What was one defining moment in your life?
I came from Indonesia, specifically from a not-so-big city called Palembang in South Sumatra. My parents raised me with whatever they had – we weren’t super well-off, but we never felt a lack of anything. My late father worked in the Ministry of Forestry, guarding Sumatra’s beautiful rainforest from fire and illegal logging. He worked hard every day, sometimes even at night, to fulfill his duty. I saw him come home exhausted, and I felt so deeply that I would trade my life to make him happy. I worked hard during my school years, always striving to be the best student. One day, during a school announcement, my father shed a tear while smiling broadly as he announced that my name was at the top of the list. At that moment, my heart overflowed with joy. This is what I wanted – this is what success feels like. Now that my father has passed away, I still remember his smile on that day. That memory is what keeps me going every day.
What role did IMD play in helping you move toward your pre-MBA goals?
I worked in a bank for 10 years. While the role was comfortable, I knew I wanted to do something more. I wasn’t sure what exactly, but I was certain I wouldn’t spend my whole life doing the same thing. I craved challenges, the thrill of tackling them, and the fulfillment that I no longer felt in my previous role. Then the universe spoke to me – I received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a scholarship from my company to pursue a master’s degree at one of the world’s top universities. It wasn’t an easy journey to get accepted into the program, but long story short, suddenly there I was – in Lausanne, studying for an IMD MBA. I not only experienced the satisfaction of overcoming different challenges, but also gained firsthand experience working with diverse individuals, building a trust-based, high-performing team, meeting new people, and most importantly, discovering myself. These experiences have boosted my self-belief, and I’m ready to take an even bigger step in my next role after my MBA.
How is the MBA impacting your current role?
I am working for my previous employer in a new role. I’m currently on the Human Capital Strategy and Talent Management Team, which aligns closely with what I learned at IMD. Although my company has more than 38,000 employees, I am specifically responsible for top talent – starting with identifying them and equipping them with the right learnings so they can unite the team, create a ripple effect, and make the organization run more effectively. I find this role extremely exciting because I know there is plenty of room for improvement – a concept I truly embraced at IMD. While studying there, I was in awe of the leadership frameworks and practices taught in the program, and I often wondered how I could spread these ideas throughout my large organization. Then, when I got this role, I believed the universe had spoken to me once more, allowing me to share IMD insights with even more people.
Is there something different you wish you could have done during your time at IMD?
First and foremost, I wish I could invite all my classmates for a home-cooked dinner, but I only managed to invite around 60 out of 100 (lol, yes – that’s quite a lot!). On a serious note, I wish I had been braver in trying new things and more confident in connecting with new people – just like I did at IMD. I wasn’t much of a networker; I tended to shy away from the spotlight, which made my efforts go unnoticed, no matter how hard I tried. At IMD, I realized I was hindering my progress by doing that, and I promised myself I wouldn’t let it happen again.
What impact has the personal development element had on you?
Before my MBA, I often found myself at an intersection marked by confusion and fear. I was afraid to fail and tended to choose the easier path. That approach worked for a while – until I realized I had already walked too long and too far to take another road. Now, I view life’s intersections with excitement. I still need to choose my path, but I believe that any path can lead me to my goal. Some paths may be longer, and some may be rough and bumpy, yet I now trust in myself to take any of them without hesitation. It’s not only the road that matters, but also our strong feet and determined steps that help us overcome the challenges along the way.
What are your favorite memories of your year at IMD?
The most memorable highlight of my year at IMD was the High Performance Leadership session with George Kohlrieser, where I experienced some incredibly intense and amazing moments (I won’t spill the details on this one – you have to experience it for yourself!). Meanwhile, my favorite memory of Switzerland was walking by the lake with friends, talking our hearts out, and gazing at the water to calm ourselves. It was so easy and inexpensive to do, yet so precious and beautiful. I would do anything to have those moments once more.
Do you have any tips for future applicants?
Brace yourself – life in an MBA program will be intense. Not only will your brain be challenged, but your physical strength, your mind, and your heart will all be pushed to their limits as you strive to get the most out of the program. You could choose to give less than 100% and still enjoy life, but I’d suggest otherwise – because even when you give 200%, you’ll still thoroughly enjoy your MBA journey. I promise you that the experience will be fulfilling. Focus on yourself and your development. Don’t let others’ shiny achievements blind you or make you feel less; you are who you are, and no one can take away the learning you’ve gained.
