What brought you to AJ InterBridge Inc.?
I started my career as a designer at a printing company, working across a wide range of print materials. It was a valuable experience, but I wanted to work in an environment where I could approach design more strategically, so I moved to an international hotel.
That experience deepened my interest in branding and strategy, and I wanted to go further than just design work. Joining AJ InterBridge Inc. felt like the right next step. Now, as part of the Marketing team, I work across a broad range of projects including the website, campaign planning, social media strategy, PR initiatives, and new property openings, all with an awareness of the overall brand direction. Being in an environment where I can bring my own ideas to the table while contributing to the growth of the company is something I find genuinely motivating.
What stood out to you about the company and the team after joining?
The thing that struck me most was how much the environment encourages people to take initiative. There is a real sense of autonomy in how you approach new challenges, and knowing that the team has your back makes it easier to take that first step with confidence.
I also appreciate the culture of listening to individual ideas. If I think something could be done better, I can say so, and those suggestions are actually taken on board. Seeing your own thinking reflected in the company’s work and services is a strong motivator.
The atmosphere across the team and the wider organization is also very approachable. No matter who you need to talk to, people are easy to reach out to, and there is a real willingness to collaborate across departments.
Were there any challenges coming from a different background?
I came in with no prior marketing experience, so at first I struggled with data analysis and developing strategies based on numbers. Thinking through PR ideas from the guest’s perspective, and considering them from multiple angles, was also something that took time to get comfortable with.
The support of my team members, through regular exchanges of ideas and guidance on how to approach things, helped me gradually broaden my thinking and find my footing. Going through that process helped me develop the ability to bring different perspectives into my planning, and now being able to bring ideas to the team is one of the most satisfying parts of the job.
Where do you find your previous experience most useful in your current role?
One skill that carries over directly is knowing how to think carefully about touchpoints when developing print materials. Being able to consider what information needs to reach people at each stage of a campaign is something I use regularly.
My design background also plays a big role in the quality of the work I contribute. Whether it is the website or a campaign, being able to refine the details and pay close attention to the finished output means I can bring a higher level of polish to what the team puts out.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
Seeing the results of a campaign or blog initiative show up in the numbers is one of the most rewarding things. When the work becomes visible through data, it gives a clear sense of what is working and what to build on next.
Watching guest feedback and reviews improve over time is equally satisfying. When you can see that a change you made in response to guest comments has actually led to a better experience for someone, it makes you want to keep pushing.
What are you hoping to achieve going forward?
I want to do more to share the appeal of staying in a machiya with people around the world. The experience brings together traditional character and modern comfort in a way that is genuinely distinctive, and I would like to help more people discover that.
I am also conscious of the pace at which AI is changing the way we work, and I want to stay ahead of that by continuing to explore new strategies and approaches. The environment here supports that kind of thinking, and I want to make the most of it by bringing fresh ideas and adapting to whatever comes next.