Jim Takatsuka
Sr. Commercial Account Manager
Amazon Web Services
Jim Takatsuka is a Mentor Hawaii Cohort 10 mentor. Learn more about the program here.
About Jim
Jim Takatsuka currently serves as a Commercial Account Manager for Amazon Web Services, overseeing AWS’s commercial growth in Hawaii. His career includes two decades at Microsoft, where he most recently developed and executed strategies for Microsoft’s business with the US Indo-Pacific Command. He also held pivotal roles across commercial, state/local, and education markets.
Jim previously served as Executive Vice President at Pacxa, a prominent Hawaii-based system integrator, where he directed sales and service delivery. Additionally, he led the Hawaii team at Sun Microsystems, a pioneer in internet and cloud computing technologies.
Jim’s career began in the Bay Area at Apple Computer, shortly after the release of the original Macintosh. He supported software development projects for some of Apple’s largest West Coast customers before transitioning to a VAR channel sales role in Silicon Valley. He later returned to Hawaii to establish Apple’s education business.
Jim is an alumnus of the University of California at Berkeley, where he majored in Biochemistry. Outside of his professional achievements, he dedicated 24 seasons to coaching wrestling at Punahou School.
Question and Answer with Jim
What is your preferred communication style when mentoring (in-person, video conference, phone, informal check-ins, structured meetings, etc.)?
In-Person Meeting
Why do you want to become a mentor in this program?
As a business leader and athletics coach, I enjoy helping people to maximize their potential. The mentor program has also been very rewarding for me, as I learn so much from the mentees I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
What specific skills, knowledge or experience can you share with your mentee?
Strategic planning; understanding how modern technologies can transform organizations; finding the value proposition in complex situations; effectively leading and working in cross-functional teams
What are your expectations for a mentor-mentee relationship?
My only expectation is working with someone who is open to learning.
How do you approach problem-solving and conflict resolution?
Communication, always. Seek the common outcome and work towards agreement on each party’s accountability to move towards that outcome.
How do you envision success for your mentee, and how will you measure it during the program?
Success is determined by the mentee. I want to understand what they hope to learn or achieve during our time together and if it’s within my expertise, we will work together towards that goal.
