The leadership cost of treating people as expenses

Many leaders still approach efficiency through cost reduction, but that mindset may be quietly undermining performance, trust and long-term growth.In this episode of CEO: Behind the Scenes, Toru Takahashi, Global Chief Strategy Officer at GLOBIS Corporation, explains why treating people as expenses rather than assets creates hidden leadership costs that traditional ROI metrics fail to capture. Drawing on his research into human capital and cross-cultural leadership experience across Iran, Europe and Japan, Takahashi reframes efficiency as a long-term investment in human potential rather than short-term output optimization.He introduces the Japanese concept of kokorozashi – a leadership approach focused on aligning one’s personal mission with social good – and explores why organizations cannot build purpose-driven cultures unless leaders genuinely embody that purpose themselves.This episode challenges leaders to rethink productivity, efficiency and the assumptions shaping how they lead. Listen to the full episode to explore how redefining value can unlock more sustainable performance and engagement.

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