Dialogue at UTokyo GlobE #18: Talk Event with Mr. David Lauren (Chief Branding and Innovation Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation)

On Wednesday, April 23, 2026, the Center for Global Education (GlobE) hosted "Dialogue at UTokyo GlobE #18." The event featured Mr. David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation, as the guest speaker. He was joined by President Teruo Fujii and Professor Miles Pennington (Prospective Dean of the UTokyo College of Design) for a deep dive into the possibilities of leadership and design.

The event opened with a video showcasing Ralph Lauren’s brand philosophy, marketing, and the art of storytelling. Following the screening, President Teruo Fujii delivered his opening remarks, emphasizing the importance for students aspiring to become global leaders to engage in direct dialogue with those at the forefront of the global stage.

During the dialogue, moderated by Project Associate Professor Hiroko Miyakoshi, the conversation centered on innovation and leadership within an iconic brand like Ralph Lauren. Mr. David Lauren spoke about the necessity of maintaining a sense of curiosity and the ability to "connect the dots" by integrating diverse ideas into a unified vision. Professor Miles Pennington commented on how these insights resonate with the core values of the upcoming College of Design, specifically its focus on "boundless curiosity."

In response to questions from the moderator and students, the discussion expanded into several key themes:
• The Power of Storytelling: How fashion serves as a medium to communicate a worldview and values to people globally.
• Innovation and Timelessness: Navigating a rapidly changing world while establishing values that remain "timeless" and become part of one's identity.
• Redefining the "American Dream": Exploring universal values such as the "pursuit of happiness," freedom of self-expression, and an independent spirit that knows no boundaries, and how fashion influences society through these ideals.

For the participating students, the event provided a stimulating and invaluable opportunity to reflect on what values they embody and what kind of stories they will tell as the next generation of leaders.

About Dialogue at UTokyo GlobE:
Organized by the UTokyo's Center for Global Education (GlobE), this series is part of UTokyo's global education initiatives, designed to foster international understanding and broaden global perspectives among students. It features dialogues between distinguished global leaders and the University's President and Executive Directors.