Here is a much longer, detailed, SEO-friendly podcast-style blog featuring Kenneth Eugene Jacinto Watanabe’s career journey, role, AI integration, and advice, structured as an expanded interview narrative:

Inside Hakuhodo Inc.

Welcome to this special careers podcast episode featuring Kenneth Eugene Jacinto Watanabe, Marketing Planning Director at Hakuhodo Inc., one of Japan’s most prestigious advertising and marketing agencies. Kenneth shares his journey—from academic beginnings through early roles, to leading cutting-edge digital marketing transformations. If you’re an aspiring or current marketing professional looking to thrive in a technology-driven, global environment, this deep dive provides invaluable lessons and insights.

Early Foundations: Education and Starting the Journey

Kenneth: “My academic background is in economics and modern business from Hosei University in Tokyo. This foundation gave me a solid understanding of market forces, strategic thinking, and business operations. After graduation, I was eager to apply this knowledge, and I found early opportunities in customer success and project management roles at companies like SoftBank and Recruit. I was fortunate to be involved in digital operational improvements and UI/UX design projects, which sparked my passion for integrating technology with marketing.”

Overcoming Challenges and Building Expertise

Kenneth: “Starting out, the biggest challenge was mastering the technical and soft skills simultaneously. For example, managing call center operations required leadership and customer empathy, while also driving website and ecommerce improvements demanded understanding of digital tools and design principles. Balancing these divergent demands tested my adaptability and resilience. I invested a lot of time learning on the job, attending trainings, and seeking mentorship. It was a gradual but rewarding learning curve.”

The Hakuhodo Opportunity: Taking Leadership in a Global Marketing Giant

Kenneth: “Joining Hakuhodo as Marketing Planning Director in 2021 was a milestone. The role placed me at the intersection of strategy and technology within a company renowned for creativity and innovation. My primary responsibility is steering global marketing digital transformation strategies—helping clients adopt next-generation technologies and revamp customer experiences to meet evolving expectations.”

Day-to-Day Insights: What the Role Entails

Kenneth: “No two days are the same. Key daily activities include:

• Leading strategy sessions with multidisciplinary teams covering creative, IT, and data science functions.

• Overseeing the design and optimization of digital platforms, ensuring excellent UI/UX across web and retail channels.

• Managing IT governance, ensuring compliance, security, and efficient technology operations.

• Piloting AI-driven initiatives like voice recognition solutions and RPA automation to increase both customer engagement and operational efficiency.

• Analyzing data and KPIs to inform ongoing strategy refinement.”

“This role requires a blend of visionary leadership and hands-on involvement, plus strong communication to align diverse teams around common goals.”

How AI and Technology Are Revolutionizing Marketing

Kenneth: “AI is transformative in marketing. At Hakuhodo, we leverage AI for hyper-personalization of marketing content, automating routine activities like social media scheduling and customer service interactions, and running predictive analytics that forecast customer behavior. Using voice recognition technology, for example, enhances accessibility and user engagement profoundly.”

“But it’s vital to design with empathy and ethics in mind. Technology should augment human connections, not replace them. Data privacy and transparent practices remain top priorities.”

Joining a Company Like Hakuhodo: Tips for Aspiring Marketers

Kenneth: “Here’s what I advise students and early professionals wanting to join leading firms:

• Pursue relevant education in marketing, economics, technology, or related fields.

• Seek internships or work experiences that expose you to digital marketing, UI/UX principles, and analytics.

• Build expertise in important tools—Google Analytics, SEO, CRM platforms, and familiarize yourself with the basics of AI applications in marketing.

• Soft skills such as collaboration, communication, and adaptability are non-negotiable.

• Stay curious with lifelong learning: certifications, courses, and engagement with industry communities help.

• Network intentionally through virtual events, industry webinars, and professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Future-Proofing Your Marketing Career

Kenneth: “The future will demand marketers who can combine data literacy, technological savvy, and emotional intelligence. Agile project management, creativity, and the ability to tell compelling stories will remain critical. Embracing emerging technologies while keeping a human-centered focus defines success.”

Final Reflections: The Journey of Growth and Innovation

Kenneth: My journey has been about constant learning, embracing challenges, and blending diverse skills. Marketing today is no longer just about campaigns but about transforming how brands connect with people through technology and insight. For anyone aiming to build a vibrant marketing career, I encourage taking every opportunity to learn, innovate, and lead with integrity.