Reverse Mentoring

Young professionals bridge generations in the workplace by sharing insights with executives.

Mentorship is a familiar concept, but in a world where workplace dynamics are constantly evolving, who says mentorship needs to be top-down? The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) recently held a pilot event—organized by the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) and championed by the CEO Forum—designed to challenge and expand what it means to be a mentor. The night was generously sponsored and hosted by Kraft Heinz Japan, and attendees were warmly welcomed by Steve Briggs, the company’s president for northeast Asia and an ACCJ vice president.

This pilot event brought together eight senior executives as mentees—all eager to gain insights from next-generation YPF leaders. Along with Briggs, these esteemed executives were:

• James Aquilina, president and general manager of the Estée Lauder Companies Japan K.K.
• Sarah Bader, managing director and principal representative in Japan for Gensler and Associates/International, Ltd.
• Meghan Barstow, president and representative director of Edelman Japan
• Royanne Doi, executive director of TELL
• Deborah Hayden, partner at FGS Global
• Mari Matthews, director and vice-chair at BNY Japan
• Irina Menshikova, president of Amway Japan G.K.

About 20 young professionals joined, ready to share their knowledge and provide mentorship advice on a variety of topics. Discussions covered intergenerational management, avoiding burnout, talent retention, recruitment, and technology. The evening saw lively discussions and a rich exchange of information, as well as the opportunity to explore Kraft Heinz’s stunning new office near Shinjuku Gyoen and sample some of the company’s delicious signature food.

Young professionals have a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to offer senior executives. In the realm of intergenerational management, young professionals can offer insights that help senior leaders effectively bridge the gap between themselves and younger age groups in the workplace. This includes understanding the unique motivations and workstyles of younger employees, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and leveraging the strengths of a diverse workforce.

Avoiding burnout is another critical area where young professionals—with the rise of remote work and the blurring of boundaries between personal and professional life—can provide valuable perspectives. The group discussed how companies can differentiate themselves by implementing strategies to promote work–life balance. Young professionals, generally being more attuned to the importance of mental health, can offer practical advice on how to create a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

Talent retention and recruitment are perennial challenges for organizations. Young professionals, who are often at the forefront of job-market trends, provided senior executives with a deeper understanding of what makes an employer attractive and how they can retain top talent. This includes company culture and opportunities for professional development, as well as the need for a clear and compelling employer brand, vision, and purpose.

“This reverse mentoring pilot event was an eye-opening experience, and I was grateful to hear ideas and advice from so many enthusiastic young professionals,” said Kraft Heinz’s Briggs. “The fresh perspectives and innovative ideas shared will be critical in shaping Japan’s evolving corporate environment, and I was so glad that many of Kraft Heinz’s talented young team members could participate.”

YPF Co-chair Tomoki Fukasawa noted: “This event marked my last initiative as co-chair of the YPF, so it is extra special for me to bring together such a talented group of executives and motivated young professionals. This is exactly why I wanted to join the YPF—to encourage meaningful dialogue across generations. I am confident that the YPF leadership team will continue what I have started and host more events like this in the future.”

Reverse mentoring is not just a trend; it is a powerful strategy for bridging gaps and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By nurturing an environment of mutual learning and collaboration, organizations can harness the collective intelligence of their workforce and drive sustainable growth. The YPF will continue to create platforms to embrace opportunities for cross-generational collaboration and growth.