What does it take to lead a global university in a world that rewards extroversion? For Hiroshi Yoneyama, the answer begins far from boardrooms and speeches, somewhere between a childhood spent with toy cars and quiet afternoons lost in books.In this deeply personal and reflective talk, President Yoneyama shares the unexpected journey of an introverted boy who grew into the leader of one of Japan’s most diverse universities. From struggling with public speaking to navigating high-stakes decisions, he opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leading not through charisma, but through listening, learning, and earning trust. As the president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Yoneyama Sensei is passionate about fostering international understanding. In his words, "Our university’s vision aligns with my mission to bridge Japan and the world." Every day, I happily lead an institution that nurtures over 6,000 students from 110+ countries, helping them grow into a diverse, inclusive community built on mutual respect. Collaborating with our dedicated faculty and staff, we discuss everything from future visions to daily matters. Our alumni continually inspire me as they build impactful careers worldwide, contributing to a better future for humanity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx