Young Professionals to Watch: Kaho Hasegawa

The World Kinect business development executive shares how the ACCJ has helped her grow her career.

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) serves as a platform to connect working professionals aged 35 and under within the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ). In this installment of our Young Professionals to Watch series, we talk to Kaho Hasegawa, business development executive at World Kinect, about the real-life lessons she has learned by participating in YPF events, which go beyond traditional networking to give young professionals opportunities to learn directly from senior ACCJ members in intimate settings.

What do you do at World Kinect?

I work in business development, focusing on the early stages of client engagement. My role involves introducing our services to potential clients, understanding their energy and sustainability needs, and handing off leads to the sales team. I also contribute to marketing—organizing webinars, writing for newsletters, researching companies, and updating website content. Having lived in Japan, Singapore, and Canada, I value the global nature of our business and the opportunity to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

What is the most memorable project you have worked on? How did being a young professional make a difference?

One of the most memorable projects so far has been participating as the Asia-Pacific host in a global webinar series. Each region—North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific—had a team with presenters and hosts, and I supported the session from our region. It was my first time taking part in a global, client-facing initiative, and I worked closely with marketing, sales, and subject-matter experts. Coordinating efforts across teams and hosting the session itself was a challenge, but the strong engagement and follow-up from participants made it very rewarding.

At this stage in my career, I have found that approaching things with a fresh perspective can be a strength. I am comfortable asking questions or suggesting changes. For instance, I identified gaps in our Japanese landing page and took initiative to improve it. At the same time, limited experience can be frustrating, especially when I cannot immediately answer complex client questions. However, I see that as part of the learning curve, and it motivates me to keep learning.

How does World Kinect empower young professionals?

I really appreciate the accessibility and support across the company, regardless of role or location. The people are approachable and open to sharing their expertise. I have learned a lot by working with colleagues from different departments and regions—from origination to marketing to operations. It is encouraging to be part of a team where knowledge is shared, and young professionals are trusted with responsibilities that allow us to grow and contribute meaningfully.

Do you have a memorable moment from a YPF or ACCJ event?

I have attended both, and each has given me something valuable. The YPF events help me connect with others at similar career stages, and it is reassuring to discover that many of us share similar challenges and goals. One especially memorable experience was the Sales Support Alliance session, where we learned how to shape professional and company messages into concise, powerful narratives. I realized how important storytelling is—not just to hold someone’s attention, but to leave a lasting impression. Practicing in small groups made the session interactive, and I left feeling more confident and equipped for real-world conversations.

What are your expectations for the YPF and the ACCJ?

I am interested in more opportunities that offer practical skill-building and cross-industry networking. Events that offer hands-on learning—such as improving communication or building confidence—as well as opportunities to learn about different industries are especially helpful. I would also love to attend more casual or cross-chamber events, which make it easier to meet new people outside one’s immediate field.