Akane Kawai AKANE KAWAI

Tell us about your role at Fenix.

I have been in the company for 5 years and am currently working in the production department. My main job is to manage the schedule until the product is delivered and to manage the process related to the operation of the factory. When something goes wrong, we monitor the situation with the factory and contact each place to propose various solutions.

The important thing, though, is to identify the origin of the problem, verify whether it happened before and what kind of countermeasures were taken at the time, resolve it swiftly and learn how to makes sure that it will never occur again.

In my private life I am always entrusted with planning itineraries and logistic even when going on a trip with a friend, and I trust this personality trait perfectly suits my role in production control.

Whilst it is never pleasant to face troubles, rather then perceive them as a pain, I am driven by the pleasure and the reward to find a solution without adding further aggravations. Even if we don't interact directly with our customers, my main source of gratification is to know that we have flawlessly delivered their orders.

Please tell us what you want to challenge and what you are aiming for in your position.

The language barrier is a major challenge when interacting with factories in China. Sometimes I can't understand what is causing the trouble or in other instances I can't properly convey the detailed nuances of the countermeasures. Since there are also misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences, I am trying to take the initiative to solve the problems more effectively. I want to be a professional who is indispensable. I hate to lose so Chinese language is a big challenge for me now.

Furthermore, since knit manufacturing is a complex subject, in order to prevent troubles I often consult my senior sales and planning colleagues to learn more about it, as experience and knowledge are the most important things to continue being involved in production

Please tell us what you are trying to do outside of work, what you are looking forward to, and your hobbies.

I have my own on/off switch. I am trying to leave office on time, and I am coaching a high school cheerleading club on my day off. The efforts and the hard work drive amongst youth is impressive. Besides, I also find reinvigorating to go golfing with my family and working out in a gym. I take Chinese lessons too on Saturdays, without failing to go out for dinner or drinks with friends on my way home.

How do you find working with Fenix's?

It's a place where you can be yourself. When I was a student I felt stressed due to peer pressure. However, I feel more at ease at Fenix because one can speak their mind freely. Internal communication is facilitated by weekly small team meetings for picking up everyday opinions, sharing thoughts, and confirming management and company strategies. If I had to make a suggestion to the company; it would be greatly appreciated if the company could care about us further and take us more seriously.