Inspiring Personal Heroes That Made Me the Business Leader That I Am Today

I know I may sound cheesy and melodramatic but there’s one time I ended up playing some inspirational songs to keep my day going on a busy Monday at work. So, as I was browsing for a suitable playlist from Spotify, there were songs that triggered my nostalgic mood - “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and “Firework” by Katy Perry.

With all that listening and a little bit of karaoke-like lip syncing, I ended up reminiscing about the ups and downs of my career. And with that trip back to memory lane, I suddenly remembered the people who inspired me to continue doing the things that I love in 2024 and beyond - by becoming the best business leader that I can possibly be. Not to mention, juggling multiple roles and different hats in my personal and business circles as well.

So where were we?

Ah, yes. We’re supposed to talk about the people that shaped my life and the valuable lessons that I have learned!

Throughout my life journey, I have come to realize that the path to success is rarely walked alone. Yes, you do the hard work to get on top but you also need help from other people (whether you like it or not) to get to where you want to be.

These inspirational people are not just popular figures we read in books or influencers we see on social media, they are mostly unsung heroes we tend to overlook and often take for granted. Apart from family, friends, and colleagues, some of them are people we meet, the mentors who guide us, and the personal connections that truly shape our trajectory.

The Foundation: My Family as Anchor

Whoever you are, whatever you do, the family is the foundation that helps you get started in life. Their love and encouragement will always be the building blocks where I built my dreams and aspirations. They also keep me grounded so that I remain focused on my goals.

Growing up, I was blessed with parents who instilled in me the values of resilience, compassion, and determination. Their strong belief in my full potential gave me the courage to pursue my passions fearlessly, even when faced with uncertainties and challenges. I’m also grateful for my brother and sister, who have taught me more things than they could ever know, patience being one of them :p

Now that I have a family of my own, I see my husband Zaky Abdullatif as a trusted partner in everything that I do. In the highs and lows of life, we are always at each other’s backs. Never, we ever doubt each other.

Perhaps the greatest gift of all is my precious child, a source of boundless joy and inspiration. The innocent laughter and curious eyes remind me of the importance of my work—building a better world for future generations to thrive in. By the way, she just turned 3 last week :D

The Mentors: Their Wisdom Shaped Me

I have been fortunate to cross paths with incredible mentors who have left an indelible mark on my life and career. I see them as my guiding lights, not only did they impart valuable knowledge and wisdom but also inspired me to chase my dreams.

One such mentor was my first junior & high school teacher, Pak Ucok. With his infectious passion and unwavering belief in his students' potential, he ignited in me a love for reading and sharing your knowledge, as well as being empathetic to your surroundings. His encouragement and mentorship planted the seeds of my lifelong love affair with words and storytelling, shaping the way I communicate and connect with others in both my personal and professional life.

Another person that I had great respect for was my first ever direct manager, Pak Cahyo Andrianto , who had left a memorable impression on me. He was the first one who taught me about work ethics, performance expectations, and guided me to understand all about the world of human resources. His beliefs in my skills and competencies empowered me to pursue a career in HR with confidence, knowing that I had a mentor cheering me on from the sidelines.?

Following him, I encountered a succession of exceptional managers who generously shared their wisdom and invaluable knowledge of everything, encompassing HR, business management, and life's profound lessons. That includes Pak Harry Permadi Dirgananto , Bu Umi (can't find her profile here...), Mas Gema Buana , Mas Bagus Harimawan , Mas Achmad Zaky , Mbak Rindang Arumeswari Panisales Farid , Sistur Annisia Dwi Baehaki , Michael S. , and Ben Lightfoot . I’m so lucky to have them as role models.

The Icons: The Women Who Blaze Their Trails

Women who pursue meaningful careers in the world of business are often faced with challenges and barriers that are stacked against them. Yet, some successful women overcame these and they have become my inspirations. They have blazed trails and shattered stereotypes with their leadership that instilled in me a deep belief in the power of perseverance, innovation, and authenticity.

One such icon is media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey. Her advocacy for women’s empowerment and personal development resonates deeply with me as she shares her journey through the entertainment industry, marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. It is a constant reminder that we must uplift and support one another. Her emphasis on the importance of storytelling and self-belief has profoundly influenced my approach to leadership and my efforts to inspire the next generation of women leaders.

Closer to home, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has been a source of profound inspiration. Her work in improving Indonesia's economic policies and her recognition as one of the world's most powerful women inspire me to aim high and stay true to my values. Sri Mulyani’s leadership with integrity and dedication to public service exemplifies the kind of leader I aspire to be.

Anne-Marie Slaughter, the author of "Unfinished Business," has provided invaluable insights into the importance of work-life balance and the need to redefine success for working parents. Her work has inspired me to prioritize family while pursuing my professional goals. She also advocated gender equality and her honest discussions about the challenges of balancing career and family life have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership.

But beyond those well-known figures, the women I encounter daily are equally inspiring. One such woman is my cherished business partner, Karina Vandanisa. She had the opportunity to pursue a career in Japan and climb the corporate ladder. Instead, she opted to build her own business in Indonesia, dedicated to helping others enhance their skills and secure better career opportunities. Despite facing incredible challenges daily, she remains steadfast in pursuing her dream. I am privileged to partner with her in our shared dream of KitaCakap.

The Unsung Ones: My Everyday Inspirations

While renowned business leaders and mentors have certainly shaped my journey, I find immense inspiration in the everyday heroes around me. These are individuals whose dedication, hard work, and never-say-die attitude make a significant impact, often without receiving widespread recognition. Their stories remind me of the power of perseverance and the beauty of the human spirit.

One of my greatest sources of daily inspiration is my beloved friends, who inspired me to pursue higher education overseas Juhri Selamet Gita Ventyana Dwita Octivia Shinta Renanda . Together, we hunted for scholarships and eventually embarked on our academic journeys in the USA. To this day, we continue to share stories of our daily lives, finding joy in the smallest of things.

Another everyday hero in my life is my team at Swarna , they work tirelessly to ensure our clients’ growth and success. All of them have this tremendous dedication and are truly remarkable. They go above and beyond, staying late to ensure that every campaign is executed flawlessly.?

Lastly, I cannot overstate the dedication of the volunteers at Vision for Future , my nonprofit organization committed to providing marginalized groups access to higher education. Without any financial compensation, they selflessly donate their time and expertise to support these young individuals within our community.

The Journey Continues…

These everyday heroes might not make headlines, but their stories of dedication, hard work, and resilience inspire me every day. They embody the values of perseverance, compassion, and community that I hold dear. Their journeys remind me that true inspiration often comes from the quiet, consistent efforts of those who strive to make a difference, no matter how big or small, no questions asked.

As I'm writing this blog (and of course, enjoying the inspirational music), I realize that my path has been shaped by these inspirational people. From the all-out support of my family and the wisdom of my mentors to the powerful stories of everyday heroes, each influence has left an indelible mark on my life. They have fueled my ambition, guided my decisions, and shaped my vision as a business leader.

We know we all have different journeys in life and career so it is important to seek out and cherish our inspirations. Let's open our minds and hearts to the things we learn from them. Let's also honor the unsung heroes who have contributed in their little way so that we reach our goals and achieve success. They walked for us so we could run.

I invite you to share your own stories of inspiration.

Who or what has inspired you on your journey? How have these influences shaped your path?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. At Swarna, we can celebrate the power of inspiration and continue to uplift and motivate one another.