PROFESSIONAL
The future envisioned by the youngest center manager. Proof of ASNOVA's appeal and growth
At Chiba Kashiwa Center, there is a young leader, Mr. Ryuta Toriumi, who works hard every day as ASNOVA's "youngest center manager Equipment Management Department as of the date of publication)." "Every day is fresh and a new challenge!" he says. What does ASNOVA mean to him?
As he aims to make further strides at this new base, the company's third in Chiba Prefecture, he spoke to us about what he keeps in mind every day as a leader and the "opportunities for challenges" that ASNOVA offers.
Text: Sayaka Mitsuda
Photo: Sho Kobayashi
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- Ryuta Toriumi
- Center Manager, Chiba Kashiwa Center, Equipment Management Department at ASNOVA Co., Ltd. As the youngest Center Manager (as of the date of publication), he is responsible for managing scaffolding equipment at Chiba Kashiwa Center and other center operations.
"Now is the time!" I ran for office. I turned my anxiety into an opportunity for growth.
Q. Please tell us about the background to the opening of Chiba Kashiwa Center.
Toriumi: Chiba Kashiwa Center is located about an hour's drive from the center of Kanto, halfway between Chiba Noda Center and Chiba Yotsukaido Center which are already operating in Chiba Prefecture. In addition to being easily accessible from the two centers and the center of Tokyo, other features of this center include the fact that it will reduce the operational load of the center and provide customers with more options and improved convenience.
Q. What led you to become center manager?
Toriumi: In my previous job, I worked in the education industry, where I learned proper etiquette and work-related attitudes as a member of society. A senior colleague who I had been close to since my student days worked at ASNOVA, and I had heard about the appeal of the company, so I wanted to work in an environment where I could grow as a person.
I had felt frustrated at my previous job because I was not able to manage people, so during my interview at ASNOVA I honestly expressed my thoughts that "in the future, I would like to focus on management and grow as the head equipment center."
Toriumi: After I joined the company, I learned about center operations at Chiba Yotsukaido Center, but when I heard that Chiba Kashiwa Center was opening, I thought, "Now is the time!" and put my hand up to be a candidate for center manager. Thanks to that, I was able to become center center manager, but I feel that I have only just reached the starting line of what I want to do and what I need to do. There is still a long way to go.
Q. What is your biggest concern as center manager?
Toriumi: It's not enough to just give instructions; it's important to demonstrate your abilities by taking action yourself. When people get tired, they tend to do sloppy work, but if you show that attitude, that will become the standard for the center. As the saying goes, "Water flows to the lowest point, and people flow to the easiest point," we at the center are conscious of acting to high standards.
Also, since many of our employees are older than us, I value the attitude of being open to learning from those who are older than me, and I try to treat them with respect.
Q. Have you faced any difficulties as center manager? Also, please tell us about any moments when you felt your work was rewarding.
Toriumi: There are many things I am experiencing for the first time, and I sometimes feel anxious, but I am trying my best to see it as an opportunity to learn new things. With the help of my colleagues at the center and other center manager, I try to take on any challenge.
I feel a sense of accomplishment every day! I can feel my skills improving little by little, and it's fun to work. However, when I'm with veteran center manager and area manager, I feel like I still have a lot to learn.
Grow through the challenges of ASNOVA and aim to become a model case
Q. What are your prospects for the future?
Toriumi: There are two existing centers operating on a large scale in Chiba Prefecture, but in the future, I would like to make Chiba Kashiwa Center a large enough base that the name "Chiba is synonymous with!" To achieve this, I think it is important to first let the local people know about the center's existence and to work hard on each and every case.
As for my own future, I believe that I will naturally grow if I tackle each task in front of me seriously. When I face difficulties, I want to remember to see them as opportunities.
Toriumi: Actually, when Chiba Kashiwa Center opened, Mr. Fukano, area manager of the Kanto 1st Area, entrusted me with some of the opening work. Usually, when a new equipment center opens, area manager in charge does it, but he respected my desire to "try it." Of course, it was my first time, so it took time and I caused a lot of trouble, but I feel that it was a great learning experience for me to be trusted and entrusted with the task.
In addition, through close communication, I was able to feel the generosity of area manager, the difficulty of the job, and his passion for the job. I think that this environment has allowed me to grow.
Q. How do you balance your work and personal life?
Toriumi: It's very fulfilling! I moved to Chiba when Chiba Kashiwa Center opened, so I recently got a dog. On my days off, I enjoy playing with my dog more than anything else. It's a Sheltie, and it's so cute that I fell in love with it at first sight at the pet shop. I even show pictures to my friends and brag about it.
My phone's wallpaper is also a picture of my beloved dog...or so you might think, but it's actually a picture of my respected area manager Mr. Fukano! He's a senior who has always been kind to me, so I set it as my wallpaper so that I never forget to be grateful to him!
Q. What do you think ASNOVA expects from you?
Toriumi: I think ASNOVA is the best environment for people who are motivated to learn and grow. It is a company that gives opportunities regardless of age, career, or position, so I want to be a model case for myself. In fact, centers are opening one after another, so I think it is necessary to have a proactive attitude of "This will make it better" or "I want to learn this and put it to use."
Maybe it's good to be as proactive as I am, even if people think, "This guy is getting too cocky!" By taking on new challenges without refusing anything, new opportunities will come your way! I look forward to continuing to grab those opportunities and growing as a person.
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