Leading with Heart

Jun Hashimoto

Chief Executive Officer

Anfini

Jun Hashimoto, CEO of Anfini, has built his career on a distinctive leadership style centred on “human management” rather than mere task management. His early experience at ABeam Consulting taught him the importance of clear communication and addressing his supervisors’ concerns to build trust. This focus on transparency and relationship-building propelled him to rapid recognition, achieving the fastest promotion among his peers. Now at the helm of Anfini, Jun leverages these principles to drive the company’s success in data-driven management and largescale ERP implementations. His expertise in business development and strategy positions him as a leading authority on leveraging data for informed decision-making. Jun’s philosophy harmonises technical efficiency with emotional intelligence, ensuring alignment between human and operational elements. Under his guidance, Anfini has experienced significant growth, with trust and transparency at the forefront of navigating complex projects. His commitment to fostering collaboration and clear communication distinguishes Anfini as a forward-thinking leader in the consulting industry. Speaking with TradeFlock, Jun shares insights about his journey and work.

How did you cultivate a unique culture at Anfini to attract former employees from major firms like the Big 4?

At Anfini, we have cultivated a unique culture that attracts former employees from major consulting firms, including the Big 4, by embracing three core values. First, we inspire our team to “have ambitious dreams that always make you feel excited and inspired.” We aim to create a dynamic environment full of adventures, something often lacking in larger corporations, fostering a personal connection to our mission. Second, we emphasise authenticity with the value “No logic like pretense. Let’s talk heart to heart.” As we build our corporate brand, we prioritise open and transparent communication, establishing trust and fostering long-lasting relationships. Lastly, we “respect every individuality and bring out the best in each.” Instead of asking employees to change, we focus on helping them thrive by placing them in roles that align with their strengths. This culture of inspiration, authenticity, and individuality has shaped Anfini’s consulting approach and attracted top talent.

What pivotal moments or lessons from failure have significantly shaped your career?

A pivotal moment in my career came during Anfini’s rapid growth, when the intense work culture took a toll on one of our young executives, who became critically ill. This experience taught me the importance of prioritising the well-being of employees. It led to the philosophy of “Consultants First, Company Second,” which now guides Anfini’s approach. I realised that creating a healthy work environment, where employees can thrive without sacrificing their mental and physical health, was essential—even if it meant slowing down company growth. This shift has been fundamental to both my leadership and Anfini’s long-term success.

Have any mentors influenced your career, and how have their insights shaped your leadership style?

Since junior high, I’ve received professional coaching, thanks to my parents’ emphasis on education. This experience instilled in me three core beliefs: “cherish the words,” “face oneself,” and “think of others.” These principles significantly shape my leadership style today. To foster a culture of growth at Anfini, we’ve introduced a management coaching program as part of our executives’ education, emphasising the importance of mentorship and personal development within our leadership framework.

How do you stay ahead of industry trends and keep Anfini at the forefront of datadriven management?

To keep Anfini at the forefront of data-driven management, I promote a proactive, holistic approach that addresses fundamental client challenges reflective of broader industry issues. Unlike traditional firms, we encourage crossproject collaboration through a specialised team within the CEO Office, which collects and analyses insights from various projects. This shared knowledge enhances our expertise from strategy development to system implementation and education, allowing us to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions. This alignment of upstream and downstream processes ensures that Anfini remains cuttingedge in the rapidly evolving consulting industry.

As a young CEO and one of Asia's 40 Under 40, how do you manage the pressures of leadership and serve as a role model?

As a 32-year-old CEO, I’ve faced the real challenges of leading Anfini on my own. I quickly learnt that guiding a growing company means recognising my limitations. Instead of trying to handle everything myself, I focus on areas for improvement, openly communicate with my team, and delegate tasks to those who excel in them. This approach has helped me build trust within the company, lighten the leadership load, and become an authentic role model for emerging leaders. It’s a balance that keeps me grounded and the company thriving.

What helps you maintain balance and energy outside of work?

I don’t have many hobbies outside of work, as I tend to be a workaholic. However, I find great joy in having dinner with my employees. This time allows me to learn about their past experiences and future aspirations. By understanding their journeys, I can better support them and improve our work environment at Anfini. While I see myself as somewhat weak-willed, focusing on others fuels my motivation, enabling me to work diligently for a brighter future for both my team and the company.