In this article, I’m not writing about published literature, observations, or corporate insights. This piece is a personal reflection on my 10-year journey in the industry.

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My journey started in January 2016, when my dad took me to Sudirman, Jakarta for a job interview at Roche for Management Trainee position.

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On the way, he asked, “What is Roche?” — and I laughed.

As a fresh graduate, I didn’t really know either. At that time, I thought being a pharmacist meant working in a hospital, yet I had chosen a different path.

So I answered simply, “It’s a company that sells drugs.”

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At that time, everything felt uncertain.

Looking back now, most of the meaningful lessons didn’t come from knowing, but from figuring things out along the way—with the help of others.

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Over the past 10 years, a few reflections have stayed with me, and here I am sharing it to you:

 

1. My biggest achievement, so far

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My biggest achievement isn’t the growth, projects, or revenue I’ve handled.
It’s when people come to me for advice, feedback, or to share experiences.

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Being trusted for your perspective is more meaningful than any formal recognition, such as “best employee of the year”.

Over time, I’ve realized this is the achievement that truly matters. When they trust me, for my expertise.

 

2. Attitude beats intellect

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In today’s world, everyone has access to knowledge—especially with AI.

Skills can be learned. Knowledge can be built.

But attitude—how you show up, respond to challenges, and stay open to learning—is what makes the difference.

In short, your “resilience” in adapting with the new environment and dynamics are what truly matters

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3. Respect others, but fear no one

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Respect should always be present, regardless of hierarchy and position.

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As long as you hold on to your integrity and values, you don’t need to feel intimidated by anyone.

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Your voice still matters. Scream for it, if necessary, especially when it comes to protect the truth and integrity.

 

4. There is no absolute right or wrong

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Instead of quickly labeling things as “right” or “wrong,” it helps to pause and ask: Do they understand?

Different perspectives often come from different contexts, not from bad intentions. And at times, our own understanding may still be incomplete.

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Choosing to understand first creates space for learning, rather than judgment.

 

In many cases, there is no absolute right or wrong—only those who understand, and those who don’t.

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5. Influence beats direction

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Direction tells people what to do.
Influence makes them want to do it.

When people feel connected to their responsibilities, they bring ownership—not just execution.

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6. The quality of a leader is determined by their decisions

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Leadership shows most clearly in uncertain and difficult moments, when there are no perfect answers and every option carries trade-offs.

 

It’s not about always being right, but about making disciplined decisions by considering risks and trade-offs, understanding who will be affected, incorporating diverse perspectives, and moving forward with clear intent and accountability.

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Every decision reflects not only judgment, but also values. How a leader chooses, especially under pressure, deadlines, signals what they stand for and what they prioritize.

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Very effective leaders don’t avoid complexity or delay decisions waiting for certainty.

 

Instead, they navigate ambiguity with integrity, accept the consequences, and remain accountable for both successes and mistakes.

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7. Career promotions come from people around you

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You can choose two paths: to be genuinely respected, or to seek recognition in other ways.

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Promotion comes from trust, consistency, and how people experience working with you over time—not just from hierarchy or visibility to senior leaders.

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If you receive a meaningful promotion, it is rarely because of one person above you.

It reflects the people around you—those who have worked with you, trusted you, and are willing to vouch for your character and contribution.

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At the same time, how you grow matters. Building yourself up should never come at the expense of others.

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In many ways, well-respected promotion is a collective recognition, shaped by how you show up for people every day.

 

8. You are not the best—your team is!

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No success is truly individual.

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Behind every outcome is a team contributing in different ways—through ideas, execution, support, and even constructive disagreement.

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A leader’s role is not to stand above the team, but to grow with it, enable it, and create space for others to do their best work.

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If you ever start to feel like you are the best, take it as a moment to pause.

 

More often than not, it is the team around you that makes you better, strengthens your decisions, and carries the outcomes forward.

 

9. Work is a “multiverse,” not your entire life

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Work has its own demands, expectations, and rhythm. It can easily feel like the center of everything—deadlines, meetings, targets, and responsibilities often take up most of our time and energy.

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But life continues beyond roles and titles. There is a version of you that exists outside of emails, presentations, and performance reviews—and that version matters just as much, if not more.

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The truth is, your real identity is not defined by your employee badge. It is defined by who you are when no one is watching—how you treat people, how you show up in everyday moments, and the values you carry when there is no recognition attached.

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Because at the end of the day, work is just one part of a much bigger life.

And the meaning we look for is often found outside of it.

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10. I love Gen Z

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Every generation brings new perspectives and that is why I learned a lot from Gen Z.

The questions they ask and the way they challenge norms may feel different, but they are also what push things forward.

One of my Gen Z team members once labeled me as a “Zi-lennial”, instead of millennial — I’m not entirely sure what it means, but it sounds cool, so I’ll take it 😊

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Looking back, this journey is less about milestones and more about people, moments, and changing perspectives.

There is still so much to learn—and that’s what keeps it meaningful.

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I’m grateful for the people who:

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• Hired me before fully knowing my capabilities

• Trusted me with my first projects

• Believed in me as a leader, even when I was still learning

 

No journey is done alone.

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Every mentor, peer, team, and even difficult moment has shaped who I am today.

And for that, I’m truly thankful, Thankful for your presence.