Izumi Watanabe

I joined LaSalle in 2008 and I am celebrating my 14-year anniversary this month. Time flies!

Before LaSalle, I worked in global finance and for a non-profit called the Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. I was responsible for many financial tasks including accounting, payroll and financial administrative duties.

At that time, I worked three days per week, because I was raising two small children and wanted to spend time with them. I was introduced to LaSalle through a recruiting agency when my son was six years old. The Regional Finance team was looking for a person in Japan who would work part-time, and that matched with my wish to be at home with my children. I started with LaSalle in Corporate Finance in 2008 as an Associate, responsible for revenue recognition and general reporting.

When I joined, Asia Pacific Corporate Finance was small and new, there were two team members in Singapore, and only one in Japan. Even though we didn’t meet in person for some time, I appreciated the support I received my colleagues. We bonded with trust and friendship and worked well as a team.

Just after I started, the Global Financial Crisis affected our business and our assets under management (AUM) started to drop. Through those tough years, I remember our LaSalle Japan colleagues working hard to find new sources of investments. In 2013, though Japan AUM was still lower, we had more variety in our investments. I faced something new every year, taking on new challenges and opportunities. I worked with my manager to standardize policies for local finance, fee recognition, and cost recharges. On my five-year anniversary with LaSalle, I was promoted to Manager.

I did not expect that promotion because I was still working on a shorter schedule to balance my time with my children. However, I extended my work time in 2015, because our business grew, and Corporate Finance had more responsibility. LaSalle Logiport REIT was launched that year, and I covered our subsidiary company managing the REIT.

Shortly after, LaSalle internalized the financial activity, instead of outsourcing it. My manager asked me if I would like to be Head of Corporate Finance for Japan. I had enough experience; however, I declined the offer at that time. I was not confident I would be able to perform this job and have enough time with my family.

When I declined the offer, I worked with the local team and manager, and I sometimes dealt with challenges in my role. I did not always share my views openly and looking back I regretted not accepting the new position. This was a turning point for me. Four years later in 2019, I started to cover cash management and tax filing and was promoted to Vice President. In December, due to internal movements, I was again offered the role of Head of Corporate Finance. I was thrilled to get a second chance and accepted the offer.

I love working with my Corporate Finance team and our colleagues around the world. I have good colleagues in Japan and in Corporate Finance, and I see their perseverance even during tough times. It always encourages and motivates me to see how they take challenges with grace, and I am grateful to work with such people.