What makes a healthcare executive, university professor and business owner keep building a second career for 26 years? For Seiichi Shiromizu, the answer just earned him a new Title: Chairperson 4. 

A Leader Who Wears Many Hats 

An achievement in and of itself and something that might seem daunting to many, Shiromizu also stays quite busy outside of building his and his team’s businesses. Not only has he served as a visiting professor in the Graduate School of Sociology at Doshisha University for the past four years — where he focuses on supporting graduate students with research projects and academic papers, particularly in areas related to poverty and other social issues — he is also the manager of a family-owned healthcare, medical, and senior care organization which currently oversees 43 locations and employs approximately 700 people. 

The Freedom to Build on His Own Terms 

What stands out at Partner.Co to Shiromizu is the freedom that the business allows. 

“In my primary business, I employ many people and operate within government regulations and healthcare systems. As an executive, I carry significant responsibilities and make important decisions every day,” he explained. “In contrast, every person in this business is an independent entrepreneur. I can offer guidance and support, but ultimately, each person is responsible for their own success. Along with that responsibility comes freedom. That freedom is something I truly enjoy.” 

It’s beyond impressive what Shiromizu-san has been able to do and what he continues to do, over 20 years into his journey with us. We are incredibly thankful to have such a force helping grow the Japanese market.

Lucy West, Sr. Vice President, Canada & APAC, & General Manager of Japan

Relationships Built on Trust 

In addition to freedom, one of the most powerful elements of this business and what continues to amaze him the most after all these years, Shiromizu says, is the power of human relationships. 

“During the leadup to achieving this Title, many people became involved not simply because of the products or the business opportunity, but because of who I am and the relationships we have built over the years,” he said. “I have come to believe that this business is supported not only by products, but also by trust between people. Even after 26 years, that still surprises me — and it is something for which I am deeply grateful.”

Advice for Those Just Starting Out 

When reflecting on his own experiences, Shiromizu said he has a key piece of advice for those new to the industry. 

“Focus on earning income as early as possible. One of the greatest strengths of network marketing is that people who put in the effort can be rewarded fairly, and those results can translate into income. At the same time, no matter how much someone believes in the products or the mission, it becomes difficult to stay motivated if they never experience tangible results. That is why it is important to achieve some level of success early on—even if it is small,” he said. 

Shiromizu-san has been the industry and with us for a long time. He has seen how things have changed, have evolved. What this latest achievement shows is that he, too, has grown and evolved with the industry. When you’re able to do that, you will have a much better chance at succeeding for longer.

John Wadsworth, Co-Founder and Co-CEO

Congrats, Seiichi Shiromizu!