I stepped into the advertising industry in 2006. I admired him — that senior of mine, whose mind worked in ways that felt almost superhuman. "Deep Think, Simple Answer." Think it through, all the way down, then arrive at a clear answer. I understood what it meant, of course. But he felt impossibly out of reach. For twenty years, I threw myself into it — surviving every battlefield I could find, without a moment to think. I never had the room to feel like I was growing, but when I looked around, I found I'd gained comrades who mattered. People I trusted more than anyone. People I wanted to think alongside. People I felt I could build something great with. Each of us brings our own weapon to the table, and together, we take it on as one. Forget the big words — co-creation, running alongside someone. This is simply my joy, the essence I want to share with others. Beyond age, beyond position, beyond distance — I want to trial-and-error together. "We got here because we did it together." I'm working toward the day someone says that to me. RANKLESS Beyond titles, I'll be your truest comrade-in-arms. Jun Hirayama