Having studied in an (almost collapsed) elementary school building in rural Indonesia, I never allowed myself to dream big. Humbled by reality, I worked my way through school, university, and eventually to employment, securing a job at a state-owned bank in the capital, Jakarta.
I worked as a credit risk analyst for a bank for nine years. While I was happy with the job, I was also seeking something else – at that point, I believed I was more than “this” but wasn’t sure what to do.
Despite my uncertainty, an opportunity presented itself in the form of a full scholarship offered by my employer. Out of 1,700 shortlisted candidates, only 25 would succeed. The odds were overwhelming, but I believe that nothing happens by coincidence. I entered the selection process without hesitation, and I pushed myself beyond my limits, doing extra work along the way. To cut a long story short, my efforts paid off and I now find myself in one of the study rooms at IMD with two months left until graduation.
During the first few months, I was struck by my classmates’ enthusiasm. No matter their background, they seemed to have endless ideas, which made our group discussions buzz with energy and insights. I, on the other hand, was hesitant to speak up. Still filled with self-doubt, I was unsure if my ideas were good enough.
Thanks to the leadership lab, though, things began to shift. I shared my concerns with the group. My teammates were incredibly understanding. Rather than forcing me to speak, they created a safe space that allowed me to gradually become more comfortable. Our leadership coach also played a pivotal role by reminding us we were all different. Adjusting to this learning environment required extra effort, but while the learning curve was steep, I was encouraged to be proud of myself for the growth opportunities that lay ahead.
From that point forward, I committed to step up. It wasn’t easy. Speaking up felt unnatural and uncomfortable, but I kept pushing myself to do it. Sometimes I succeeded, other times I struggled to find the right words, but either way, I kept trying. Slowly, my confidence grew, so today I can speak freely and comfortably in front of my peers. My classmates have noticed, and their encouragement was a huge motivator. I’m so grateful for the progress I have made.
Speaking up is just one aspect. The whole MBA journey has helped me discover more about who I am and what I’m capable of. Through leadership reflections, Personal Development Elective sessions, the mini-HPL (high performance leadership), and all the sessions in the program, I’ve learned to push beyond my boundaries and embrace discomfort. I’ve taken risks and tried new things I never thought I would. I am excited to apply my learnings as I move into the next phase of my life.
Moreover, this program has not only shaped me professionally but personally. I have formed meaningful friendships with my classmates, people who inspire me with their ability to balance care and dare, and who shine both as professionals and as humans. These friendships have not only enriched my MBA experience but shaped how I approach both leadership and life, and I look forward to nurturing them long after this journey ends.
