Podcast “Ambition and Strategy” Vol. 5: Guest Eitaro Kono, Managing Director of Boomi Japan
The fifth episode of the podcast “Designing Business & Technology – Ambition and Strategy,” hosted by Ayumi Mizoshiri (CEO of Sazae Pty Ltd) and Tadao Takahashi (CEO of Power Solutions Inc.の), is now available.
In this podcast, two IT business leaders operating in the distinct environments of Japan and Australia discuss the behind-the-scenes thinking and decision-making they face daily in the worlds of business, technology, and management.
For this fifth installment, we welcome Eitaro Kono, the Managing Director of Boomi Japan and author of the million-seller “The 1% Work Method.” We dive deep into why Mr. Kono chose to step off the “elite track” to forge his own unique career path, exploring the origins of his philosophy and the essence of his work methods derived from his vast experience.
This episode is available on various platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also find episode highlights and guest profiles on our dedicated landing page.
The fifth episode has been available since March 26, 2026. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts:
Episode Talk Themes
In the fifth episode, we sit down with Eitaro Kono, Managing Director of Boomi Japan, to discuss his unique career perspective gained by stepping off the traditional “track” and the thinking habits required to achieve overwhelming results.
The Surprising Origin of the Name “Sazae”
A surprising connection between Mr. Mizoshiri and Boomi is revealed at the beginning of the show. What is the story that links Boomi and Sazae?
The Decision to Leave the “Set Path” After Only Two Months
Mr. Kono left Dentsu just two months after joining as a new graduate. We reveal the surprising actions he took when his desired assignment wasn’t realized and the “selection criteria” that defined his subsequent life.
Career Evolution and Forging Your Own Path
From Accenture and IBM to a successful startup IPO—Mr. Kono discusses the merits of choosing the path that 99% of people don’t take, regardless of the organization’s size.
Struggles and Leadership as Captain of the U. Tokyo Swimming Team
Behind his seemingly smooth career lies the trial and error of his student days. The roots of his leadership were formed during this “gritty” period.
The Prototype of “The 1% Work Method” and 2,000-Person Projects
We explore the essence of his work habits that create an overwhelming difference in quality, polished through managing massive projects with 2,000 people.
Input Habits that Support Thinking
What supports the perspective of a busy executive is an immense amount of reading. He talks about his routine for turning information into more than just knowledge, making it part of his very being.
Speakers
Guest: Eitaro Kono（Managing Director, Boomi Japan）
After graduating from the University of Tokyo, he worked at Dentsu, Accenture, and IBM Japan before assuming his current role. While at IBM, he wrote “The 1% Work Method,” which became a million-seller. Currently, he leads Boomi Japan, a global leader in iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) that supports corporate DX, while also dedicating himself to developing the next generation of leaders through writing and speaking engagements.
【Boomi Related Links】
Boomi Official Website (Available in Japanese)
【Upcoming Events & Webinars】
- Apr 16 (Thu) : Solace. Connect Tokyo
- Apr 23 (Thu) : Hubspot + Boomi + Sazae Joint Webinar — The AI Era: Driving Competitiveness through “Meaningful Context.” HubSpot discusses sales data strategy and practical architecture connecting CRM, core systems, and AI.
- May 12 (Tue) – 13 (Wed): CIO Japan Summit 2026
- May 19 (Tue) – 21 (Thu) : Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2026
Host: Tadao Takahashi (CEO, Power Solutions Inc.)
Leads Power Solutions, which drives DX and global SaaS implementation support with a focus on the finance and asset management sectors. Originally with a liberal arts background and an aspiring copywriter, a chance encounter during his job search led him to the IT industry. He discovered the joy of “craftsmanship” as an engineer and now, as an executive, emphasizes organizational “ball movement.” Influenced by his three daughters, he started playing the cello and has recently developed an interest in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Host: Ayumi Mizoshiri (Representative Director, Sazae Pty Ltd)
A 16-year resident of Sydney, Australia. CEO of Sazae, which provides IT consulting and SaaS implementation support. While majoring in film at university, he encountered IT and acquired skills through self-study. He experienced entrepreneurship while still a student and has been involved in multiple startups in Australia, including finance-related mobile app development and incubator businesses. He is currently working to be a business bridge between Japan and Australia.
Future Episodes & Closing
Moving forward, we plan to continue inviting guest speakers to explore business and technology topics from even more diverse perspectives. Through this program, Sazae aims to share not only the application of technology itself but also the thinking processes and decision-making frameworks behind it.
Please listen to “Ambition and Strategy” on Spotify or Apple Podcasts 👇
- Spotify
- Apple Podcasts
Dedicated Landing Page：https://mizoshiri.com/podcats/takurami/
