Thinking about a sales career at Taboola’s Japan office? We sat down with Max Aoyagi, a Senior Enterprise Sales Manager based in Tokyo, to get the real story.
In less than three years at Taboola, Max earned a well-deserved promotion and the honor of a spot at Taboola’s global Sales Club. Here, he walks us through why he chose to join Taboola, what actually happens day to day on the team, and what it takes to succeed here.
Why did Taboola feel like the right long-term bet for you?
“One of the biggest factors that gave me confidence in making the move was that a former team lead of mine had already joined Taboola Japan and was thriving here. Through conversations with him, I gained a better understanding of the company’s culture and long-term vision. I was also impressed by Taboola’s consistent growth across the open web ecosystem globally. Rather than focusing on short-term trends, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in the market for the long run.”
Beyond stability, what made the role at Taboola appealing?
“One of the reasons I decided to join Taboola was the level of ownership and the breadth of responsibilities each employee has. At my previous company, which was a large organization, roles were highly specialized, so my responsibilities were relatively narrow. When I learned more about Taboola Japan, I was excited by the opportunity to take on a much broader role. I saw that the job went far beyond simply selling advertising solutions. Employees were encouraged to develop new ideas, work with partners to create innovative solutions, and build customized offerings that addressed clients’ unique needs.
What really appealed to me was that people weren’t limited to selling predefined products or packages. Instead, they were encouraged to think about how to grow both their clients’ businesses and Taboola’s business by creating new opportunities. I felt this environment would allow me to grow not only as a sales professional, but also as a business professional.
Another important reason was that I wanted to build my own capabilities rather than rely on a company’s brand name. At a large, well-established company, a strong brand can naturally open doors. I wanted to challenge myself in an environment where I could earn clients’ trust through my own ideas, expertise, and relationships. I believed that would help me grow much faster, and it gave me the confidence that Taboola was the right place for me.”
Coming from Rakuten, how is selling at Taboola different, and what have you learned?
“Since joining Taboola, I have had the opportunity to learn new sales approaches and relationship-building strategies that differ from those used in larger, more established organizations. One of the most valuable lessons has been learning how to clearly communicate what Taboola is and the unique value it provides. Every client and agency has different goals and challenges, so it’s essential to explain Taboola’s solutions and how they differ from other advertising platforms in a way that is both simple and accurate. Through this experience, I have strengthened my ability to deliver consultative, solution-oriented sales rather than simply promoting a product.”
AdTech sales can be high-pressure. How do Sales, Account Management, and Technical teams actually support each other?
“In my day-to-day work, I collaborate especially closely with our Account Management team. When a client approaches us with a new initiative or request, we work together to evaluate the idea’s feasibility and discuss the best way to bring it to life. If a specific request is difficult to implement, we proactively develop alternative solutions and recommendations that help the client achieve their objectives. We also partner with our Technical team whenever specialized expertise is needed. This collaborative approach allows us to solve challenges efficiently and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients. One of Taboola’s greatest strengths is that client success is truly a team effort rather than the responsibility of any one individual.”
What’s day-to-day life actually like on the Taboola Japan team?
“The office has a calm and comfortable atmosphere that makes it easy to stay focused. Everyone takes a strong sense of ownership over their work and is committed to delivering results. Outside of client work, the team enjoys talking about our hobbies, weekend plans, and other personal interests, which helps create a friendly and supportive environment.”
You earned a spot at Sales Club. What did that experience mean to you?
“Sales Club was an incredibly valuable experience for me. One of the biggest highlights was spending time with colleagues from all over the world, people I wouldn’t normally have the chance to work with closely. It really reminded me that Taboola is a truly global company. Personally, I’d love the opportunity to earn a place at Sales Club again in the future. At the same time, I hope even more members of the Japan team will have the chance to experience it as well.”
What should sales candidates know before applying to Taboola Japan?
“Taboola is a place where you can truly challenge yourself. As an Advertising Sales representative, you have the opportunity to build your business from the ground up through your own initiative and effort. At the same time, because Taboola is still growing its presence in the Japanese market, opportunities won’t simply come to you, you need to create them yourself. If you’re not proactive, the role can be challenging. However, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues who are always willing to share their knowledge and help you grow. If you’re looking for an environment where you can challenge yourself, take ownership, and accelerate your career, I’d definitely encourage you to join us.”
Ready to realize your potential on a team that values ownership, collaboration, and growth? Taboola Japan is hiring. Explore our open roles.
