Balancing Work and Parenthood: Insights from a Female Manager at ASICS
At ASICS, we are proud to have employees who juggle the demands of work, family, and leadership with flexibility and determination. One such employee is a manager who has successfully balanced her career with raising children, drawing on her experiences working abroad and her global perspective. We spoke with her about her approach to managing work and family life, the advice that has shaped her journey, and her aspirations as a female leader at ASICS.
Can you tell us about your department and your role?
I belong to the Design Department within the Sportstyle Division, and I have been leading the Color & Materials team, which was established in January this year. Our team is responsible for finalizing the 3D forms of products based on initial 2D designs, including selecting colors and materials for inline products. We also create seasonal concepts which come from the seasonal trends, and propose color palettes and material directions of each product. Our role is to ensure that the products reflect the brand’s vision and story, using colors and materials to bring that vision to life.
What do you focus on when balancing work and parenthood?
I have three boys aged 9, 7, and 4, and they are full of energy! My key focus is not trying to do everything perfectly—both work and parenting. From my experience raising three children, I've learned that the more you try to balance both perfectly, the more likely it ends up with half-assed. I consciously try to identify what I can’t manage and proactively think about how to address it.
Balancing work and parenting requires strong collaboration with my husband, who is also an ASICS employee. Thanks to our flexible work system, we are able to manage our time between work and family effectively.
Have you faced any challenges in balancing work and parenting?
There are certainly challenges, particularly when children are young and need a lot of attention. While work cannot be neglected, there are many things that need to be done for children. In those moments, it's important not to bear the burden alone. I’ve learned to communicate openly about my situation and create an environment where I can seek support when necessary. For instance, when a child is unwell, it’s crucial to have people around who are understanding and willing to help. I am able to manage both work and raising three children thanks to the support and understanding of my family and colleagues.
Additionally, working with international colleagues across different time zones presents its own challenges. While I would prefer to spend time with my children after work hours, I prioritize family time from 5 PM until my meetings with overseas teams begin at 9 PM. This helps create clear boundaries between work and family life.
- What are the moments when you feel proud or fulfilled?
When I see small changes and growth in my children, such as when they achieve something new, it fills me with pride. Even small steps are a big deal as a parent, and these moments of progress inspire me. In this sense, I believe parenting positively influences my work life.
Many people may think it’s difficult to balance work and parenting, but I’ve found that reaching out for help and sharing concerns with others often leads to solutions. In our department, we openly share personal challenges, such as when a child’s school class is closed or when a partner is ill. This open exchange allows us to adjust our work schedules and offer support, creating a flexible and collaborative environment that I believe is embedded in ASICS’ culture.
You’ve also had experience working in ASICS’ overseas offices. How did you manage work and parenting while abroad?
While working in the Netherlands about ten years ago, I noticed that many employees with young children chose a four-day workweek, designating specific days as "Dad Day" or "Mom Day." This flexible work culture was widely accepted, even among employees without children. When I had my first son during my final year in the Netherlands, my husband also adopted "Dad Day," dedicating one weekday to housework and childcare. Later, when we moved to the United States, I also chose a four-day workweek, allowing me to balance work and family more flexibly, despite my husband working full-time. Both countries had advanced understanding and support for balancing work and family.
What advice or insights have you received from international colleagues about balancing work and parenting?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me came from an American male colleague who also had young children. During an early morning meeting, I apologized for the chaos around breakfast time, and he responded, "No worries at all!" He shared that they encouraged their children to take on small tasks like setting the table, making toast, and cleaning up. Initially, parents must guide their children, but over time, this reduces the parents' burden and helps children grow. This perspective was a revelation to me. It made me realize that while doing things for my children may be quicker, letting them do what they can fosters their independence and contributes to their growth. I now apply this approach in my own parenting and in mentoring my team members.
Since becoming a manager, have you noticed any changes in how you balance work and parenting?
Since I became a manager in January 2024, my responsibilities and tasks have increased, but my approach to balancing work and parenting hasn’t changed. If anything, it’s become easier. As my children have grown, they’ve become more independent, and they are more aware of when I’m busy, which helps reduce the load. The communication and understanding we’ve built at home and at work allow for a more supportive environment, and I continue to strive to improve that balance.
Finally, as a female manager balancing work and parenting, what are your career goals and challenges moving forward?
While advancing my own career is important, I feel that creating a more inclusive and flexible workplace for everyone will be key to the company’s future growth. My team includes members from offices in Europe and the United States, and I find their diverse perspectives and approaches incredibly stimulating. Likewise, I believe that the insights from our Japan-based colleagues offer valuable perspectives for our international teams. As ASICS continues to grow globally, I am committed to fostering an environment where employees from diverse backgrounds, languages, and cultures can fully utilize and respect each other’s skills and knowledge. As a manager, I will continue to work toward this goal every day.
Note: The profile and interview content reflect the information at the time of the interview.
