Celebrating Our Stevie Awards Gold Win! The Behind-the-Scenes Struggles of the President’s Office (Part 1)

In mid-November, we received an email from the Stevie® Awards, often referred to as the “Academy Awards of the business world.”

It appeared that our “Fried Egg President,” Etsuko Tsugihara, had been named a finalist in two categories of this year’s Stevie® Awards for Women In Business. The email inquired if she could attend the ceremony, as there was a possibility of her winning. Although the Stevie® Awards are not widely recognized in Japan, they are the most prestigious business awards in the United States. While being a finalist in the women’s division is a significant honor, our president was dismissive, saying, “It is expensive, and I am busy. If there is only a ‘possibility’ of winning, I do not need to go.”

For those of us in the President’s Office, this was a golden opportunity for global PR, and we were determined to have her attend. However, Tsugihara was completely uninterested, insisting, “There is no way I will win.” She can be quite a handful. Eventually, the entire team managed to coax and persuade her into a last-minute whirlwind trip to New York. The ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel in Times Square, was a truly global event, bringing together approximately 600 prominent businesswomen from around the world. The atmosphere was incredibly glamorous, filled with powerful and inspiring women—reminiscent of a major televised awards show.
Incidentally, as Tsugihara’s birthday falls in mid-November, she complains every year about gaining weight. While no one dare say it to her, she is certainly getting larger, despite her four-times-a-week training regimen. She claims it is due to overindulging in birthday cake. (While we all wonder if she really needs to finish every slice, she firmly believes that failing to eat the cake presented to her will result in a bad year.)

Just before our departure, Tsugihara contacted us and said quite seriously, “None of my dresses fit. I have nothing to wear, so perhaps I should just stay home .” She was certainly being difficult. The President’s Office held an emergency meeting and decided that she should wear a “KIMONO,” a staple of Japanese culture that fits any body type . It was the perfect choice, as it would even conceal her upper arms, which she was so concerned about!

Tsugihara attended the ceremony in the kimono we had quickly arranged. As expected, the kimono was a resounding success at the American venue . Although she seemed a bit self-conscious, joking that she felt like she was “cosplaying as a veteran enka singer celebrating 50 years in show business ,” the autumn-themed kimono was striking and drew everyone’s attention . She looked truly wonderful.

The moment for the announcement of the category in which SUNNY SIDE UP was a finalist finally approached . Suddenly, Tsugihara stood up and said, “I am going to the restroom.” Completely ignoring our pleas of “The announcement is about to happen, so you must stay here! ,” she marched off. Then, as feared, the announcement for the “Women-Run Workplace of the Year” category—the very one for which we were finalists—began immediately .

I had a bad feeling about this…
Tsugihara was not in the room…
What were we to do?

“The Gold Award goes to… Etsuko Tsugihara from SUNNY SIDE UP! Please come up to the stage!” the presenter’s voice boomed throughout the venue . The room erupted in applause. However… I was the only one left at the table.

To be continued in Part 2…