Entrevista de Paralelo 23 con Carlos Kasuga Osaka

Summary

In this thought-provoking conversation, Carlos Casuga, of Japanese descent, shares insights on core values essential for both personal and professional growth in Mexico, emphasizing discipline, punctuality, honesty, and hard work. He reflects on the influence of Japanese principles in his life, stressing the importance of doing everything well and treating others with respect and care. Casuga also highlights the concept of 'moral salary' and the need for better education and values, urging society to shift focus from material wealth to personal integrity. He advocates for a collective mindset to improve Mexico's future, with a focus on hard work, respect, and gratitude for the country's resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emphasizing the importance of values: Carlos Casuga highlights four core principles based on his Japanese heritage, focusing on being punctual, honest, disciplined, hardworking, and studious.
• 😀 The significance of punctuality: Casuga stresses that even small delays, such as being 10 minutes late, result in lost time that can never be recovered, highlighting its negative impact on both individual and societal productivity.
• 😀 The concept of doing things well: Casuga encourages individuals to commit to excellence in every aspect of life, from everyday tasks to personal interactions, as a pathway to happiness and fulfillment.
• 😀 The importance of the moral salary: Casuga suggests that creating a work environment where employees feel respected, useful, and valued is more motivating than monetary compensation alone.
• 😀 Investing in employees' well-being: By building a connection with employees and understanding their lives, Casuga demonstrates the benefits of treating workers as part of the family, promoting security and trust.
• 😀 The role of security in performance: Casuga emphasizes that workers who feel secure in their jobs, free from fear of arbitrary dismissal, are more likely to give their best effort at work.
• 😀 The danger of prioritizing wealth over character: Casuga critiques the Mexican obsession with 'having' rather than 'being,' where wealth and material possessions are valued over personal qualities like honesty and integrity.
• 😀 The value of education beyond knowledge: Casuga argues that education should not only impart academic knowledge but also teach values, highlighting how Mexico's focus on 'having' has undermined moral education.
• 😀 Cultural differences in business ethics: Casuga compares Japanese and Mexican business cultures, noting that Japanese companies emphasize discipline, respect, and responsibility, while Mexico often struggles with corruption and a lack of trust.
• 😀 The necessity of a shift in attitude: Casuga advocates for a collective change in mindset to prioritize integrity, responsibility, and the well-being of society over individual wealth, in order to create a prosperous Mexico.

Q & A

What are the four principles mentioned in the transcript and how do they apply to personal and professional life?

The four principles discussed are 'Be', 'Do', 'Well-being', and 'Have'. They emphasize personal integrity, discipline, punctuality, and dedication to one's work. 'Be' refers to embodying values like honesty and punctuality, 'Do' means performing tasks with excellence from the start, 'Well-being' focuses on creating happiness through selfless actions, and 'Have' advises against seeking wealth or success without first adhering to the previous principles.

Why is punctuality considered vital according to the speaker?

Punctuality is considered vital because it represents respect for others' time and ensures that opportunities are not wasted. The speaker uses an example of a late conference start, calculating how much time is lost in total when people are late. They argue that punctuality is a reflection of responsibility and discipline.

What does the speaker mean by 'do everything well from the beginning'?

The speaker encourages doing everything with care and dedication, whether it is something as simple as getting out of bed or more complex tasks like working or studying. The principle stresses that if you commit to doing something, do it excellently, as it has lasting effects on both your personal satisfaction and your interactions with others.

What is the concept of 'sueldo moral' (moral salary) and how does it impact workers?

The 'sueldo moral' refers to the intangible benefits a worker gains from feeling respected, needed, and appreciated in their job. The speaker argues that when employees feel valued and understood, they work with greater motivation and dedication, leading to greater satisfaction and productivity, which is more important than just a financial salary.

How does the speaker view the role of employers in fostering a healthy work environment?

The speaker believes that employers should adopt a moral responsibility toward their employees, treating them like family and ensuring their well-being. By understanding their workers’ personal lives and challenges, and ensuring job security, employers can create a motivated, loyal workforce that feels safe and valued.

Why does the speaker visit employees' homes, and how does this practice benefit the company?

The speaker visits employees' homes to understand their living conditions and personal struggles, as he believes that knowing workers' realities allows for better leadership. By engaging with workers outside of the workplace, the speaker builds trust and a sense of security, which ultimately leads to higher morale and productivity.

What criticism does the speaker have regarding the Mexican education system and its impact on young people?

The speaker criticizes the Mexican education system for instilling fear and a 'no' mindset in students rather than encouraging initiative, creativity, and competitiveness. This system, according to the speaker, stifles young people's potential and creates a generation that is afraid to take risks or make decisions, which impacts their ability to become successful entrepreneurs.

What does the speaker believe is the main difference between Mexico and Japan in terms of their economic success?

The speaker highlights that Japan, despite being a smaller country with fewer natural resources, has managed to become a global economic power due to its strong work ethic and value placed on discipline and quality. In contrast, Mexico, despite having abundant natural resources, struggles with poverty due to a lack of focus on work ethic, education, and the tendency to prioritize quick wealth.

How does the speaker address the issue of corruption in Mexico?

The speaker explains that corruption in Mexico is a result of prioritizing material wealth over character and values. He believes that the emphasis on 'having' rather than 'being' leads to unethical behaviors like corruption and criminal activity, as people seek shortcuts to success without the foundation of integrity or hard work.

What does the speaker propose as a solution to Mexico's problems?

The speaker advocates for a change in attitude, where individuals and businesses prioritize values like respect, education, and hard work. He suggests that if everyone works together with a focus on improving Mexico as a whole—by educating, saving, working harder, and reducing waste—Mexico could become a powerful nation with fewer social problems.