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.

Emerging Talent

Connect and gain insights through the Young Professionals Forum

Too often, institutions such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) can seem inaccessible to young professionals. Finding a place in a community of seasoned executives can seem daunting. To make it easier, the chamber offers a platform tailored specifically for working professionals aged 35 and under.

The Young Professionals Forum (YPF) seeks to empower its members by engaging them in all aspects of ACCJ activities, including networking, information sharing, and advocacy. Through peer-led programs, mentorship, and training, the YPF nurtures future ACCJ leaders and helps them grow professionally and personally while expanding their networks.

Spotlighting Young Talent

As we head into 2025, we are pleased to pen the first in a series of columns that will delve into themes relevant to the ACCJ and offer fresh perspectives and insights from the younger generations. We will also feature interviews with up-and-coming talent making significant contributions to the ACCJ and the YPF in a “Young Professionals to Watch” series. The interviews will spotlight journeys, achievements, and aspirations, providing a platform for young professionals to have their voices heard by the wider ACCJ community.

In selecting those to be featured, the YPF is committed to maintaining an unbiased approach and a high standard of excellence. We aim to promote diversity in nationality, gender, and field to ensure fair representation. By highlighting a diverse range of young professionals, we hope to inspire and motivate others within the community.

Making Connections

In Japan, where doing business is deeply rooted in relationships and trust, fostering professional networks is crucial. For young professionals, the world of networking can seem opaque and hard to access. Many fear they cannot get their foot in the door. “How can I talk to someone so senior? I have nothing to offer,” is a common thought.

We are promoting events directly targeting young professionals to help them meet like-minded peers and speak directly with individuals they may normally not have access to.

The YPF has already hosted several successful events that have greatly benefited its members. These include:

• Speed Networking, where young professionals from various chambers of commerce in Japan meet and engage in rapid-fire networking sessions
• Mentorship events and panel discussions, where senior executives share their experiences and insights with younger members
• The Mentorship Series, which invites seasoned executives to a roundtable discussion with young professionals

These events have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community and providing valuable learning opportunities.

Recognition

This year also saw YPF Co-chair Tomoki Fukasawa named as one of the ACCJ’s Leaders of the Year. Fukasawa said: “I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve with the YPF and look forward to continuing our mission of making the ACCJ more attractive to younger professionals. I hope we can bring in more passionate young professionals and I look forward to seeing everybody at our events in 2025!”

Feedback and Support

As we promote young professionals within the ACCJ, we welcome feedback and support from the wider community through the ACCJ website or in person. We ask members reading this to promote and encourage younger talent in their companies to participate in YPF events and initiatives. Your insights and encouragement are invaluable as we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive platform for young professionals. Together, we can foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and growth that benefits all ACCJ members.

Youthful Energy

The ACCJ Young Professionals Forum opens doors for ages 35 and under.

Fresh ideas and youthful energy are the lifeblood of business and international relations, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) is dedicated to nurturing rising talent through the Young Professionals Forum (YPF). An interactive platform for young, working professionals aged 35 and under, the YPF provides members with opportunities to actively engage in all aspects of the chamber’s activities, including networking, information sharing, and advocacy.

“The YPF is all about creating connections that bridge generations, industries, and more,” explained Melynie Yoneda, a vice-chair of the forum. “Members have the opportunity to interact with high-ranking leaders within the ACCJ, as well as network with peers that they might not necessarily be able to meet in their day-to-day jobs. And ACCJ corporate members are able to get fresh perspectives from YPF members.”

Co-Chair Kelly Langley said that the YPF “has worked closely with the Board of Governors to enhance engagement with young professionals and continue innovating to build the future pipeline of leaders and members.” He added that professional development and human resource challenges continue to be areas where the YPF aims to contribute.

---

“The YPF is all about creating connections that bridge generations, industries, and more.”

---

Events such as the Learning from Executives series, held in collaboration with the ACCJ CEO Forum, expand mentorship and training, helping members develop both professionally and personally.

Yoneda said she is grateful for the forum and the opportunities it opens up. “As a young professional in Japan, it is easy to get swept away in your day-to-day tasks or fall prey to tunnel vision,” she noted. Her favorite memory so far was a cross-chamber networking event last October that brought together members of eight foreign chambers of commerce. “There was a palpable energy in the room that radiated from the 80 young professionals eager to meet and network with their peers.” A similar event is planned for September 17.

“If anything, the YPF is a chance to interact with peers from all industries and walks of life,” Yoneda concluded. “Today, we may just be networking and eating pizza, but it is exciting to think that the connections we make will become the future leaders shaping the US–Japan relationship.”