#IWD2023 Interview with Sanae Endo, Human Resources Director at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
How do you define a goal of gender equality?
My gender goal is to embrace being the best version of ourselves – that means we can be the way we are, and society can still embrace our uniqueness.
What skills do you believe equip yourself with to be successful in your career?
My life experiences and many failures are two things that help me grow. I am in HR and see many ups and downs of people who went through great successes and failures. I started to have compassion for people because sometimes life hits a curve ball. I see some opportunities of people for growth. If someone tells the areas that you can improve, you need to appreciate the advice since when you grow up,
Nobody tells you how you should behave. This comes from my past failures.
What makes you stay motivated and inspired, especially in facing challenges or obstacles?
Always, people - it can be my team, my friends, or my family. There is always a reason I face challenges, and it gives me the power to realize simple happiness.
What advice would you give to young women just starting out in their careers?
Enjoy the ride! We often become so serious about life. When I was young, I became so nervous to present in front of people. I hated myself. But that gave me an experience to speak publicly now. Everything is going to be ok.
Who is your role model, and how do you think you can become other’s role model?
My former boss, Ed Rapp, is my lifelong mentor. He was group president at Caterpillar and retired after being diagnosed with ALS. When I was in Caterpillar, he was way up in his position, I only met him a couple of times, but he has been my mentor for a lifetime. He strongly advocates striking a balance - to have a work-life balance and Ed worked hard to make it happen. Ed promised to everyone in Caterpillar to respond in 24 hours - even with ALS, he still response to my message in 24 hours. I respect him as a business leader, father, grandfather and friend.
