MakingHERStory is back once again! If you have been following along, Funding Societies | Modalku has always emphasised the importance of employee growth, and this year we’re taking that emphasis to the next level. A year-long women’s empowerment segment began to showcase what it is to be a leader in multiple markets and multiple capacities. In this issue, we sat down with Monica Tjandra, a Senior Customer Experience Manager from our team in Indonesia. Learn more about what inspires her leadership and her advice to the future generation of women leaders.
Influence and inspiration
Tell us about a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?
My previous supervisor once told me, ‘Wherever you go, leave a LEGACY’. This simple, yet powerful statement inspires me to work harder so that my contribution could have a sustainable impact and benefit others in the long run. Later on, as I landed in a leadership position, I’m motivated to empower my team to unlock their full potential so that eventually they can leave their legacy too. Each legacy would be unique on its own and that’s okay, cause that’s the beauty of it.
Have you drawn professional inspiration from other women? Tell us about someone who has inspired you
Parwati Surjaudaja, President Director/CEO of Bank OCBC NISP. She’s the epitome of a great leader who’s not only competent, humble, and compassionate but also strives to give the best for her company and her people. She leads by example and inherits this spirit of ‘No such thing as Can’t’ from her father, or simply put, nothing is impossible. From her, I learnt that no matter how difficult the situation might be, no matter how stuck we feel, keep persevering and search for the way out, because there’s no such thing as can’t.
Career
What energizes you about work?
I love the opportunity to impact the company, my team, and my surroundings.
Moreover, the unsolved problems/bottlenecks allow me to hone my problem-solving skills and grow.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
- Don’t be afraid to try, take chances, make any decision or be different.
- Spend your time wisely – we cannot get time back, but we can be intentional on how to use it – to develop and enrich ourselves, spend time with our loved ones, etc.
- Your past does not define your future, the choices and actions you make today will be. Focus on developing yourself and be better today than you were yesterday.
- Be true to yourself – it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Embrace your feeling and come out stronger
Women empowerment
How has FSMK empowered you to #breakthebias and be the leader you are today?
In FSMK, I feel that it is a safe space for women to voice out their opinions, take their stand and make decisions. FSMK also helps to facilitate workshops and training to further equip Women in Leadership with the right skillset to lead, influence and transform.
How should women support other women in their organizations?
I feel that we can celebrate each woman’s milestones together to show appreciation and at the same time to motivate others to achieve their goals. Aside from this, we can also create a small care group (biweekly or monthly session) to share about their ongoing problems or things to be grateful for.
Women in leadership is not a new concept, but it is one the world is still getting used to. So if you are in the position to celebrate the women in your workplace, then do it with pride! We here at Funding Societies | Modalku commend you on your effort in making equality possible.
Speaking of celebration, Here’s a fun fact, today the 20th of October is Vietnam’s official Women’s Day. So in our next issue of #MakingHERStory, we’ll be doing a special appreciation post to honour all the women working out of our Vietnam office. Stay tuned!