In this latest interview in our series spotlighting women shaping Japan’s corporate and capital markets landscape, we speak with Yameng (Helen) Guo from the Finance Strategy (IR) team at freee K.K. She shares how diverse perspectives help companies bridge understanding with global investors and why, in today’s fast-moving information environment, strong capital markets leadership increasingly depends on bringing clarity to complexity.
What does inclusive leadership mean in practice at your company?
Inclusive leadership, in practice, means creating an environment where different perspectives are actively welcomed and genuinely considered in decision-making. At freee, one aspect I appreciate is the relatively flat communication culture. Regardless of seniority, people are encouraged to share their views openly. In investor relations, this is particularly important because our work sits at the intersection of finance, strategy, and communication. Bringing together perspectives from across the organization, including finance strategy, management, and sometimes even feedback from investors, helps us present a more balanced and thoughtful narrative to the market. For me personally, inclusive leadership also means recognizing that teams are made up of individuals with different cultural backgrounds and communication styles. As someone who has lived and worked across multiple countries, I see firsthand how diversity of experience can enrich discussions and challenge assumptions. When people feel their perspectives are respected, they are more willing to speak up. And in capital markets, better internal dialogue ultimately leads to clearer and more credible communication with investors.
How does diversity strengthen investor communication and governance?
Diversity strengthens investor communication because capital markets themselves are inherently global and diverse. Investors come from different geographies, cultural backgrounds, and investment philosophies. Some focus heavily on financial metrics, while others place greater emphasis on strategy, governance, or long-term vision. A diverse internal team is better equipped to understand and respond to these different perspectives. In investor relations, our role is not only to communicate numbers but also to bridge understanding between the company and the investment community. This often includes helping international investors interpret the local business context. Certain practices or developments in Japan, for example, may be shaped by the country’s unique corporate culture and market environment, and part of our role is to help provide that context. Diversity also brings different perspectives. What may be considered common practice in one market or cultural environment may be interpreted differently in another. These discussions often lead to more thoughtful decisions and greater transparency, which are essential foundations for long-term trust in the capital markets.
What does strong leadership in capital markets require today that it didn’t 10 years ago?
One of the biggest changes in recent years is how information flows through capital markets. With the rise of digital platforms, data tools, and increasingly AI-driven analysis, information is now produced and shared much more quickly and in far greater quantities than before. Investors today have access to a wide range of data, opinions, and perspectives. In this environment, strong leadership requires the ability to identify what truly matters and bring clarity to complex information. It is no longer just about providing updates, but about synthesizing different inputs and communicating a clear narrative to the market. At the same time, the environment continues to evolve. Investor expectations, tools, and market dynamics are constantly changing. Staying effective in capital markets today requires adaptability and a mindset of continuous learning.
What’s one leadership lesson that has most shaped your career in capital markets?
One leadership lesson that has shaped my career is the importance of building trust through openness and curiosity. Working in investor relations at freee, we regularly engage with investors from different regions and investment styles. These conversations often bring perspectives that we may not initially consider, and they encourage us to look at our business from different angles. Over time, I’ve come to realize that trust in capital markets is built through consistent and thoughtful dialogue. Investors are not only looking for information, but also for clarity, transparency, and a genuine willingness to engage. For me, curiosity plays an important role in that process. Staying open to different viewpoints helps build mutual understanding and leads to more thoughtful conversations with investors.
