Where the magic happens: outside your comfort zone

"Grow and comfort do not coexist"- Ginni Rometty

I've been reading articles about self-growth, to which I found that most have one common topic: comfort zone. Leaving this zone is not easy, and (no pun intended) comfortable path – but as put by Ginni Rommety (CEO of IBM), “Grow(th) and comfort do(es) not coexist”. I suppose this is where the magic happens. 

The world of engineering has always been my passion, and I’ve been lucky enough experiencing the full spectrum of this world: I graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering specialized in IT Convergence, built a robotic project capable of playing soccer, and designing drones. First landing in Indonesia after several years abroad is a spot working for an IT consultancy firm. I had the pleasure of working in multiple banking and finance projects, collaboratively working with teams across many regions to help enterprises digitalize. It truly was an excellent first-hand exposure of how my passion in business intertwines.

My second landing spot is in a multi-national company with HQ in London, UK as a recruitment consultant. I took full challenge not only by moving to a different organization but also playing a different role compared to the previous one. I strive to connect the best candidates to the leading companies, assist candidates to be their better selves by placing them in positions that will challenge and bring the best of them. 

As time goes by, an awareness to search for something more stirs. Fueled by a desire to grow, learn, fail and create – I was edging closer to finding a different path; a path that, as Eleanor Roosevelt puts it, “a thing that scares you every day”. 

And so here I am, on the path outside my comfort zone. Following my call to do small acts that may be impactful to the Ocean.

I started a journey to build a social enterprise called Azura Marine Indonesia. Azura Marine Indonesia provides electric propulsion engines for small boats and powered by an in-house design Li-on battery pack called Manta 1.0. We aim to support low-income fishermen especially since they spent 70% of their income to buy fossil fuel and contribute carbon footprint as much as 11,5 kg/fishing trip. With Azura Marine Indonesia, I wish that this journey may help these fishermen to improve their wellbeing, as well as supporting mother nature to heal. 

 I’m excited to help my element, The Ocean and at the same time give impact to the end-users. 

I suppose this article is written partly as a note to myself – but for all those looking to take that leap of faith, I hope this article can be the push for you. As for me, to bid farewell on one end of the tech spectrum both client and candidates, I now am embracing my new challenge as a Co-Founder. 

Find out more about Azura Marine Indonesia here: https://www.azura-marine.com/earth

Find out more about the product, Manta here: https://youtu.be/Jh4r1WFu-6o

Manta design is registered.