Lost

Chapter 14 Isamu

Two months later...

"Make sure we're really motivating the employees before work. That's vital to the success of the company. The line will move much smoother if the employees are in a good mood as  they'll work better together. If there's anything they need, we have to do our best to provide it. We've seen production increase exponentially since we changed our approach to how the factories are run. By combining the Japanese way and the American way, we've created the best of both worlds."

"I agree," one of the team leads said. "It's different, and some of the employees are still hesitant about the change, but so far so good. Our next focus should be helping employees with childcare—most of them are struggling to find places to take their kids while they're at work."

"That's definitely a priority," I said. "Work shouldn't feel like work—especially when such a big part of our lives is spent here. That's why I need all of your help in designing a way to make work feel like home. All ideas are welcome. I believe this will become one of our company's strongest foundations for long-term success."

"I'm on it!" Stacy said, raising her hand like an excited student. "I've had ideas for a long time about how to combine childcare and work. I'll just need everyone's help, of course."

I smiled. I'd hired her a while ago at Jackie's request, and honestly, it was one of my best decisions. Stacy was a phenomenal employee and an even better leader. Any friend of Jackie's is a friend of mine, so pulling her away from a job she hated was an easy choice. Here, she thrived—I could see the difference in her right away.

Looking around the room, I saw smiles and genuine excitement on my employees' faces. It was something I never saw growing up in my parents' company. I swore to myself that I would lead differently—that I'd be the kind of CEO who cared. They were right: I am CEO material. But I refuse to be the kind my parents molded me to be.

Work hasn't been the only thing changing in my life—I've been working on myself too. That's probably the most important part of all. I still wish I could take back that night—so Jackie wouldn't have had to see me like that. But they say everything happens for a reason. I hate that I scared her... I scared myself. I was so sure I was ready to end things, but deep down, the real me knew I had something worth waiting for. If I could've seen the future, I never would've tried. Not that night, or the times before.

When your life feels like it's collapsing, people tell you it'll get better—and maybe they mean it—but it's hard to believe when every day feels like proof that you'll always be lost. I was lost for so long I stopped even trying to find myself. Then I met Jackie.

At first, I worried I'd drag her down or become like my parents, but she's shown me that's far from the truth. We lift each other up every day. She's lifted me more than she'll ever know. I work hard to give her everything she wants, but she's so humble that she constantly reminds me I don't have to. I'm lucky—no, I'm blessed—to have her.

Every morning when I come to work, she's at the front desk, confident and bright, greeting everyone with that smile that makes people believe the day will be okay. She's not just my partner; she's the company's heart.

Because of her, I've made mental health a priority—not just for myself, but for all of my employees. I don't want this place to feel like a corporation; I want it to feel like family. No hiding stress. No pretending everything's fine. That's why we've become one of the few companies with zero turnover. Applications flood in every week from people all over who want to join us.

I want to lead by example. I'm one of many who came from a toxic work culture and a broken home. I know what it's like to drown in pressure.

Now, I'm the change.