The respect to employees' personal circumstances, the embrace of remote work, the support for global mobility, and the fact that nearly every Guidewire employee visibly embodies the three pillars of Integrity, Rationality and Collegiality.

Being tasked with a strategically important responsibility, initially feeling apprehensive and anxious about it, somehow working through the qualitative and administrative complexities to deliver the final outcome, and then being pleasantly surprised at how well it was received.

They all tend to visibly abide by Guidewire's three pillars of Integrity, Rationality and Collegiality. This is reflected in their demeanour in everything from conferences to customer meetings, and business lunches to casual dinners. They are an inspirational bunch.

They are mindful of each other's personal circumstances and respect each other's decisions. They are talented and skilled individuals who I can draw inspiration from. They are fun to talk to and to hang around with, both in the office and in casual settings.

Japan's compensation policies are derived from its most prestigious corporations, which favour lifetime employment and a focus on slowly developing skills over decades. My role is as much about global strategic initiatives as local ones, and I should be paid according to global Guidewire standards.