Roberta Mikailionyte-Kataoka

What made you decide to pursue an MBA?

I often felt frustrated by the lack of strong business connections between Japan and Lithuania. I dreamed of using my skills and expertise to build closer ties between the two countries. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to see meaningful change, I needed to take the initiative rather than waiting for others to act.

I came to understand that individual business efforts can create the fastest and most impactful societal changes. However, at the time, I had no real knowledge of how to run a business. To improve my chances of success, I decided that my first step needed to be building a solid foundation of business knowledge. This realization led me to pursue an MBA.

What criteria did you have when choosing an MBA program?

My top priority was finding a program with a strong practical focus—I wanted to develop skills I could immediately apply in my professional and personal endeavors. Additionally, I valued high-quality instruction in English and a truly international environment.

Having previously been an exchange student in Japan and later working at a large national university, I was aware that the quality of English-language courses often lagged behind their Japanese counterparts. GLOBIS stood out for its multicultural student body and faculty, offering an international learning experience that was different from traditional institutions. Coupled with its focus on kokorozashi, it was the ideal choice for my goals.

What appealed to you about GLOBIS’s kokorozashi education?

Many MBA programs felt too focused on profit, numbers, and self-interest. I wanted something more—a program that combined practical learning with the opportunity to explore and define a deeper mission. GLOBIS’s emphasis on kokorozashi, which centers on aligning your unique purpose with a meaningful contribution to society, really resonated with me. This approach allowed me to work toward my professional aspirations while finding ways to give back to the community.

Looking back on your MBA journey, what experience stands out to you the most?

The leadership courses were a highlight of my MBA journey. Through these courses, I engaged in deep self-analysis, uncovered hidden assumptions, assessed my current state versus my ideal goals, and identified barriers with concrete plans to overcome them. These exercises were incredibly empowering.

Learning from the stories of great leaders and entrepreneurs, including Hori-san, and hearing the personal missions of my classmates were equally inspiring. These experiences encouraged me to reflect deeply on my own purpose. They helped me refine my kokorozashi and develop a clear roadmap for how I want to pursue it in the future.