“Guided by a lesson from my mentor, I treat every individual with respect regardless of title, performance or circumstances. Respect is the foundation of my words and how I influence change.”

For Hiroki Yagishita, credit officer at Wintrust Specialty Finance, the equipment finance industry began as an unexpected post-college discovery. Entering the field with little prior knowledge, Yagishita credits his growth to the mentors, leaders and colleagues who provided the knowledge, tools and opportunities to deepen his understanding of the industry. Over time, his professional focus has shifted from executing specific tasks to understanding the bigger picture, prioritizing how interconnected departments can collectively improve products and services for partners and customers.

Yagishita’s commitment to institutional improvement is best illustrated by his recent leadership in redesigning and implementing a credit-related procedure. Through the project, he collaborated with a subject-matter expert who helped guide the initiative from concept to completion. The achievement reinforced an important leadership lesson: engaging the right people is essential to moving a project across the finish line.

For Yagishita, teamwork is a cornerstone of problem-solving, and he credits both his colleagues’ strong support and his leadership team’s flexibility for the project’s success.

Yagishita’s leadership philosophy is grounded in three principles: integrity, collaboration and vision. He believes that demonstrating integrity consistently builds trust within a team. He views collaboration as essential for identifying blind spots, ensuring all voices are heard and working toward a shared vision.

Ultimately, Yagishita is driven by a forward-thinking vision for the business and believes that for evolution to occur, it must be a shared endeavor supported by a fully aligned team.