We recently connected with Toshihiro Iwasaki and have shared our conversation below.
Toshihiro , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I believe that creating a natural environment that fosters creativity is crucial for maintaining one’s creative mindset. It is important to break free from the confines of the office and seek new sources of inspiration. Attending automotive events can be a fantastic way to explore various genres of automobiles and broaden one’s perspective. Developing a balanced appreciation for different types of vehicles, including classic cars, supercars, EVs, and outdoor vehicles, can greatly stimulate one’s creativity. Moreover, we proactively participate in non-automotive events, such as technology, music, fashion, food, interior design, and art. Exposing ourselves to diverse cultural and professional domains also exposes us to fresh insights and ideas. The fusion of different cultures is yet another exciting catalyst for creativity. By combining elements from various cultural backgrounds and artistic expressions, one can generate novel ideas and gain unique perspectives.
Additionally, I’ve found that traveling between the United States and my home country of Japan presents an excellent opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and absorb new influences. The contrasting cultural and environmental experiences in both countries consistently offer fresh and exhilarating encounters. By embracing mobility and constantly seeking new experiences, one can continuously evolve and accumulate a wealth of knowledge.
To nurture one’s creativity, it is essential to remain open to new sources of stimulation. Embracing diverse events and immersing oneself in different cultures will provide a vast array of information and perspectives. These experiences and knowledge form the bedrock of creativity and serve as valuable resources in one’s creative endeavors.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Phiaro traces its roots back to 1939 when my grandfather established the company in Tokyo as a manufacturer of wooden molds. From a young age, I was exposed to the world of manufacturing through visits to the family’s production facilities, where I experienced the aroma of wood in the workshop and the scent of oil from the machinery. After joining the family business, I embarked on a journey of learning, immersing myself in various factories to gain hands-on experience in both the digital and physical aspects of the industry. My exploration of concept car creation allowed me to delve into the thought processes of engineers, navigate technological challenges, and delve into the expansive realm of design. This experience equipped me with the ability to comprehend the vision of designers and translate it into tangible concepts for each project.
In 2013, I moved to the United States, where I familiarized myself with different cultures and embraced the diversity of design, leading to a transformative shift in my thinking. In recent years, I have personally explored the realm of human-machine interfaces (HMI) and UI/UX, charting a course into a new era for the company.
Over its 84-year history, Phiaro has evolved into a company renowned for its work on concept cars for automakers of all sizes worldwide. With a steadfast commitment to quality, Phiaro has assembled a team of experienced craftsmen and women dedicated to achieving perfection. The company is also deeply engaged in the development of new technologies, with a focus on projects related to electric vehicles (EVs), EV batteries, and UI/UX.
Valuing innovation and embracing a spirit of experimentation, Phiaro constantly strives to push boundaries. During the novel coronavirus pandemic, the company adapted its sales strategy by shifting online and effectively utilizing social media to showcase its accomplishments and commitment to quality. This proactive approach expanded Phiaro’s global reach, connecting them with new networks and business opportunities.
Phiaro’s pursuit of growth and diversification has been fueled by a relentless spirit of challenge and a forward-looking strategy. Positioned at the forefront of technological advancements, the creation of concept cars remains an exciting industry that Phiaro actively participates in, continuously attuned to current trends and proactively generating new ideas and designs.
By blending tradition and innovation, Phiaro creates products that cater to the demands of the times.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The qualities I have found to best shape individual success and organizational achievement are wisdom, integrity, and virtue. Wisdom encompasses the ability to foresee and make sound judgments based on knowledge. It involves calmly and accurately assessing situations, leading to effective problem-solving and decision-making. Integrity is fundamental, rooted in acting with honesty and in good faith. By consistently demonstrating integrity, individuals and organizations build confidence and promote trust, cooperation, teamwork, and strong relationships. Virtue encompasses compassion and kindness towards others. Cultivating a heart of empathy and love for those around us fosters healthy relationships and contributes to a positive work environment. To cultivate wisdom, it’s great to learn from the collective experience of your colleagues and managers, whether it’s observing their behavior or speaking to them directly. Proactively heading off issues is often best, but there will always be a curveball thrown your way late in the schedule, and remaining calm under pressure is a valuable skill to learn. Remember that the latest is not always the greatest, even in technology, so it is important to approach solutions with a holistic view that includes human-centered factors like wellness. To develop integrity and virtue, you must always be willing to fearlessly act in good faith, for the best interests of your client and company. Remember that even if the other person seems hostile or upset in the moment, at the end of the day everyone involved wants to succeed. Surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart and who are not afraid to challenge you. Before you know it, you will have taken part in large, complex projects like the Toyota Concept-i or the Cadillac InnerSpace.
Reflecting on the skills that have influenced your journey, you began with fieldwork and gained diverse experiences across different group companies, acquiring skills in sales, indirect management, administration, and leadership. In addition, secondments to customers and overseas transfers exposed you to different environments, facilitating personal growth and the development of a solid foundation. Your efforts to understand the perspectives and emotions of individuals in various departments demonstrate another valuable quality.
Your knowledge areas have been shaped by the digitization of cars, particularly in the realms of HMI (human-machine interface) and UI/UX for car interiors and in-car demos. Two decades ago, you recognized the digitalization of cars and gained knowledge in graphic design and programming through your work with HMI demo models within the company. Over time, as HMIs have evolved, you have expanded your expertise to encompass UI/UX, focusing on car interiors, internal spaces, and in-vehicle demos. Additionally, you possess knowledge of new technologies and industry benchmarks, and you have supported challenging projects such as the Toyota Concept-i and the Cadillac InnerSpace.
Looking ahead, you acknowledge that the pursuit of the latest technology does not necessarily equate to the best product development. Instead, you prioritize human values and well-being. By drawing from your own experiences and embracing a holistic perspective, rather than solely relying on the latest information, you aim to create a balance that incorporates both new knowledge and past experiences. This balanced approach enriches your perspective, fosters creativity, and enables you to create new value while adapting to the ever-changing times.
In an era where the latest does not always signify the best, it is crucial to continuously seek new knowledge and technology while leveraging past experiences and personal strengths. Striking this equilibrium allows for a broader perspective, nurtures creativity, and enables the creation of innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the world.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
Whether it’s a startup or a company with a long-standing history, working with passionate clients who take on challenging projects is incredibly rewarding. Establishing relationships with such enthusiastic customers is ideal, as they are open to new ideas and committed to growth. From Phiaro’s perspective, the company is committed to continuous learning and aiming to provide technical leadership that meets the needs of these clients. By fostering an environment where creativity is acknowledged and nurtured, both Phiaro and its customers can benefit from mutual growth. This approach facilitates the development of strong and positive customer relationships, built on a foundation of collaboration and shared goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://phiaroinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phiaro.inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phiaroinc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phiaro-incorporated/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@phiaroinc
Image Credits
Cadillac InnerSpace Toyota Concept-i
