Leading High-Performance Teams: Empowered by Cross-Cultural Collaboration

NUCB Business School recently hosted Leading High-Performance Teams, a joint program with Nikkei Business School designed to provide MBA-curious business professionals in Japan with a genuine, case-method learning experience. Conducted on campus over four days and offered in both Japanese and English, the program brought together working professionals, current MBA students, and international participants for intensive discussion and applied learning.

Developing Leadership Through Practical Case Engagement

Participants explored leadership issues across several dimensions, including:

• Organizational and multicultural management
• Corporate performance and KPI design
• Operational excellence
• Innovation and organizational behavior
• Sustainability and purpose-driven strategy

Rather than relying on passive lectures, sessions followed NUCB Business School’s participant-centered case method, encouraging students to articulate opinions, challenge assumptions, and develop the communication and analytical skills expected in senior leadership roles.

International Faculty and Cross-Cultural Perspective

The English track provided additional value for professionals seeking to communicate about business in English and broaden their global outlook. Degree candidates from NUCB Business School’s international programs joined the class for academic credit, contributing diverse perspectives and strengthening cross-cultural dialogue. This interaction deepened participants’ understanding of global business dynamics and prepared them for increasingly international work environments.

Distinguished Faculty Expertise

The program featured contributions from NUCB Business School faculty including Professor Ricardo Lim; Professor Kentaro Koga; Professor Mohsin Hakeem; Professor Louie Wong, Associate Dean for Internationalization; Professor Hiroshi Uchikoga; and Program Leader Professor Kenji Yokoyama, Dean for External Relations.

The program also welcomed Professor Ralf Boscheck, Emeritus Professor at IMD in Switzerland, who joined NUCB Business School this semester. Professor Boscheck brought extensive experience in global policy, competition dynamics, and strategy, offering participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with internationally recognized expertise. His session examined leadership challenges emerging from global complexity and the responsibilities organizations face when addressing shared societal issues.

Capstone and Reflection

The program concluded with Professor Yokoyama’s capstone session, synthesizing insights developed throughout the course. Participants reflected on key themes, evaluated leadership approaches, and considered how to translate classroom discussion into practical action within their organizations.

Looking Ahead

Leading High-Performance Teams is part of a continuing series of collaborative programs between NUCB Business School and Nikkei Business School designed to bridge academic perspectives with professional practice. NUCB Business School looks forward to welcoming future participants and continuing to support the development of leaders capable of navigating a rapidly evolving global landscape.

About Nikkei Business School

Nikkei Business School is part of the Nikkei Group, one of Japan’s largest media companies, renowned for its national newspaper and television outlets. The school is dedicated to “fostering human resources who can promote business globally and bring change and vitality to society.” It offers systematic learning programs across a wide range of professionals—from general employees to senior executives—partnering with global institutions to deliver practical, business‑focused education. For more information, please visit: Nikkei Business School