“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I am reminded of that African Proverb during my visit to NTN Canada. There is true value in telling stories, especially the ones we were honoured to listen to from the NTN Executives. We students learned that organizational fit is one of the most vital things for a company, as those people over time blossom into well-tenured individuals at one company. NTN gave us the privilege to ask questions for the vast majority of our visit which allowed us to pick the brains of these industry professionals at a deeper level. These kinds of genuine conversations are what “Makes the World Run Smoothly” and how you stay an organization that is well-respected and sustainable over time. I look forward to the future initiatives and plans NTN has in store, and thank their entire team for this amazing experience! 

Ozi Cantos (LinkedIn)

As a student it is really important in my formation process, to visit a company with the size and importance of NTN. Interacting with the executives gave me the opportunity to understand how the business world functions and the part that manufacturing companies play. Personally, I was impressed with the international importance of the company and how they really make the world go round, I also found interesting how they have expanded from their native Japan to all the world, and how they have adapted to the new mobility tendencies. From this visit to the Canada headquarters I was really pleased with the willingness and kindness with which the executives explained the processes of the different departments, their business models and markets that they serve.

Carlos Quirog (LinkedIn)

For many people, during their educational journeys group projects hold a negative connotation. When asked how we felt about group projects during our visit at NTN, there were mixed reactions. Laughter for some, sighs from others, but non were enthusiastic about them. The NTN team smiled and laughed at our responses as they understood our feelings. After we answered the question they gave us a piece of priceless advice that stood out to me. “Group projects are a reflection of real life.” In life you are always working with other people. Learning how to work with others, and create productive working environments is a necessity. While asking the NTN executives questions, listening to their stories and words of wisdom, we learned how to thrive while working with others. In these situations great leadership and work cultural fit play a significant role. Being a great leader entails cultivating a positive workplace culture. One that makes people happy, and productive when working together. Listening, learning and understanding the people you are working with. This makes them feel heard, respected, and appreciated at work. Making sure to find a company thats culture fits who you are will have you eager to work and engage with your colleagues. Your values and the values of the company you work for should align. Hearing industry professionals speak so humbly about their experiences, and thoughtfully answering our endless questions was a privilege. Their energy was so infectious that I left feeling more confident in my abilities than when I walked in. My visit at NTN being guided by the executive team was “Nameraka” indeed. Thank you so much to the entire team for an exciting and inspiring experience. 

Leah Nkweto Kasolo (LinkedIn)

My visit to NTN Canada was an eye-opening experience that highlighted the true essence of teamwork and the impact of corporate culture. Throughout our interactive session with the President and senior executives, I was struck by the importance they placed on the power of ‘We’ over ‘I’. This philosophy resonated deeply as we discussed how effective collaboration and a supportive environment can drive success. The executives emphasized that group projects are more than just academic exercises; they are real-life training grounds for developing essential soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability. Moreover, it was inspiring to see how the positive and inclusive atmosphere at NTN is a direct reflection of its leadership. The dedication to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and motivated was incredibly visible. Hearing their stories and career journeys left me with a newfound appreciation for the role of leadership in shaping not just a company’s success, but the well-being and growth of its employees. The insights gained from this visit will undoubtedly guide me in my future career endeavors. Thank you to the entire NTN team for an unforgettable and enriching experience. 

Kiki Oresegun (LinkedIn)

I’ve often wondered about the qualities that make a CEO truly inspiring to their employees. Paul Meo, the CEO of NTN Canada, is a very humble, funny, and inspiring person. During my visit to NTN Canada, not only did the whole team share a family-like bond amongst themselves, but they also were respectful of each one’s position and intelligence. Their shared vision was so inspiring that it highlighted the power of “We” over “I”, especially considering that most of them have been working for NTN for more than 20 years. As a student, a valuable takeaway for me was the importance of group projects and how they prepare you for your career. Despite the general dislike for group projects in the room, NTN executives offered another perspective by highlighting how collaborating with other students can be tough, as you encounter all kinds of people, but emphasizing how everyone can still work together and achieve positive outcomes. “Teamwork in group projects is an excellent way to learn how to perform and collaborate better with colleagues in a corporate setting. It prepares you for your future career,” said the NTN executives. It was a wonderful session where I learned the importance of improving soft skills, group projects, being honest, and valuing simple traits like punctuality. Additionally, they were kind enough to provide all of us with lunch, reflecting the generous culture they foster at NTN.

Nisha Solanki (LinkedIn)