From Lawyer to HEI Chairman: Jeff Watanabe on Leadership, Family, and Cultural Understanding
In this insightful episode of Greater Good Radio, Jeff Watanabe shares his journey from lawyer to Chairman of Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI), shedding light on leadership, family, and the importance of cultural understanding in Hawaii’s business landscape. With over five decades of experience, Jeff reflects on his career transitions, the value of relationships, and his evolving role in non-profit boards like the Sesame Workshop. This conversation dives deep into balancing a successful career with family and offers lessons on retirement and redefining purpose.
Building a Legal Career Rooted in Relationships
Jeff Watanabe began his career as a lawyer in 1968, after earning his law degree from George Washington University Law Center. Returning to Hawaii, he found himself at the intersection of shifting political and economic power in the state, a pivotal time that helped shape his future. Early in his career, Jeff quickly realized that success in Hawaii’s unique business environment required more than just legal acumen—it required a deep understanding of the island’s cultural dynamics and relationship-building.
Throughout his career, Jeff took on the role of a “cultural translator,” helping outside investors and corporations understand Hawaii’s local customs and nuances, which are critical to achieving business success in the state. This ability to bridge gaps between cultures and industries would become one of his greatest strengths, paving the way for his transition from lawyer to corporate leader.
Leadership in the Boardroom: From Law to Hawaiian Electric
Jeff’s career took a significant turn when he began serving on the boards of major companies, including Matson Navigation, Alexander & Baldwin, and Hawaiian Electric Industries. He eventually became the chairman of HEI, where he led the company through a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, HEI became a pioneer in renewable energy and the modernization of Hawaii’s electrical grid.
Jeff credits much of his success in these roles to his relationship-centric approach and ability to foster trust among his peers. As he reflects, most of his life was driven by relationships—both personal and professional—and his talent for understanding differences in people and environments became key to his leadership style.
The Importance of Family and Balance
One of the most personal moments in the podcast comes when Jeff discusses the challenges of balancing his demanding career with family life. He candidly shares that, as a father, he wished he had spent more time with his children during their formative years. Late nights at the office often meant missing important family moments, a regret he openly reflects upon now that his children are adults. His words serve as a reminder to all leaders about the importance of striking a balance between work and family life.
Jeff’s semi-retirement has given him the opportunity to reprioritize his family, and he now finds joy in simpler tasks like gardening, cooking, and spending time with his grandchildren. For him, retirement is about more than just stepping away from the corporate world—it’s about redefining one’s identity and purpose beyond the boardroom.
Cultural Understanding as a Key to Success
One of the core themes of Jeff’s story is his belief in the power of cultural understanding in business. He emphasizes that in Hawaii, relationships and local culture are paramount. Outsiders who come in with a transactional mindset, failing to respect local customs, often face challenges. Jeff’s ability to guide businesses through these cultural complexities has been a hallmark of his career.
He shares a compelling example of a New York lawyer who failed to grasp Hawaii’s business etiquette, ultimately facing setbacks due to his lack of sensitivity to local customs. Jeff’s story underscores the importance of humility, patience, and respect for different cultural perspectives—an essential lesson for anyone looking to do business in Hawaii or other culturally unique markets.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Beyond Business
Jeff Watanabe’s journey from lawyer to HEI chairman is more than just a career progression—it’s a reflection of how leadership, when grounded in relationships and cultural understanding, can create lasting impact. Whether navigating corporate boards or spending time with family, Jeff’s focus on empathy, respect, and balance offers valuable insights for leaders at every stage of their careers.
His advice to aspiring leaders is clear: prioritize relationships, invest time in understanding different perspectives, and ensure that success in the boardroom is not at the expense of your personal life. Jeff’s wisdom extends far beyond the corporate world, offering lessons that resonate on a personal level, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and self-awareness.
By sharing his story, Jeff Watanabe provides a powerful blueprint for leadership in both business and life. His unique approach to navigating Hawaii’s cultural landscape, his deep commitment to his family, and his passion for building relationships leave a legacy of thoughtful, compassionate leadership.
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