Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in banking and finance?
A: I actually studied business law in college, so in the beginning it never occurred to me that I would work in banking. Coincidentally, I was informed by a relative that there was an opening for management trainee programme in a bank. I got accepted into the programme, and after a while, I felt that I had found what I enjoyed doing. Fast forward to now, I have been working in this industry for more than 30 years.
Q: What makes a typical day for you at the office?
A: Being on top management level means my day is filled with meetings. From having strategies to implement and execute successfully, to monitoring results and regular evaluations, basically, we face problems and challenges on a daily basis – and my job is to find the solutions. The key is persistence and to never give up.
Q: Indonesia has seen solid economic growth in the past few years. Which of your products would you recommend benefitting people in the long term?
A: This will depend on many factors. Some customers came just to make savings, some would like to do more with their businesses or loans, some needed capital or investments, and some even only wanted to learn more about financial planning. Depending on their needs, conditions, risk profiles and portfolio models, Bank Mega can provide different types of services.
Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by bankers and financial professionals today?
A: In banking, there are two sides: the lending part and the funding part. I think our biggest challenge is to give added value to our customers. How to maintain our professionalism while helping our customers’ finance problems, and educating them at the same time. This includes providing them information about recent market updates that can be beneficial to their investments. We would like to be their friend, where we can talk freely and find solutions for them. We want it to be more than a transactional relationship.
Q: What skills does one have to possess to be in the position that you are in right now?
A: I believe that it comes with my experience. Never underestimate the process and never stop learning. All the problems, challenges and successes that one might face during their process are what will eventually upgrade your skills – whatever they may be.
Q: What is the most valuable lesson that you’ve learned in your career so far?
A: I think the fact that success does not come easy, especially against something that is beyond your power. For example, the recent pandemic has been an eye-opening moment for everyone and every business around the world, where giving up was not the answer. Eventually, it taught us that we, as human beings, can overcome anything if we believe and stay persistent.
Asia Dreams Volume 47
Bank Mega
(bankmega.com)
@bankmegaid
@dizalarentie
