"I've never worked with complete confidence. That much I can say with confidence (laughs)." Fujioka says this brightly and forcefully, but says he's always uncertain about something.

He constantly reflects on his sales activities, sometimes regretting them, and asks "why" about everything. When making decisions, he repeatedly asks himself, "Is this really okay?" This is how he steadily arrives at the optimal solution.

"I've made a lot of mistakes up until now, and it was really tough when I first joined the company. I think the experience I gained back then, and the habits I developed, are still relevant today."

Fujioka's strength may stem from a "lack of confidence" that prevents him from forgetting his initial aspirations.

Ms. Fujioka, who joined Itoki because she was attracted to the people there, says that the first thing she noticed was a gap between her expectations and the reality of the job. "I thought that there would already be an office, and all I would have to do was put furniture in it, but it was nothing like that."

I was overwhelmed by all the things I didn't know, and even meeting with clients was a struggle. Work just didn't come my way. In the midst of all that, I sometimes felt inferior when I compared myself to my successful colleagues. "Even when I finally managed to secure a project, it turned out to be a hectic situation with the simultaneous opening of multiple new locations."

"At the time of delivery, there were issues like the cabinets not fitting in the elevator, or almost proceeding with the project based on a misunderstanding of the panel dimensions. Back then, I didn't doubt myself and just frantically moved around trying to fix things."

However, it is said that there were fascinating people around Fujioka.
"I was supported by loving and reliable senior colleagues and superiors, and by customers who smiled and offered words of encouragement when I made mistakes. I was truly blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people."

From then on, he focused on asking questions, engaging in conversations, and continuously learning from various people. He says he built his own sales style by combining the lessons learned from his failures with the advice he received from each individual.

Then, in his eighth year, Fujioka moved his base of operations from Tokyo to the Kansai region. He says that the five years between then and his return to Tokyo provided him with opportunities for further growth.

"Thanks to the guidance of my boss at the time, I developed an attitude of thoroughly supporting our customers. I listen to every voice, think about the other person, and sometimes go a step further than what they requested."

"I believe it's important to keep working until you feel like you know your clients better than anyone else." Compassion and consideration. Fujioka uses these words repeatedly when talking about his philosophy of work.

The more you think about the other person, the more doubts may arise. But even so, Ms. Fujioka says she has come up with her answer after much deliberation and self-doubt.

"When I first joined the company, I was always nervous and couldn't speak well at all. But thanks to everyone's support, I've been able to come this far. Now, as a team leader, I tell my subordinates and juniors to talk to all kinds of people. After all, the answer I have isn't necessarily the only correct answer."

Fujioka says it's now his turn to give back to those around him based on his own experiences. Even then, he never stops questioning himself, and remains positive.

"I'm not confident, but I always try to work in a cheerful and enjoyable way. Because that's better, isn't it? Especially if both I and those around me are aiming for higher goals."

Despite facing daily challenges, Fujioka continues to run strong and cheerfully, leading the way for her teammates.