#117 From Whiskey to Wi-Fi: Tabist CEO Ryota Tanozaki's Career of Bold Transitions

Ryota Tanozaki began his career selling shochu at Suntory. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s now the President and CEO of Tabist (formerly OYO Japan), leading the tech revolution for over 90,000 Japanese hotels. His impressive resume includes roles as Strategy Consultant at BearingPoint, Product Manager at Hakuhodo Consulting, General Manager at Transcosmos, and leadership positions at Facebook as Head of Instagram and Vertical Industry. A seasoned executive, Ryota also shares his expertise as a part-time instructor at Globis University. We first connected during our Executive MBA at Chicago Booth (2013–2015), and I’m thrilled to share his incredible journey. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Navigating the Storm “Three months into my role at Tavist, COVID hit. I had to lead a restructuring—redefining the organization, renegotiating contracts, and crafting a new mission, vision, and strategy. Perseverance became not just a word but a lifeline.” Adapting to Change “COVID brought challenges I couldn’t foresee, yet it became a proving ground. Four years later, I’m still here, knowing that persistence shapes both leaders and the organizations they guide.” When Purpose Pays Better Than Paychecks “Our team can’t match the salaries of big tech giants, but what we offer is purpose. By sharing our mission—empowering small and medium-sized hotels in rural Japan through technology—we create a connection that resonates deeply with our people.” Walking the Talk: When Leaders Roll Up Their Sleeves “A leader who pitches directly to clients? Now that’s commitment. By personally visiting rural cities and convincing potential partners, I showed my team that execution starts at the top. If I can do it, they’re inspired to follow suit—and it makes the mission real for everyone involved.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Ryota Tanozaki ______________________ -- Chief Change Officer -- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs, Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts. 6 Million+ All-Time Downloads. Reaching 80+ Countries Daily. Global Top 3% Podcast. Top 10 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>> 100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<< --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<