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Shake Things Up!

Get ready to be inspired by the one and only Inamori Kazuo - a true disruptor and change maker in the world of business. Kazuo had made a name for himself as a highly respected entrepreneur and management expert with a knack for shaking things up and mastering disruptions, as he had led several successful turnarounds, including those of Japan Airlines (JAL) and Kyocera Corporation.

Kazuo's track record of success is truly remarkable. When he was brought in by Japanese government to lead Japan Airlines (JAL) in 2010, the airline was in dire straits and had filed for bankruptcy protection. But Kazuo wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and take bold actions. Kazuo took a customer-centric approach to reviving JAL's fortunes, emphasizing the importance of improving the airline's reputation. He oversaw restructuring efforts that included cost-cutting measures, route reductions, and a workforce reduction of 16,000 employees. These efforts, coupled with his visionary leadership, helped to reestablish JAL as a leading airline in the global market. His change approaches paid off big time – JAL was back with a whopping USD$2.6 billion profit in 2010 and continued to perform profitable in subsequent years.

At Kyocera Corporation, Kazuo introduced an innovative management philosophy called "amoeba management". This approach involved breaking the company into small teams or "amoebas" responsible for their own profits and losses. It empowered employees, encouraged innovation, and resulted in Kyocera's success. Kazuo also led Kyocera transforming from a ceramic company to becoming a major electronic player in the 1980s, a bold move that grew Kyocera from USD$100 million in 1971 to over USD$15 billion by 2000.

Kazuo's approach to change management is truly inspirational. He doesn't just think outside the box - he threw the box away. He's not afraid to take risks and make bold moves, and he's not afraid to disrupt the status quo and shake things up with measures. His leadership has earned him praise from the likes of Warren Buffet, Jack Welch, and Larry Bossidy and well-regarded as "Proven Turnaround Expert" - and it's not hard to see why.

If you're looking for inspiration on how to effectively manage crisis and adapt to a dynamic business landscape, Inamori Kazuo is a great role model. His practical leadership and visionary approach are sure to leave you feeling empowered to make a difference in your own organization.