Innovation Leader Profile: Moto Tohda
Leaders don’t need to chase AI to remain innovative—they need to focus on business problems and apply AI where it adds value. This was one of many insights shared by ELFA Innovation Advisory Council member, Moto Tohda during our conversation on the TomorrowZone Catalyst Podcast. Moto’s 17-year journey in technology leadership is a masterclass in aligning curiosity, collaboration, and practical application to drive impactful innovation.
Moto is a visionary technology leader driving innovation at the intersection of business and IT. As Vice President of Information Systems at Tokyo Century (USA) Inc., he has spent nearly two decades shaping the technological backbone of a global organization.
An ingenious ability to balance cutting-edge technology with practical business needs marks his leadership. From implementing ERP systems to pioneering data visualization and predictive analytics, Moto brings a human-centered approach to technology adoption. For Moto, innovation isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving real business problems, and his commitment to collaboration and continuous learning exemplifies this philosophy.
Innovation Approach Themes
Moto’s approach to leading innovation is built on a foundation of curiosity, collaboration, and practicality. He tackles challenges ranging from disaster recovery to ERP implementations while constantly seeking ways to empower users through technology. His innovation philosophy emphasizes aligning technology with tangible business outcomes and fostering an environment where collaboration thrives.
At the core of Moto’s approach is commitment to human-centered technology. Prioritizing solutions that are intuitive and impactful for end users, he ensures technology serves as an enabler rather than obstacle. This philosophy extends to strategic use of AI, which he views not as a standalone objective but as a tool to solve specific, existing business challenges. His approach is grounded in practical applications that deliver measurable value, with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations and governance.
His keen ability to stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry is driven by his sustained curiosity and commitment to learning. Actively engaging with industry trends, attending conferences, and experimenting with emerging technologies helps him stay relevant and forward-looking. By doing so, he equips himself and his team to confidently navigate the complexities of digital transformation.
A key element of Moto’s success is his collaborative leadership style. Understanding that innovation cannot happen in isolation, he consistently seeks buy-in across departments to align technical projects with broader organizational goals. This inclusive approach fosters trust, improves adoption rates, and ensures that new initiatives are well-integrated into the company’s operations.
“It’s not an AI strategy; it should be a business strategy with AI as a solution.” – Moto Tohda
Interview Takeaways
1. What’s been the biggest factor in your success as an innovation leader?
Collaboration is key. Innovation is never a solo act but a partnership with business teams, ensuring that technical solutions align with organizational goals.
2. What obstacles and challenges are you still working on?
Lots of focus on improving user adoption during tech transitions, such as ERP implementations, and navigating organizational constraints like limited resources and complex stakeholder management.
3. What’s the best advice you’ve received when it comes to leading innovative pursuits?
Frame innovation in terms of business impact. You have to ground ideas in practical outcomes that resonate with stakeholders and drive measurable value.
4. What’s on the horizon? What are you working toward next, and what are you doing now to get there?
Actively exploring AI’s potential to address unresolved business challenges. Our team is developing AI-driven knowledge-sharing tools while prioritizing ethical considerations and governance. It’s about using AI strategically to create real impact rather than chasing trends.
5. What is one thing leaders can do today to shape a more awesome future?
Invest in team education. It’s important to equip teams with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt and grow alongside technological advancements.
Conclusion Paragraph
Moto’s perspective is a powerful reminder that technology is an enabling tool, not the endgame. By focusing on solving real business problems and fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, leaders can drive meaningful innovation that truly resonates. His approach challenges us to think critically about how we use emerging technologies like AI, urging us to prioritize strategy, ethics, and human-centered outcomes to shape a future where innovation thrives.
