In an industry where leadership roles for Black professionals remain limited, these two Amazon leaders are redefining the future and what’s possible.

Jonah Ukwu and Ricky Madison Jr. hold senior positions in Amazon’s Last Mile Delivery network (AMZL, or Amazon Logistics), which is part of the company’s transportation system.

According to Amazon Freight, the “last mile” stage involves sorting goods at a fulfillment facility, loading them onto delivery vehicles, and following planned routes to reach customers quickly and efficiently. Unlike earlier stages, which move freight in bulk, last mile delivery breaks shipments into individual orders.

Ukwu and Madison are leaders working internationally with Amazon Logistics and both say their international assignments have expanded their leadership skills and deepened their understanding of different cultures.

Connecting Culturally Through Leadership

Ukwu recently stepped into a senior regional leadership role at Amazon Japan, where he now oversees multiple delivery stations across the country. He described the transition as one centered on building relationships and embracing cultural differences.

“One of the ways I create a bridge with the teams I support is by meeting individuals, spending time understanding their challenges, and holding roundtables,” Ukwu told AFROTECH™ at Delivering the Future APAC ’25.

As a Nigerian American working in Japan, he said it’s been a rewarding experience to share stories and grow together. Before relocating, Ukwu made a point to study Japanese customs and traditions. Reflecting on the experience, he emphasized the value of staying adaptable.

“One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of strong learning agility,” he explained to us. “It reframes your mindset around how to learn, unlearn, and then relearn things so you can handle different and novel situations.”

He added, “Every market is different, and small nuances matter.”

Language differences have added another layer of complexity as most meetings are in Japanese and PowerPoints are in English. To navigate this, Ukwu said he’s become more intentional with communication, regularly reviewing his messages, seeking translation support from colleagues, and connecting with team members on a personal level by asking about their families, work, and goals. In addition, shared interests such as sports, travel, and live events also help him connect.

“It’s about building trust and a strong team culture,” he emphasized.

Ukwu’s global upbringing, from Nigeria to Portugal to the U.S., has shaped his approach. He believes listening and connecting the dots based on shared values allows him to assimilate.

“Those intentional conversations create trust within relationships,” Ukwu  noted.

Throughout his career, he’s found the importance of mentorship as well.

“I stay connected with many individuals, including leaders I worked with in North America,” he shared with AFROTECH™. “For example, one of my area managers was recently promoted to program manager in Singapore, and I helped another leader move into a role in Dubai.”

On representation, Ukwu emphasized, “Locally, we focus a lot on ensuring every associate’s voice is heard. When we make changes, we want to make sure they benefit everyone, so all team members feel fulfilled in the workplace.”

Rethinking Leadership Beyond Borders

On the other hand, Madison — senior operations manager, Amazon Logistics — made a bold move to leave his hometown of Philadelphia. Now, he’s site leader at one of Japan’s largest delivery stations, DEJ8, located in Ageo, Saitama, according to information shared with us.

As confirmed on his LinkedIn profile, Madison — who relocated in 2018 — has worked on scaling Amazon Logistics in Japan, introducing automation and leading multilingual teams.

Reflecting on his move, Madison described it to AFROTECH™ as both a career opportunity and a personal challenge. He told us it pushed him to rethink leadership in a new cultural context. More specifically, it taught him how to lead without authority, to build trust across cultures, and adapt quickly. During his interview with AFROTECH™, he also noted how mentorship played a critical role in his growth and making the decision to go global.

“I always tell my team to get a mentor at work and a mentor outside of work,” he told AFROTECH™ at Delivering the Future APAC ’25. “It helps you balance your decisions.”

He explained that mentors help identify what’s best for you personally and professionally, beyond your day-to-day responsibilities.

“Early in my career, I didn’t have that kind of mentorship,” Madison added. “Now, I’m fortunate to have mentors both inside and outside Amazon who have shared their career perspectives with me. That helped me build trust and use their feedback to guide my decisions. I encourage all new team members, especially new grads, to find mentors.”

Under his leadership, DEJ8 has earned Japan’s No. 1 large delivery station ranking high in “safety, quality, productivity, employee engagement, and customer experience,” according to information shared with AFROTECH™.

He said with a global company — like Amazon — leaders must ensure every voice is heard, especially in multicultural environments like Japan. Adapting strategies from North America while respecting Japanese customs and regulations helped him lead diverse teams and scale operations effectively.

Building Community And Belonging

Since moving to Japan, Madison has participated in several Amazon affinity groups, which, according to the company’s website, are designed to bring together employees from various businesses and locations around the world.

“The Black Employee Network here is smaller than in the U.S., but it gives us opportunities beyond my daily work to engage with one another,” he told us. “We go out and explore Japan together, and I’ve gained information from them that has truly helped me grow personally while living here.”

He also participates in Amazon’s Bar Raiser program, which connects him with hiring managers worldwide.

“Outside work, groups like the Tokyo Black Professional Network, host events that let me connect with others who share my background and interests,” he said. “It’s vital to have that space in a predominantly Japanese environment.”

The Future Of Work

Together, at Amazon, Ukwu and Madison embody the future of work, where global mobility intersects with inclusive leadership and innovation. Their experiences show how international assignments can accelerate growth and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

As Amazon expands globally, recently celebrating its 25th anniversary in Japan, leaders like Ukwu and Madison demonstrate that success abroad means more than operations. It’s about building bridges, uplifting others, and redefining leadership in tech and logistics.