In this episode of the Morunda Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jonathan Truelove, the Representative Director of Exact Sciences Japan.
Our conversation covered a wide range of leadership themes—compliance, team culture, the impact of AI in healthcare—but at the heart of it all was the question:
“What does it really take to lead effectively in the Japanese healthcare environment?”
Jonathan brought a unique blend of legal expertise and leadership experience to the discussion.
As someone navigating both corporate and cultural landscapes, he offered practical and honest reflections that I believe will resonate with both current and aspiring leaders.
Legal Acumen Meets Leadership
One of the most striking things about Jonathan’s leadership journey is how deeply rooted it is in his legal background.
This foundation gives him a firm grip on compliance—an essential aspect in the highly regulated world of healthcare—but it also shapes how he builds trust and makes decisions.
He reminded me that leadership isn’t just about having a vision; it’s also about ensuring that vision is executed with integrity and accountability.
Navigating Culture with Respect and Curiosity
Working in Japan, we both know how important cultural understanding is to effective leadership.
Jonathan emphasized that building relationships here requires more listening than talking, more presence than direction.
It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being present, being consistent, and demonstrating genuine respect for how people work.
He also highlighted a truth that many foreign leaders discover over time: conflict in Japan is often subtle.
Passive-aggressive behavior can sometimes replace open confrontation.
As leaders, it’s our responsibility to recognize those signs and create space for honest, constructive dialogue.
On Feedback and Trust
One of my favorite parts of the conversation was around feedback.
Jonathan believes that for feedback to be useful, it must be specific, empathetic, and rooted in trust.
Broad statements or vague encouragement don’t help people grow—what makes a difference is clarity, timing, and intention.
He also talked about how informal conversations—the kind that happen over coffee or between meetings—can be just as important as formal one-on-ones.
These are the moments where team culture is built.
Reflections on AI in Healthcare
We also touched on the role of AI in the future of healthcare.
Jonathan was clear-eyed about its potential and its limitations.
AI tools are evolving fast, but their application must be thoughtful, especially in environments where patient outcomes and regulatory compliance are on the line.
Human leadership, critical thinking, and trust will remain essential.
Advice to New Leaders in Japan
Jonathan offered some valuable advice for those stepping into leadership roles in Japan for the first time:
“Observe. Listen. Understand your team. Don’t rush.”
It’s advice I fully agree with—and a powerful reminder that leadership is less about control and more about connection.
Key Takeaways
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A legal background can enhance leadership, especially in regulated industries like healthcare.
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Compliance is not just a checklist—it’s a mindset that supports trust and accountability.
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Building relationships in Japan requires consistency, transparency, and humility.
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Passive conflict is common in Japanese teams—leaders must be proactive and perceptive.
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Empathetic, specific feedback builds stronger teams.
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Informal moments matter—culture is shaped in the small things.
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AI is a tool, not a solution—its future in healthcare depends on human judgment.
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Cultural stereotypes are misleading; leaders should seek to understand individuals.
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New leaders should take time to learn before making major decisions.
This conversation with Jonathan was not only insightful, but it was also a reminder that great leadership—especially in cross-cultural contexts—is about adaptability, empathy, and trust.
I’m grateful for the chance to share his story and hope it inspires others as much as it did me.
