Applying the Japanese Concept of Ikigai to FP&A: Becoming a Better Business Partner

In the realm of Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), the role of a finance professional goes beyond crunching numbers and creating reports.

Today, organizations expect finance teams to actively contribute to strategic decision-making and become valuable business partners.

To achieve this, adopting the Japanese concept of Ikigai can offer a fresh perspective and guide FP&A professionals towards becoming more effective collaborators.

In this article, we will explore the principles of Ikigai and discuss how they can be applied to FP&A, ultimately leading to enhanced partnerships within organizations.

Understanding Ikigai

Ikigai, a concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture, can be loosely translated as “a reason for being” or “a sense of purpose.” It represents the intersection of four fundamental elements: what we love, what we are good at, what the world needs, and what we can be paid for. By aligning these elements, individuals can find a balance that brings fulfillment, happiness, and success.