Kyohei Yamada, Executive Officer and General Manager of Modern Work GTM Division, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.

2025.02.28

Copilot helps you take flight into the future

■ Profile
After graduating from the University of Washington in 2007, he joined Microsoft Co., Ltd. (now Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.), where he held positions such as Support Engineering Manager and Customer Experience Lead, and will assume his current position in August 2023.

Microsoft Copilot is rapidly spreading across the corporate world. By introducing the AI tool "Copilot," which literally translates to "co-pilot," it has become possible to streamline many tasks that would normally require time from humans, such as running meetings, creating reports, and analyzing data. In an age where working with AI is becoming commonplace, how should we, as "pilots," approach this? We spoke to Yamada, who is at the forefront of this trend as a pilot himself and leads the promotion of AI in the work environment, about the growth he has experienced throughout his career and how he approaches the ever-evolving world of AI.

■ Understanding the customer is everything

After graduating from the University of Washington, I joined Microsoft Co., Ltd. (now Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.) as a new graduate. I was first assigned to the position of support engineer, where my main job was troubleshooting Microsoft products and systems used by corporate customers. Naturally, I didn't know what to do at first. But with the support of my seniors, I grew step by step. The greatest asset I gained during this time was the ability to understand the essential needs of customers. I learned to go beyond simply answering the question in front of me and think about why the customer had asked that question and what support I could provide to make them feel that the service was helpful. I developed the habit of thinking beyond superficial responses and looking into the future of the people involved. This experience proved to be a valuable asset when I later took on management roles in other departments.

■ Promoting the use of AI will contribute to creating a creative working environment

I'm currently involved in the implementation of a hot tool called Microsoft 365 Copilot. Its greatest appeal is, without a doubt, the increased work efficiency it brings to our employees. Let me give you a specific example. Our company frequently holds meetings in English with overseas colleagues, but some people struggle with English and find it difficult to fully participate in the discussions. However, by using Copilot, we can now understand the context of what others are saying by asking questions in Japanese. AI also appropriately suggests meeting summaries and future actions. Technology has enabled us to forge connections between people that would previously have been impossible, and time-consuming tasks are now completed in an instant. As a result, employees can spend their time on more creative work. In addition to efficiency, security is also an important consideration. When handling confidential corporate information, Copilot processes data in accordance with strict security standards. By minimizing the risk of information leaks, we're creating an environment where AI can be safely incorporated into our work. I personally use this tool for internal training and implementation projects, and I've seen some exciting changes. Even employees who were initially resistant to AI are amazed at how convenient it is once they actually use it, and work improvements continue to progress. Going beyond simple efficiency, we are able to contribute to creating an environment where each employee can work more freely and creatively. I feel that this is the best part of this job.

■The future of AI utilization – The role and responsibilities of being a “pilot”

Japan is a country with a high level of interest in new technologies, especially AI. Many companies and individuals are focused on the potential of AI, but simply implementing it is not enough. The real challenge lies in how to continuously utilize the technology. For example, organizational culture plays a key role in establishing AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot within a company. Even if an AI tool is introduced, employees will not naturally become adept at using it, so it is necessary to consider what aspects of your company's business flow can be transformed by AI.

The key to success here is internal information sharing. It's important to create an environment where information flows smoothly across departmental boundaries and each department can effectively utilize AI tools. At Microsoft Japan, our company president, Tsusaka, personally demonstrated how to use Copilot, achieving significant results. This top-down and bottom-up approach has helped to establish AI as a part of our corporate culture, enabling each employee to experience its value. However, when using AI tools, we must also remember our professional responsibilities. Rather than simply adopting AI output, it's important to always have it reviewed and verified by human eyes. This is similar to the relationship between a pilot and a co-pilot. AI is merely a supporting role, and the final decision should be made by a human. When using AI, we must be aware of this boundary and use it responsibly.

■Message to university students

The most important thing I want to tell all university students is to not be afraid of failure and to keep challenging themselves. At Microsoft, we value a "growth mindset." This is a way of thinking that sees even the most difficult situations as opportunities for growth. It's important to believe that your abilities are not fixed and that you can grow through effort and learning. No matter what obstacles you encounter, growth awaits you once you overcome them, so keep challenging yourself. When I first joined the company, I didn't know much, and many things didn't go well. But overcoming those obstacles is what has made me who I am today. When you enter the workforce, you may encounter difficulties with your superiors and colleagues, but always ask yourself, "What can I do?" and act accordingly. Doing so will help you build trust with those around you and enable growth within the team as a whole. Believing in your own abilities and continuing to take on challenges head-on will surely lead to great results. No matter the situation, make your own growth your top priority and continue learning. Entering the workforce will present new challenges, but it is by taking on challenges that true growth can be achieved.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on December 20, 2024 by Meiji University Graduate School 2nd year student, Sakai Yaku