What does a career path look like at Anaplan? It’s often a unique and evolving journey, full of opportunity. Welcome to Anaplan Growth Journeys, our series exploring the distinct professional paths of our people. Here, we share stories of how Anaplanners develop as leaders, connect with our culture, and make an inspiring impact.
We begin with the story of Jun Nakata, who wrote his own definition of growth in our Japan office.
Navigating uncharted territory
When Jun joined Anaplan in 2016, he was the only employee at Anaplan Japan. He started with zero partners and zero customers — a blank slate. Nearly a decade later, Anaplan Japan is a thriving business, a success that mirrors Jun’s own career journey.
His path evolved organically with the market. As the business grew, Jun’s responsibilities expanded, not by following a predetermined track, but by proactively identifying and stepping into leadership gaps. This approach eventually led him to head the entire sales organization and serve as General Manager of Anaplan Japan.
"I realized Anaplan was no longer something I sold," Jun reflected. "It had become an essential platform supporting our employees’ livelihoods, our partners’ businesses, and most importantly, our customers."
Leading with empathy
This focus on the bigger picture also shaped his personal development. A turning point came during the pandemic, when an employee shared in an exit interview that the loneliness of remote work sometimes brought her to tears. The feedback was a powerful call to action, prompting Jun to evolve his leadership style to focus on team cohesion and mutual support.
He put that perspective into action when explaining Anaplan’s return-to-office initiative. He saw an opportunity to lead with the "why," grounding the effort in core Anaplan values like collaboration. “I’ve learned that for individuals to achieve results, it’s not enough to work hard on their own,” Jun said. “It’s equally important to support one, define shared values, and create an environment that reinforces those values.”
Your journey starts here
Jun’s advice to those looking to start their own careers at Anaplan reflects his approach: "Embrace change and take on new challenges without fear." He credits Anaplan’s supportive culture, noting, “No matter what role you take on, people around you are always there to support you."
His journey from a one-person office to leading a team of over 100 illustrates that a career at Anaplan isn't something you wait for – it’s something you build.
Create your own path at Anaplan
Jun’s story is a testament to the growth possible when initiative meets opportunity. If you are a self-starter ready to own your future, your journey starts here. Visit our careers page to find your next role.