Risa Takagi: Supported and Continuing

I am currently the CEO of ovgo, a company that develops plant-based American cookies. I originally worked at an investment bank, but when I was looking for a role where I could feel a more tangible connection to the business, a friend reached out to me, which led to my encounter with ovgo. I was drawn to the plant-based aspect and saw the potential for expansion not only domestically but also internationally, so I decided to get involved.

In continuing this business, the greatest support has been our customers and employees. I receive direct feedback from people enjoying our products at our shops or on social media, and sometimes I unexpectedly hear that an acquaintance has become an ovgo customer. These are the moments when I truly feel that this business is warmly supported by many people.

What is even more striking is that many of our employees were originally ovgo customers and remain fans of the brand to this day. They joined the company because they resonated with our products and worldview, and they convey that appeal in their own words while working on the front lines. Every time I see them, I feel that this business already belongs to many people.

There are many situations where I am forced to make choices with no right answer, but in those moments, I try to make decisions based on whether I personally want to continue this business, rather than focusing on others' evaluations or temporary figures.

I am able to make such decisions because I am supported by the growth of my employees every day. Seeing them increase what they can do through trial and error on-site and adding their own creative touches makes me feel that I must work harder for their sake. To be honest, I lack confidence as a manager, but I believe I have been able to continue this work because I witness the growth of my employees.

The reason I decided to take over as CEO was that when the option of closing the company became a reality, I felt a strong desire not to let the people who had worked so hard up to that point experience despair. Through this work, I am learning about the weight of human endeavor, which cannot be measured by business rationality alone.

A cookie is a small product, but if it can brighten someone's daily life or serve as a catalyst for expanding their food choices, that is reason enough to continue this work.

Moving forward, I hope to gradually expand the values and philosophy that ovgo has cherished, both domestically and internationally, while ensuring the business remains viable.