A time of uncertainty

PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ELECTION. Brexit. The war in Syria. The terrorist threats. We live in a time of uncertainty and chaos – in an era when the compassionate use of power and good leadership are more important than ever.

In his classic work On War,r Carl von Clausewitz, the Prussian general and military theorist, described three basic challenges of leadership that we need in order “to survive this constant battle with the unexpected: first, an intellect that even in this moment of intense darkness retains some trace of the inner light that will lead to truth, and second, the courage to go where that faint light leads.”

Management gurus have interpreted Clausewitz’s theories to indicate that uncertainty need not be a negative force in business. It can actually be the very engine of transformation in a company, a continuous source of new opportunities. Like a general overlooking the battlefield, a business leader should engage with the details of execution - so that he or she can respond quickly to unintended consequences.

It was with ideas like this in mind that we approached our interviews with several of Indonesia’s “Power Titans” for this issue. Franciscus Welirang, the head of Indofood subsidiary Bogasari Flour Mills, Indonesia’s biggest producer of wheat flour, is admired in business circles for the way he has repositioned his company to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Rosan Roeslani, Chairman of Recapital Advisors and head of Kadin Indonesia, told us how he has used natural leadership ability and trust to build one of the nation’s most powerful financial firms. Jos Parengkuan, founder and President Commissioner of Syailendra Capital, believes that integrity in business is everything. Karen Lim, President Director of BMW Group Indonesia, talked about strength- based leadership and the importance of thoughtful communication.

Our “cover girl” this month, Finna Huang, is someone I particularly admire for her entrepreneurial energy and savvy. She sees herself as an alpha woman who strives to do her best at every challenge she undertakes, from running the family business to running marathons.

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