Mr. Tsurusaki had previously assisted and advised us at GOODWORK in regards to our Internet security and connectivity. With his help we were able to provide our members with a safer and speedier internet connection. Consequently, we sought an interview with Mr. Tsurusaki.
GOODWORK Staff Inomata (Ms.) (hereinafter Inomata)
Thank you very much for your continued patronage. We sincerely appreciate all your help you provided us in improving our internet security and speed. We are very grateful for your valuable time in accepting to be interviewed by us today.
Mr. Tsurusaki:
It is my pleasure.
Inomata:
Thank you very much for your continued usage of our OFFICE PASS. I was wondering if your residence is close by to GOODWORK?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Yes, I live in Shibuya Ward. I come to GOODWORK by bicycle or by foot. Due to COVID my company allows me to take advantage of the OFFICE PASS. I come here around 4-5 days per week and rarely go to the office for work.
Inomata:
I inquired about the nature of your work but it is a little hard for us to understand what you actually do…Could you explain to us what you do as simply as it is possible?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
I work and specialize with a product called EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). In simple terms, it’s a program designed to detect the activities of viruses that have infiltrated computers, bypassing conventional malware defenses like network security and antivirus software. Recently, we’ve also been handling NGAV (Next Generation Anti-Virus). As a Customer Success Manager (CSM), my role involves supporting customers who use our products, building relationships with them, and ensuring they maximize their use of our products to achieve satisfaction. A significant part of my mission is to renew contracts by ensuring customers continue to use and benefit from our products.
Inomata:
Does your company have clients that have a lot of customer (client) information?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
I oversee approximately 20 companies who use our services to protect not only customer information but also valuable assets like technical data. Each month, we hold regular meetings where we discuss detection reports based on insights from our GSOC (Global Security Operation Center). These meetings include discussions on detection alerts, updates on recent threat trends, and presentations on our malware analysis materials.
Inomata:
Am I correct that you’re referring to all the viruses in the world?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
We don’t monitor all viruses worldwide, but we track cyber threat trends. When examining threat reports, it’s fascinating to see various attack groups using diverse methods to attempt daily attacks and intrusions. Some attacks even involve state-sponsored organizations, suggesting a cyber domain that may be likened to warfare, although this may seem a little dramatic. This however is the impression we get from observing such developments.
Inomata:
Am I correct in assuming your job involves working on a global scale?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Our company was founded in Israel and currently our headquarters is in Boston. I work for the Japan branch office. The company has branches in various locations around the world, making it enjoyable to work with different cultures. However, at the same time it can be quite stressful and demanding.
Inomata:
You’re fluent in English, aren’t you?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Thank you very much. I was born in Japan and resided in New York from the ages of 2 to 5. However, I quickly forgot English. After becoming a company employee, I restudied English. I have an American wife and two children. In my previous company I was fortunate to work at the US Headquarters.
Inomata:
Could you please tell us your daily schedule?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
In the mornings, time permitting, I try as much as possible to help with getting the children ready and handling household chores before heading to GOODWORK by 9 a.m. Typically, I work until around 6 or 7 p.m., and even after returning home… I often find myself continuing with work responsibilities. During working hours, my tasks include attending meetings and conducting investigations. In the latter part of the month, as mentioned earlier, I hold regular web meetings with clients based on reports. Sometimes I have meetings with 3 to 4 companies in a day during busy periods. Although it can get busy, I feel fortunate to have a relatively flexible working schedule and arrangements. I use GOODWORK as an extension of my business trip. Weekdays are usually hectic, but I make a point to keep weekends free from work and focus on household duties instead.
Inomata:
How old are your children?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
I have two boys, aged 10 and 12. The older one is into computers, kind of a computer geek, while the younger one loves soccer. They’re both mischievous and often get into playful fights… our household is quite lively!
Inomata:
Do you have any plans for the future development of your work?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
From a company standpoint, the goal is to expand with the product called XDR (Extended Detection and Response). On a personal level, my role focuses on ensuring sustained customer contracts, which includes understanding and addressing “hidden” customer needs through interactions with frontline personnel. I believe this will help contribute to the development of our company.
Inomata:
Knowledge about systems is important, but building interpersonal relationships is also crucial in your line of work, isn’t it?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Yes, that’s right. I’m careful with how I interact and respond to each individual customer. I make sure in adapting my approach to suit the customer’s needs and requests based on individual characteristics.
Inomata:
Could you kindly share any aspects of your current job that you find rewarding or challenging?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
I find great satisfaction in receiving feedback from customers where they express satisfaction with our products and acknowledge the value I provide. On the other hand, one of the challenges I encounter is cultural differences. Japanese customers often have many detailed questions, whereas responses from Israel often tend to be a straightforward “It’s fine!”(LOL)
Inomata:
Could you tell us about your hobbies and pleasures and how you refresh yourself?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Last year I purchased a campervan and often go on camping trips or staying overnight in the van. I also play the violin as a hobby but as parenting duties are time consuming, I have recently not been able to play it as much as I would like. However, I would like to find more time to resume playing it soon.
Inomata:
WOW! Playing the Violin, that’s impressive!
Mr. Tsurusaki:
I’ve been playing since I was little. I used to perform in orchestras, but as I started reflecting more on my own value, I started to play in smaller groups like quartets. Interestingly, in an orchestra, I could skip playing and it wouldn’t matter, but in a smaller group, my presence was essential for the group to function, which I found both challenging and rewarding. I’m looking forward to resuming playing once my children are a bit older.
I go to the local community swimming pool 2 to 3 times a week swimming a kilometer each session. This alleviates stress and helps me to unwind.
Inomata:
Do you drink alcohol?
Mr. Tsurusaki:
Yes, my wife drinks often too, so we have a drink together in the evenings at home. Also, we’re good friends with our neighbors and we frequently gather for BBQs near our house where we also enjoy drinks together.
Inomata:
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule today in granting us to have an interview which was very enjoyable and enlightening. It was a pleasure having you with us today.
Mr. Tsurusaki:
The pleasure is all mine, thank you very much. I have noticed a variety of people using GOODWORK and I thought it would be interesting to have events for interaction amongst the members.
Inomata:
We recently set up a connecting board where self-employed individuals, freelancers, business owners and those who wish to promote their businesses or network can leave their business cards or promotional materials. It’s still in its early stages, but please kindly take a look when you have time. We’d love to hear any feedback or suggestions you might have! Thank you very much again for your precious time today, and we look forward to our continuing relationship.