Catherine O'Connell enters fourth year of service on Fujitsu's Audit & Supervisory Board

This month marked Catherine’s fourth year on Fujitsu's Audit & Supervisory Board - a role that continues to challenge and inspire her as the only international female member of the board.

“Serving on the board of one of Japan's most respected technology companies has deepened my understanding of how cross-cultural perspectives strengthen corporate governance. It's not just about bringing a "foreign viewpoint" - it's about fostering an environment where diverse thinking drives better decision-making”, Catherine says.

Key learnings from Catherine’s governance journey:

• Cultural diversity in boardrooms isn't just nice to have - it's essential for navigating global markets

• Asking the "why" questions that might seem obvious to local members often leads to breakthrough insights

• Building trust across cultures takes time, but the results transform organizational effectiveness

For any professional considering international board roles: embrace the learning curve, trust your unique perspective, and remember that your cultural bridge-building skills are valuable assets.

The photo shows her with the team on the board and one celebration for a departing member.