reflection, and coaching to work through these challenges. Together, we explored what drove her, what had held her back at her previous company, and what she truly wanted moving forward. Despite decades of experience, she realized that self-awareness and clarity on what you want as a leader are key to navigating difficult situations. For years, she had sought validation and approval from others, wanting to be seen as the “good girl.” Being told in her mid-50s that she wasn’t a strategic leader felt harsh, especially after years of positive contributions. It highlighted also a gap in her ability to navigate organizational politics and manage key stakeholders.

Her constant need for external validation had slowly eroded her confidence, and facing age discrimination during her job hunt added another painful blow. She started to doubt her worth, her abilities, and the immense value she brought to the table.?

This case illustrates how the safe space of coaching can be transformative. It provides the opportunity to reflect on deeply personal challenges like self-worth and helps leaders reposition themselves with confidence in the workplace.?

Staying Relevant: Leadership Tips for Every Stage of Your Career

1. Lead with Purpose: To stay relevant, it’s essential to align your leadership with your personal purpose. Take the time to reflect on what truly drives you—your inner "why." Leading from this place not only keeps you motivated but also inspires those around you. It helps you rely less on external validation and more on your own sense of direction. Purpose-driven leadership creates lasting impact, keeping you energized and influential throughout your career.

Can you articulate your purpose in one sentence?

2. Embrace Cross-Generational Mentorship: Don’t be afraid to seek mentorship from younger generations, especially in areas where you may not be as experienced—like technology or evolving cultural trends. Learning from different perspectives helps you stay fresh and adaptable, blending your experience with new ideas to ensure your leadership remains dynamic and forward-thinking.

What would be one topic where Gen Z could mentor you?

As you continue your leadership journey, remember that staying relevant isn’t just about keeping up with the latest trends—it’s about staying true to your purpose and embracing new ways of thinking. Here's to leading with intention and impact, no matter where you are in life.

Warm regards,?

Karin Wellbrock