Digital transformation shapes how businesses, governments, and individuals interact with technology, creating opportunities for efficiency, automation, and innovation. With the expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics, companies are redefining their strategies to integrate innovative solutions and remain competitive. The consulting sector within this industry is growing beyond traditional advisory roles, focusing on actionable insights and hands-on implementation. As organizations strive for agility and resilience, digital consulting services are essential in bridging the gap between technological advancements and real-world business applications, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability in an interconnected world.
Hiroto Mason, as the Head of Strategy & Consulting for Digital Transformation (DX), is a leader committed to reshaping how businesses embrace innovation. His ability to translate intricate technological concepts into strategic business initiatives sets him apart as a visionary in the industry. Mason’s leadership is defined by a balance between structured problem-solving and adaptability, enabling him to drive transformation across different sectors. His global exposure has sharpened his perspective, allowing him to recognize the unique market challenges and opportunities. His consultative approach prioritizes collaboration and knowledge-sharing, cultivating an environment where businesses can confidently implement transformative solutions. Through his leadership, he continuously refines digital strategies, ensuring organizations maximize their technological potential.
SCSK {digital}, the DX Division`s brand of SCSK Europe Ltd., operates at the intersection of technology and business, providing consulting and digital transformation services tailored to modern enterprises. With a strong foundation in innovation and strategic advisory, the company focuses on delivering solutions that drive efficiency, scalability, and market competitiveness. By collaborating with businesses across different industries, SCSK {digital} helps clients steer the intricacies of technological integration, ensuring seamless adoption of advanced advancements. The company’s approach is rooted in aligning digital strategies with business objectives, ensuring long-term success for its partners. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, SCSK {digital} remains a trusted partner for organizations seeking to enhance their digital capabilities.
Let’s explore Mason’s strategic digital implementation for driving invention:
Diverse Experiences in Digital Consulting
Conscious and unconscious factors inspired Mason’s path into digital transformation and consulting. Looking back, he has always been fascinated by new technologies. Growing up in Japan, he was immersed in games, gadgets, and mobile phones from a young age.
He remembers being in awe of the Nintendo Gameboy, which shrunk to a third of its original size and introduced color. The release of the Sony PlayStation, with its 3D polygon characters and innovative games like Final Fantasy VII (still his all-time favorite), left a lasting impression.
Many global readers may not know that Japan’s color flip phones and mobile internet infrastructure were once the most advanced worldwide—years before smartphones.
As he attended university during the birth of social media, particularly Facebook, he witnessed firsthand the evolution of user interactions, digital media, and data privacy. These early experiences and his interest in emerging technologies unconsciously shaped him into a digital native.
His curiosity naturally extended into his professional career, where he has had the privilege of working for a global consultancy and a couple of boutique consultancies and even helping to set up businesses—including attempting his ventures—in cities like Tokyo, Jakarta, and London. These diverse experiences have honed his consulting skills, enabling him to apply his knowledge and understanding to various business needs, regardless of company size, industry, function, or location.
The Impact of Diverse City Cultures
Mason’s work in diverse global markets has profoundly shaped his consulting and digital innovation career, offering unique lessons from each city.
One adjective to describe Tokyo is “organized.” The city’s exceptional infrastructure and harmonious blend of tradition, culture, and modernity make it a model of efficiency. Japanese regulations, corporate structures, and company policies—especially in large organizations—are deeply rooted in history and culture.
While some of these can be intricate, many modern initiatives have been introduced to adapt to changing times. While in Tokyo, he witnessed large-scale corporate restructures and policy shifts, highlighting the challenges of balancing a legacy as a leading global economy with the demands of transformation.
One adjective to describe Jakarta is “energetic.” The sheer size of the city, its bustling streets, and the energy of its people opened his eyes to the vast potential of Southeast Asian markets. A striking aspect of the region is how many people were introduced to the internet through smartphones rather than PCs.
The digital growth during the 2010s was astonishing, illustrated by startups like Gojek. They transformed the chaotic “ojek” motorbike taxi scene into an organized, tech- driven network by equipping drivers with smartphones, helmets, and jackets. Gojek grew into Indonesia’s first unicorn and decacorn. Reflecting on his time in Jakarta and connections with VCs and startups (including Gojek’s C- level executives), he realizes it was an experience that deepened his passion for digital innovation.
One adjective to describe London is “influential.” As a global hub for technology, London attracts top talent and investment, particularly in cutting-edge sectors like AI and fintech. The city is home to tech giants, innovative startups, and world-renowned tech events such as London Tech Week and Digital Transformation Week, which connect thought leaders and innovators worldwide.
Supported by world-class universities and a thriving venture capital network, London continues to lead in shaping the future of business and technology.
SCSK{digital} is also a member of Level39, a renowned startup accelerator in Canary Wharf that collaborates with fintech and cybersecurity innovators. This vibrant ecosystem has shaped his AI knowledge, from engaging with industry events to utilizing the many learning opportunities available.
Key Aspects of a Consulting Role
A typical day for Mason is a mix of strategic thinking, client collaboration, team management, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:
Strategy & Client Meetings: His day is often filled with strategic meetings, whether it’s discussing the approach for a new project, conducting first-time meetings, or aligning on ongoing strategies with both internal teams and clients.
Documentation & Material Creation: Decisions made during meetings need to be documented and presented to maximize impact. This includes creating materials that communicate strategies clearly to clients and stakeholders.
Email and Communication: Part of his day involves responding to queries from colleagues and clients. Depending on the situation, crafting the right message for the recipient can take time to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Team Management: Team management is key. This involves overseeing resource allocation, growth strategies, sales and marketing plans, and hiring. Throughout the year, he is also involved in the recruiting process to bring in new talent and build a strong team.
Admin & Miscellaneous: While not the most glamorous part of the job, administrative tasks are vital. This includes setting and monitoring budgets and goals and reviewing and approving proposals, contracts, invoices, and expenses.
The most rewarding aspect of his role is seeing how strategic efforts drive fundamental transformation for clients and SCSK{digital}. Witnessing the impact of the work—not just in terms of business outcomes but also in the growth and development of the team—is fulfilling.
Empowering Teams with Ownership
His leadership style varies depending on the team members’ experience. Generally, he leans toward Laissez-faire leadership, which involves giving team members the freedom to make decisions while providing the necessary guidance, training, and tools to support their growth.
Mason is also inspired by small team concepts like Amazon’s “two-pizza team” philosophy and the Amoeba management system developed by Kazuo Inamori, a renowned Japanese entrepreneur who shares his hometown. The “two-pizza team” concept suggests that teams should be small enough to be fed by two pizzas, promoting agility and close collaboration. The Amoeba management system focuses on breaking down large organizations into smaller, self-managed units to encourage innovation and accountability.
He believes offering ownership opportunities is a key motivator for team members to produce high-quality work. Senior members coach and guide junior members, helping them develop the skills and confidence to lead initiatives independently. Over time, team members’ responsibilities naturally expand through experience, allowing them to take on new projects, services, and strategies. As their capabilities grow, so does their ownership, which leads to more creative, collaborative, and refined practices.
Defining Objectives for Success
According to Mason, one of the main challenges in digital transformation is identifying the key objectives for each initiative. While industries like Automotive, Energy, and Supply Chain often face similar hurdles—such as intricate supply chains, siloed operations, and numerous internal/external stakeholders—the digital transformation journey can differ significantly depending on the specific goals.
For example, are the efforts focused on improving operational efficiency within a particular supply chain function, investing in end-to-end supply chain management, or developing (or acquiring) industry-specific products with a vision for commercialization? The best approach can vary depending on the organization’s needs, and there have been times when the focus has shifted entirely from the original discussions and client requests.
At SCSK{digital}, the consultants are, first and foremost, business experts. This means the team not only steers the value of the investment but also break down complicated technologies, systems, and roadmaps for business audiences in a way they can understand and act upon.
Recognizing Team Strengths and Gaps
Mason’s approach centers on recognizing his team’s strengths and gaps, particularly in solution development and delivery. The consultants work closely with technology development partners across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to Southeast Asia when gaps arise. Mason`s team constantly explores new partnerships, often through networking at tech events, and frequently collaborate on Proofs of Concept (PoCs) to test the potential value of these relationships. Working together on PoCs, they can better understand how their combined efforts can drive successful digital transformation projects.
Balancing Life with Exercise and Hobbies
Though it may sound cliché, exercise is key to maintaining mental and physical balance. Football used to be Mason’s main hobby, and he still tries to play weekly and go for runs. These activities help him recharge. His new hobby, “Daughter Transformation,” has also become a key focus.
Watching his daughter grow from baby to child and eventually to teenager (sadly, to adult) provides a grounding perspective on life. They recently had a memorable trip to Japan, where she met family, made new friends, and explored temples and shrines—a perfect mix of relaxation and family bonding.
Staying Updated with Tech Trends
His learning approach combines attending physical events, subscribing to digital resources, and engaging with colleagues. Each year, he attends a few tech events for various objectives. Still, he makes it a point to attend at least one major tech event, where he can focus entirely on new ideas, hear from thought leaders, and discover emerging technologies without distractions.
These events inspire him and help him stay current with the latest trends. Mason encourages his team to have the similar learning objectives. The team regularly reports back on new tech and trends in team meetings, which helps maintain a continuous learning culture.
Growth Through Lifelong Learning
Mason advises professionals aspiring to lead in digital transformation and consulting roles to be curious. In the fast-paced world, curiosity can easily be lost in the shuffle, but it’s essential to have a subject or area of interest that fuels continuous learning. He suggests, “Staying curious helps you keep up in your field and sparks innovative thinking and growth in your career.”
Future Goals for Regional Growth
SCSK Europe has been serving key global (Japanese) accounts for decades. With the setup and branding of SCSK {digital} last year, it has successfully expanded to serve local (UK/European) clients in recent months. Mason aims to increase SCSK {digital}’s regional presence and double its size over the next three years. He plans to strengthen local client relationships, expand service offerings, and innovate within the digital transformation space to achieve this.
