Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH) has shifted its strategic direction from being a traditional communications service provider to an innovative technology provider in response to the slowing growth of the telecommunications industry. This underscores the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for company sustainability amidst the complexities of today’s business world.
“Data shows that around 7% of companies fall from the top position every year due to new disruptions that emerge,” said Seno Soemadji, EVP-Head of TechCo at Indosat, during a guest lecture at the SBM ITB on Thursday (18/7).
According to Seno, innovation and entrepreneurship require a high level of leadership. Leadership means managing limited resources and transforming bureaucratic cultures to become customer-oriented.
“We must have clear principles and be leaders for ourselves and others,” he added. “Leadership is to be earned, not to be asked for. We become leaders because we have values.”
The spirit of entrepreneurship and leadership must exist in every intrapreneur and entrepreneur. While intrapreneurs operate within a company’s existing and structured framework, entrepreneurs have complete freedom as they start from scratch. Both, however, require visionary and adaptive leadership to face challenges and guide their teams to success.
In this context, Seno explained that Indosat innovates to anticipate industry changes. Indosat no longer focuses on satellites but on innovation and technology. Following the merger with Tri, the company’s growth reached 1.7 times, share prices increased 4.5 times, and revenue rose by 10%, with B2B revenue reaching 15%. Seno emphasized the importance of having a clear direction amidst change.
“We must be able to redesign our business, navigate existing SOPs and regulations, and drive transformational change,” he said.
Entrepreneurship motivation and leadership must exist in every intrapreneur and entrepreneur. While intrapreneurs operate within a company’s existing and structured framework, entrepreneurs have complete freedom because they start from scratch. However, both require visionary and adaptive leadership to face challenges and direct the team to success.
In this context, said Seno, Indosat continues to innovate to anticipate industry changes. Indosat no longer focuses on satellites but instead on innovation and technology. After the merger with Tri, the company’s growth reached 1.7 times, share prices increased 4.5 times, and revenue increased 10%, with B2B revenue reaching 15%. Seno emphasized the importance of having a clear direction amidst change.
“We must be able to redesign our business, dance between existing SOPs and regulations, and encourage transformational change,” he said.
He stressed that a leader must be brave enough to take risks and remain focused on providing value to customers. A real example of a customer-oriented approach was demonstrated by Sigit Djokosoetono, CEO of Bluebird, who worked as a Bluebird driver for a full day to understand customer needs directly. This taught us not to be solely profit-oriented but to provide more value to customers.
In closing, Seno urged students to become inspirational leaders, dare to face challenges, and remain critical without being misled by incorrect information.
“With the motivation of an entrepreneur, be a great leader and execute,” he concluded.
With this strategic transformation, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison emphasizes the importance of adaptive and innovative leadership in facing industry changes, ensuring the company remains relevant and can provide more value to customers.
