[Internal roundtable discussion] What is the organizational culture of Commerce Media? A moderate sense of distance and flat relationships
"When you think of venture capital, do you think of sports teams that sprint at full speed?"
Commerce Media Inc. overturns that image.
This time, we spoke to four members who approach their work like craftsmen in an organizational culture characterized by "respect for the individual" and "appropriate distance."
What is their secret that has allowed them to quietly and steadily grow while carving out a unique position for themselves in the e-commerce world? Their work style, which is based on remote work but allows them to work together toward their goals, may be a role model for the future.
"Deepening" rather than "enthusiasm." We bring you the voices of these people who are exploring the natural form of a new organization.
Participants in the roundtable discussion
Akihiro.K (joined the company in April 2017)
He joined Commerce Media as its first employee. Together with founder and CEO Izawa, he overcame the company's start-up phase and has experience in various departments up to now. In his previous job at a manufacturer, he was in charge of everything from creating to running an EC site. He joined the company after meeting Izawa at his previous workplace, and has been watching the company grow since its inception.
Komao.N (joined in August 2024 after working as a contract worker)
At Commerce Media, he is in charge of sales for offline distribution in the POLED business*. In his previous job, he worked for a toy manufacturer, where he had 12 years of experience in sales, 12 years in the event business, and 7 years in the EC business. He left his job and moved from Tokyo to Fukuoka. He was initially contracted as a contractor, but last year he joined the company as a full-time employee. He is using his wealth of experience to tackle the company's own manufacturer business.
Minami.S (joined in June 2024)
Joined the company 10 months ago. In charge of PR and official SNS management for the POLED business*. In his previous job, he was involved in PR, SNS, and EC management at a kitchen appliance manufacturer. Utilizing his wide range of work experience, he is working on PR and sales promotion for the company's baby product brand.
Daisuke.T (joining October 2024)
He is in charge of customer service and sales orders, and was soon involved in the startup of an alcohol sales business. In his previous job, he gained experience in the customer service department of a logistics company, and is using that knowledge to tackle his current job. He has been taking on new challenges since joining the company six months ago.
Interviewer: Nanae.H (joined in February 2022) HR/EC Consultant
*POLED Business: One of Commerce Media's "self-sales businesses." As the exclusive distributor in Japan for the Korean baby product brand "POLED," we manage sales on the brand's official EC site and distribution in Japan, including offline sales.
Your work experience can be a weapon. A new frontier for your skills to flourish
── Thank you all for joining us today. First of all, please tell us what prompted you to change jobs and why you decided to join Commerce Media.
Komao.N: I met the founder and CEO, Mr. Izawa, through a mutual acquaintance, and initially helped out as a contractor for about a year and a half. At first, I wasn't very active, but halfway through, I started to see results, and was invited to join the company as a full-time employee. I was conflicted about becoming a company employee again after quitting my job, but I decided to do it because I thought it would be easier to move around as an employee in the case of a company's own business, and I would be more committed to contributing to the company's development as an employee.
Akihiro.K: I often worked with the CEO, Mr. Izawa, in my previous job, so we knew each other well. Fortunately, his area of expertise was different from mine, so when Commerce Media was first founded, the two of us were able to get everything done with minimal communication. At first, it didn't feel like a company, it was really just two freelancers working together. We met once a month at a cafe to talk, and the rest of the time we worked remotely, and I really enjoyed the fast pace.
Minami.S: In my previous job, my responsibilities were broad, covering public relations, PR, SNS, sales, and EC, so I ended up with a broad but shallow understanding of the work. I wanted to narrow my field a bit and increase my expertise, and I began looking for a job where I could get involved in PR, SNS, and EC, which I particularly enjoyed. I couldn't decide between a manufacturer's business company or a support company where I could get to the core of my expertise, so I was attracted to the unusual fact that Commerce Media does both.
Daisuke.T: In my previous job, I worked in the customer service department of a logistics company, where I had the opportunity to be involved in EC and come into contact with the customer service field, but I had almost no opportunity to be involved with the front-end side of things like sales promotion and production for contracted projects, and I felt that there were many issues that we couldn't solve by ourselves. I joined Commerce Media because I was attracted by the fact that I could work firmly on the front-end side and that I could take on new challenges while utilizing my past experience. I was also attracted by the fact that they not only take on contracted projects but also develop their own business.
A surprisingly flat culture where people can freely mention the president
── What were your impressions and the gaps you felt when you joined the company? What do you think about the atmosphere there?
Minami.S: The two companies I had worked for up until now were both seniority-based, so I was surprised by the new atmosphere at Commerce Media. I had imagined it would be a homely, family-like company, but I was impressed by the fact that there was no seniority system at all and there was just the right amount of distance between employees.
When I first joined the company, I was surprised to see everyone casually mentioning the CEO, Mr. Izawa, on the company's internal communication tools. In my previous job, I had to carefully craft emails to my superiors and the CEO and send them with discretion.
Also, I used to use formal language like "I'm sorry" on Slack, but I was told "You don't need to use that," which was a nice contrast to me. In any case, I think it's a "flat" environment where anyone can express their opinions.
Komao.N: Many of the members work remotely, so I felt that the relationships were a little dry. At my previous workplace, the employees worked together like friends, so the gap was big. However, there was no seniority system, and it was so flat that there were no bosses. The president always calls you and all interviews are with the president, which is something you don't see in normal companies. Also, while valuing private life, the employees are friendly with each other, and when someone is absent or sick, there are many stamps on Slack expressing gratitude for their health, so it is a company that is more considerate than normal companies. There is no Japanese-style hierarchical relationship or employee drinking communication, and the atmosphere is somewhere between a foreign company and a Japanese company.
Daisuke.T: What surprised me was the speed. I don't know if it's something that's unique to commerce media, but at first I was worried about whether I could keep up with the speed. But when I asked the other members, they told me, "That's an important tension," and I felt a little relieved.
In addition, although the organization is divided into the Operations Department, Production Department, Sales Planning Department, and Management Department, in reality the boundaries are thin, and teams are formed on a case-by-case basis, and people cooperate beyond the boundaries of their departments. There is a culture of not being tied down to a department, but rather proactively doing what you can. I felt that this was quite unique from my previous experiences.
Akihiro.K: I think the characteristic of Commerce Media is that we can share our ideals without saying anything. Even when I worked with Izawa-san, we had the same goals even with minimal communication. We work remotely a lot and have two offices, but when a problem occurs, everyone has the same goal, and we can aim for that without having to say it out loud. I think this is something we value as part of the company culture.
Once we reach a goal, we can come together. Teamwork that transcends boundaries
── How do you collaborate with your team members in your daily work? Please tell us about any times you faced or overcame problems together.
Akihiro.K: At our company, it is important for the production department, which builds the EC site, the operations department, which operates it, and the sales planning department, which plans sales, to cooperate with each other. At the beginning of the project, each team has a lot of tasks and doesn't have time to think about the other teams, which makes it difficult to cooperate. However, as things start to take shape, the goal becomes clear and everyone comes together to work toward the final goal.
The POLED business, which has recently gotten on track, was also an experience where each person in charge was working separately at the beginning, but as the team was formed, the team came together. This is a fun part. However, if you are passive and wait, it is difficult to join the team, so I think it is suitable for people who can take an active approach.
Komao.N: This is something I learned after I became involved in the POLED business, but when we started the manufacturing business, I came from a manufacturing company, so I knew the process well. My senior and I worked hard together to figure out what we needed to do to comply with procurement and Japanese laws.
The experience of constantly searching for new ideas and forging your own path without any advice from anyone is something that is typical of a venture company. I think that those who will be joining us in the future will also enjoy being able to take on such challenges.
Minami.S: The POLED business I joined was a relatively new team, and social media operations were still in the process of being established. There was no dedicated social media person in the company, so I was told, "You can do a lot of things," and I was entrusted with it. When I shared it with everyone, they became interested and joined us, so it felt like we were developing it as a team.
-- Tell us about your internal study sessions and information sharing systems.
Akihiro.K: We have specialized study sessions for each department, but we also frequently hold company-wide study sessions. For example, we hold company-wide sessions on topics that should be known beyond departments, such as the latest information and usage methods related to AI, and basic knowledge of EC systems. Anyone who is interested can participate, so it is a place of learning that transcends departmental boundaries.
── What was the support system and welcoming environment like after joining the company?
Daisuke.T: In the Operations Department where I work, we have a system where the curriculum is decided for each case and we can explain it thoroughly. There were some parts that were easy to absorb because we had the system that we used in my previous job, but we were also carefully taught about client-specific flows. In about a month, I was able to do the basic work by looking at the manual, and I feel that I received a lot of support.
Minami.S: In my case, my senior supported me for about a month. However, rather than being given strict guidance, I felt like I was being taught and incorporating it into my work. I was not a passive newcomer, but rather had to do things on my own. However, there was an atmosphere where I could easily ask questions about things I didn't understand, so I was able to work with confidence.
Nanae.H: To be honest, the support system after joining the company varies depending on the department. Even though we are an organization that values autonomy, I think that creating a system that allows new employees to play an active role is a challenge for the future.
If you raise your hand, they will leave it to you. An environment with many opportunities for growth
-- Tell us about a time when you felt you had grown since joining Commerce Media, or an episode where you took on a challenge and learned something.
Komao.N: When I was a contractor, I was in charge of sales and direction for the commissioned production of EC sites, but there was a time when I couldn't get any results. After that, I tried various things to build a network, but that didn't lead to any orders.
After that, the POLED business started, and I was put in charge of wholesale sales, and I was able to achieve results. In the end, it was the manufacturing business where I was able to utilize my skills. I finally had a place where I could fully utilize the know-how and knowledge I had acquired, and I was able to play an active role. I was also forced to work on tasks I had no experience with, such as reviewing packaging and instruction manuals and quality control, and I was able to acquire new skills.
In addition, this company is frequently looking for people who want to do something, and if you raise your hand, you can make it happen right away. For example, if you are interested in starting a roasting business or selling alcohol, it is an environment where you can take on new business ventures as long as you have the motivation.
Nanae.H: Commerce Media has a support business and an in-house brand business, and the range of work is so wide that even if you don't achieve results in one task, we have the characteristic of searching for a task or team where you can thrive. Some people experience multiple tasks and end up in a task that fits their characteristics and thrives there. Generally, this would be a "job change" or, in large companies, a "large-scale transfer to another department," but at Commerce Media, it's not something extravagant, and I think it's an environment where you can just "give it a try."
Daisuke.T: I have been involved in the launch of a new alcohol sales business for three months since I joined the company. I had no experience in launching a new business, but it all started with the words, "If you like alcohol, why not give it a try?" It was still early in my career and it was difficult for me to raise my hand, but it was very valuable to have been given the opportunity to try something new like that. I will also be experiencing front-line work in the future, and I feel that this will lead to great growth.
Minami.S: In my previous job, I was involved in a wide range of tasks, but Commerce Media has an environment where I can focus on social media and PR. I feel that my range of work has expanded every day, as I am now entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities, from account management to promotional measures.
Akihiro.K: One of the biggest episodes I remember from the growth of Commerce Media is the difficulty of recruiting. At first, Izawa-san and I worked with a common understanding, but it was difficult to convey that understanding to new recruits, and it was difficult for people to settle down.
So we devised a new training system and explanation method for new employees, and gradually made improvements. Over the course of 3-4 years, the number of employees started to increase, and now the pace of hiring is also increasing. By clarifying and communicating what the company aims to achieve, we have been able to reduce the gap.
However, since we are a company that is constantly changing, the things we explain will also change from time to time. Since we are a company where ideals are constantly being updated, it is important that you enjoy and accept that.
── Please tell us what you have learned from your senior employees and what you respect about them.
Minami.S: Komao.N, who is on the same team, has a long history at a manufacturer and is a senior, but he treats me very equally. He shares a lot of his experience with me, but he doesn't feel like a senior, and he creates a good atmosphere. I think it's great that everyone interacts with the other members in such an equal manner.
Daisuke.T: I often consult with Akihiro.K, but he is not only knowledgeable about technology, he is also knowledgeable about each member, so I rely on him for anything. As a whole, the employees are highly attuned to new information, and I want to become more attuned to it.
── Akihiro.K, from your perspective, are there any great things about the new members who joined the company recently?
Akihiro.K: Unlike when we first started, I feel that many people now understand what is expected of them and their role as soon as they join the company. They join the company with an understanding of why they are needed at Commerce Media, so I get the impression that they make full use of their experience from their previous jobs to catch up on the company's environment and situation after joining the company and tune themselves.
Komao.N: I've heard rumors that the director of the production department who recently joined the Fukuoka office is amazing. When I hear her voice, I think, "She's really reliable." I'm looking forward to her leading the production department in the future.
Embrace change and try new things
── What kind of person do you think is suited to working in commerce media?
Komao.N: I think this company is suitable for people who are not only proactive and want to research and try things, but also have the ability to actually take action. If you want to do what you want to do, you can do it, and it's an environment where you can grow by using failure as a learning experience. Whether you get into it or not makes a big difference, so I think this company is attractive to people who can take action proactively.
Akihiro.K: We are a company that is constantly changing and incorporating new ideas, so we are looking for people who are not afraid of new things and can enjoy them. It is also important that people do not keep their discoveries to themselves, but can spread them to their team and the whole company.
We also welcome people who can propose new approaches and ways of thinking by utilizing their experience in their previous jobs. This is the perfect place for people who enjoy a flexible environment where there are no rules. On the other hand, it may not be suitable for people who want to do the same thing all the time.
── Within the company, I often hear things like, "50% is decided, and the other 50% is up to you to create."
Minami.S: I think it's suitable for people who can think flexibly. It's suitable for people who can accept new ways of doing things, new tools, and new values that come with the addition of new members. It's an environment where everyone is open to accepting new perspectives and methods, so I think it's also suitable for people who want to try things out.
Daisuke.T: I think people who can accept new things without resistance will enjoy it a lot. When you ask for advice like "I want to try this," you will basically get a response of "Let's give it a try." If you have solid experience in your previous job, you can make proposals that utilize that experience even right after joining the company, and they will be accepted, which I think is a big attraction.
── Finally, please say a few words about the attractions and challenges of working in commerce media.
Komao.N: It's an environment where you can take on new challenges as long as you have the motivation. I think it's perfect for people who want to expand their potential.
Akihiro.K: Our company is constantly changing and evolving, so it's the perfect environment for people who enjoy change. You can actively take on new challenges while making use of your experience and knowledge. I think this is a company where people who can always think and act, rather than just doing what's in front of them, can shine.
Minami.S: It's very appealing to have an environment where new perspectives and methods are accepted on an equal footing. There's a joy in being able to shape your ideas and develop them as a team. It's a place where you can grow while working with members who have diverse experiences.
Daisuke.T: The biggest attraction is that you can make proposals that utilize your experience and knowledge and put them into practice right after joining the company. It's fast-paced and sometimes difficult, but it also means you grow quickly and it's rewarding. I think it's an environment where people who want to take on new challenges can really take flight.
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