Leading with Heart: Risa Kusumaningrum of KIT Global On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Achieving Results Through Inclusivity and Transparency
As a leader, I emphasized transparency and inclusivity to foster a supportive work environment. I assured my team that their jobs were secure and that we would work together to achieve our goals. This approach encouraged open communication, leading to better collaboration and productivity.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Risa Kusumaningrum.
Risa Kusumaningrum, MBA, CFP, CMA, CIBA, CTAP, serves as the Country Manager of Indonesia for KIT Global. With over two decades of experience in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, she ensures seamless operations across digital marketing, sales, and finance. Risa began her career in Japan’s international fashion industry and has held senior roles in multinational companies, including positions as a senior accountant in New York and Senior GM of Sales & Operations in Singapore. She has contributed to notable firms such as FOX International Channels, REA Group, Traveloka, Ninja Van, Carsome, and Carro. With 20 years in the financial sector and leadership roles, Risa actively promotes financial empowerment for women, encouraging entrepreneurship.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I studied Finance because my father directed me towards it. Initially, I intended to pursue architecture because I love art and drawing. However, my family believed business accounting would be a better path for me, especially as a woman. So, I followed their advice and studied Finance. During my studies, I developed a genuine interest in the field. After graduating, I joined a global Japanese company as an accountant. Later, I secured a position with a global US company as an assistant manager, handling taxation and accounting tasks.
My roles have involved managing both external and internal stakeholders, and I’ve developed close relationships with auditors. One of my significant achievements was leading the most challenging audit, the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), required for companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. This experience has been invaluable and has prepared me well for my new role in Sales Operations. My efforts also led to an impressive audit result, with compliance rates increasing from 80% to 95%. This achievement was a pivotal moment in my career and played a significant role in my subsequent positions with global corporations.
Transitioning to the automotive industry and later to a global agency was driven by my desire for continuous growth. In my current role as a country manager, I oversee operations in Indonesia and spearhead expansion into Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond. I firmly believe that success stems from a robust network built over years of engagement, allowing me to navigate challenges confidently. As a female leader, I see my role not just as managing countries but as a beacon of positivity, inspiring others to dream big and achieve greater heights.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
It is rather challenging to name a single moment from the years of my work, but if I have to do that, I’d mention the time when I began working at a global Japanese company. I was able to interact directly with a high-level Japanese executive, Mr. Yamamoto-san. I stood by the director who was the owner’s son in preparing the monthly reports, budget forecasts, and setting product prices. Not that it is something I was aware of at the time, but Mr. Yamamoto-san responded positively to the ideas I suggested, and at times complimented my work.
One memorable moment was during my birthday when Mr. Yamamoto-san surprised me with a cake and personally thanked me for my efforts. It was a touching gesture, especially from a CEO of his stature in a hierarchical company like ours.
Yamamoto-san appreciated me as a female colleague in the company and treated me with much respect in meetings so much that he would ensure my voice was heard and even instruct others to listen to my opinions. This can be attributed to my work ethic and the results I delivered. Retailing my ideas to others of higher ranking wasn’t easy but I always went the extra mile to make things happen. For instance, I would proactively seek opportunities to learn about different departments, such as visiting the production line or discussing operations with the team. In this regard, this made me understand the need to exceed the call of duty while handling tasks. It taught me that hard work and a spirit to learn and contribute will give you your due in any organization, regardless of your position or background.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What distinguishes KIT Global is primarily its leadership. Our global leaders are individuals with unwavering trust, confidence, and a keen eye for innovative solutions. They don’t confine their vision solely to European markets but actively seek opportunities in emerging regions like Indonesia, India, the Middle East, and Latin America. Their commitment to understanding regional dynamics allows us to provide tailored solutions and superior service.
Furthermore, KIT Global fosters an open culture where ideas are welcomed and creativity is encouraged. Team members are empowered to express their thoughts and opinions, provided they contribute positively to the business. Our management team is especially adept at driving the company forward, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI and technology. This focus enables us to develop cutting-edge platforms that benefit both advertisers and partners, enhancing productivity and facilitating growth. One aspect I particularly appreciate about KIT Global is our ability to evolve beyond traditional performance marketing. While we excel in this area, we recognize the shifting landscape and embrace trends like social commerce, social media, and influencer marketing. By staying attuned to the preferences of our clients and collaborating closely with partners, we deliver innovative solutions that yield high levels of satisfaction.
Looking ahead, our goal is to expand our client base and revenue streams further. We aspire to forge enduring partnerships and friendships with our clients, fostering mutual success and growth. KIT Global isn’t just about the present or the past — it’s firmly rooted in the future. We are constantly exploring new opportunities and strategies to help our clients achieve their KPIs and realize their full potential.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
My work ethic mainly draws from my childhood years, and it was likely shaped by my father. I still remember how he worked for hours, starting from early morning till late into the night, and even on weekends addressing many calls and messages incessantly. I was privileged to see how he managed to fight adversity and not give up; this taught me that no matter how hard the setbacks are, the chances are always open for one to rearrange their strategies.
However, what counts is our attitude, our outlook on life, and our way of approaching matters. With a can-do attitude, it becomes possible to face difficulties without feeling overwhelmed and to turn them into positive experiences. In my view, a positive attitude is not just about positive words and/or phrases but it is also about the mechanisms that keep pushing us forward and giving us the strength to keep going. And, indeed, true champions are those who never give in to fear and never give up no matter the situation.
Integrity is another component that is critical in leadership. In my opinion, leadership entails integrity, reporting truthfully, and acting responsibly in all endeavors. It’s about being a role model, following organizational culture, and ensuring the organization’s principles are reflected in every facet of operation. Being the leaders in our organizations, it is our responsibility to create and maintain an environment that will be characterized by integrity and hence produce positive results.
Finally, fearlessness is paramount. My former mentor used to say: “It is okay to be fearless”. However, being fearless is about being able to speak our ideas, innovations, and opinions fearlessly because they will in one way or another boost the achievements of the organization. It is essentially about seeing beyond the comfort of our bubbles, getting out of the rut, and actively engaging in change. Managers must be fearless; to urge and challenge their people out of their comfort zones, to be innovative to find new ways of achieving their goals.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
Indeed, the true face of leadership stands out when storms are brewing, and difficult decisions have to be made. Perhaps the most memorable situation was when I was delegated to help the management implement cost-cutting measures inclusive of shutting down a poor-performing division in Indonesia.
It is important to note that the decision to close the wholesale business division was taken seriously. It entailed a lot of consultations and pondering over the decision as it would affect the jobs of many hardworking employees. I asked for an extension of several months to conduct an accurate evaluation of the division and to look for other solutions.
I had to coordinate with the human resources department to make sure that the process was as humane and impartial as possible during this period. Nonetheless, due to our constant effort, we found out that it was not possible to sustain this division in the long run. This was done with a lot of dismay, as it meant saying a bitter farewell to people we had grown to share close bonds with.
There are always consequences when such a decision is made, and the aftermath was no different. It was not well received by some because it was seen as a form of betrayal that was challenging my authority and commitment to the team. Nonetheless, due to employing dimensions of openness and honesty, I succeeded in ending their apprehensions and obtaining their support for the decision-making though not wholly. I went to it with the understanding that at times radical decisions have to be made. This was a challenge to my character, however, it reiterated the reason why I am determined and why I want to lead — for the right reasons.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
While working as a Country Manager at a global company, I had to overcome a major challenge when our traditional products were in the process of establishing themselves within the Indonesian market. Overwhelmed by expectations from the management, I decided to come up with a strategy that may be effective. As our Cost-per-acquisition (CPA) products did not generate the desired response, I realized that social media and influencer marketing were becoming popular in Indonesia. Thus, following this trend, I shifted our strategy and instructed my team to focus on influencer marketing for our products. Despite initial skepticism, we kept on engaging with potential clients through social media channels. This counterintuitive approach proved effective, resulting in the signing of a major client. Through this experience, I discovered the importance of innovation and flexibility in leadership to highlight the fact that sometimes, unconventional approaches yield the best results.
Another instance was during my time managing finances for a telecom company. Faced with cash flow challenges due to outstanding client payments, I knew I needed to take action. Instead of relying solely on traditional debt collection methods, I decided to personally engage with clients. Remembering the adage that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” I took a novel approach and brought cakes as gestures of goodwill during my client visits. This unexpected gesture not only broke the ice but also fostered positive relationships with clients. Through empathetic communication and persistent follow-ups, I successfully collected overdue payments, exceeding expectations and earning recognition for my unconventional yet effective approach.
Reflecting on this experience, I realized that my approach to leadership may not always align with traditional expectations. I don’t follow the conventional playbook but instead rely on my instincts and values to guide me. In this instance, my willingness to confront adversity head-on, coupled with my empathetic leadership style, ultimately led to a positive outcome for the organization.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
My leadership style has evolved significantly over the years. A few years ago, my approach was very masculine and rigid. I kept my hair short because I didn’t like dealing with complications, and it allowed me to get ready quickly in the mornings. However, because of my appearance and attitude, people often saw me as a very masculine woman.
In every meeting, I spoke loudly and demanded perfect results. I was a perfectionist, often working late into the night to check every detail of my team’s work. This led to stress and exhaustion, causing me to get sick every six months.
One day, my boss, who had a background in psychology, called me in and said, “Risa, you are too much of a perfectionist.” He told me that while I could be a good leader, I needed to change my leadership style. He gave me valuable advice: “There is only one Risa, and you can’t expect others to meet your extremely high standards.”
He suggested I take a couple of days off to reflect. After discussing it with close friends and a counselor, I realized I needed to change my approach. I started lowering my perfectionist standards and tried to understand my team’s situation better. This way, I could still make firm decisions but be more humane and understanding.
This change proved to be effective. Communication between my team and me improved, and they felt more comfortable working with me.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
Embracing my unique leadership style has taught me that success isn’t always measured by conformity to norms but by the ability to chart your path and inspire others to follow suit. It’s about having the courage to challenge conventions, make tough decisions, and stay true to your principles, even in the face of uncertainty. In doing so, I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about following the crowd but about forging your path and leaving a lasting impact on those around you.
Being a female leader in a corporate, multinational environment presents unique challenges and opportunities. It’s important to promote gender equality and ensure female leaders have a voice in public discussions and negotiations. I’ve worked in male-dominated industries and learned that presenting yourself effectively is crucial.
First, you need to understand your position. Bring your positive experiences and knowledge to the table to create solutions. When you’re hired, talk to the CEO and co-founders about their long-term vision and strategic plans. Ask about their 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year plans to understand the roadmap and how you can contribute to achieving their goals. This shows your commitment and insight, reinforcing that you are the right fit for the role.
It’s also important to be fearless. In meetings and discussions, demonstrate your capability to lead and solve problems. This requires strong teamwork, so build a supportive team to help achieve your objectives. Practical strategies like these have worked well for me.
Beyond the workweek, I prioritize social interactions with my team. Whether it’s having coffee, going to karaoke, or hosting lunches at my home, these casual settings allow us to open up about work challenges and build stronger relationships. By balancing leadership with approachability, I can support my team and management effectively, identify the root causes of issues, and provide the best solutions for the company. This holistic approach ultimately drives profitability and success.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
When I join a new company, especially from scratch, I prioritize understanding my team’s dynamics and emotional intelligence.
On my first day, I arrange informal sessions with team members to understand their work styles and emotional responses. Formal meetings can be intimidating and less productive for open communication. Instead, casual settings help me learn more about their personalities, work preferences, and emotional intelligence. This initial assessment is crucial because it helps me identify who can be my right hand, who excels in execution, who’s the strategic thinker, and who can represent the team in various settings.
HR tools provide a general overview, but I prefer my hands-on approach. By engaging directly with my team, I gather insights into their motivations, strengths, and potential areas for development. Some team members value promotions and titles, while others are driven by different motivations. Understanding these nuances allows me to tailor my leadership style and maximize the team’s efficiency and productivity.
Emotional intelligence is vital in building a cohesive team. I often organize team-building activities, like coffee outings or casual lunches, to foster trust and open communication. This creates a supportive environment where team members feel valued and understood, which is essential for effective collaboration and problem-solving.
Balancing IQ and EQ is key to successful leadership. Intellectual capabilities must be complemented by emotional understanding to achieve goals and build a resilient team. Emotional intelligence helps me navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and inspire my team to perform at their best.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
It’s important to understand that while I might be advancing rapidly, my team isn’t left behind. This balancing act, though challenging, proved effective over time. I began to listen more to my team, encouraging them and setting realistic yet challenging goals. I lowered my expectations slightly while helping them raise their performance, aiming to meet in the middle.
This approach worked well, creating a more supportive and productive environment. My previous team admired me and aspired to be like me. However, I emphasized that they should strive to be the best versions of themselves, not just replicas of me. I encouraged them to be fearless, and brave, and aim for their achievements.
Interestingly, not everyone was motivated by promotions or titles. In Indonesia, many people prefer a balanced life, working a typical 9 to 5 job and then returning home to their families. I learned to appreciate this perspective, recognizing that leadership can take different forms. Some people are born leaders, while others might not aspire to leadership roles but still strive to do their best in their capacities.
I aim to support all team members, encouraging them to perform at their best regardless of their personal ambitions. This approach acknowledges the diversity in motivations and helps create a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”?
1 . Adaptable Leadership
As the Country Manager for Indonesia, I manage the operations and lead the strategy for Indonesia. Managing my team, which mostly comprises individuals from Gen Z, poses particular challenges. While Gen Z is intelligent and innovative, they require moderation of such leadership approaches that do not point towards pressure. This is in contrast to leading the Gen X and Millennials, who often are receptive to clear guidelines and higher demands.
2 . Building Trust
Building trust is very important in my team leadership because it enables me to be honest and open with my team. It helps to foster better relationships and show them that I am here to assist them as if they were my family members. This approach makes them feel appreciated at work hence increasing their level of trust thus improving communication and motivation.
3 . Fostering Positivity and Handling Conflicts
It is crucial to stay positive all the time because negativity is likely to arise due to disagreements. Due to our team’s small size, I attempt to address conflicts appropriately and cautiously. With proper communication and timely resolutions of problems involving employees, I ensure everyone stays on track and motivated.
4 . Achieving Results Through Inclusivity and Transparency
As a leader, I emphasized transparency and inclusivity to foster a supportive work environment. I assured my team that their jobs were secure and that we would work together to achieve our goals. This approach encouraged open communication, leading to better collaboration and productivity.
5 . Implementing Structural Changes with Empathy
To address the company’s unstructured finances, I prioritized fixing the bookkeeping, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and improving cash flow management. I worked closely with my team to guide and train them about GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and personally initiated the submission of financial records to avoid penalties. This approach helped the team understand the importance of accurate financial management and generated a sense of responsibility and ownership within them.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Navigating the challenges of climbing the career ladder can be daunting, especially as a woman facing minority perceptions. People may underestimate our abilities based on outdated stereotypes or limited experiences. However, I firmly believe in proving my capabilities through action. With my unique leadership style and strategic approach, I aim to demonstrate my competence and earn respect based on merit.
Furthermore, fostering confidence within our team is essential for achieving collective success. Just like a circle, where each part is interconnected, a confident and united team is more resilient and supportive. By empowering my team members and emphasizing their strengths, we create a solid foundation for achieving our shared goals.
Additionally, effective leadership requires a balance between strategic thinking and creativity. While strategy ensures efficiency and cost-effectiveness, creativity drives innovation and ideation. By harnessing both aspects, we can navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities. My leadership style focuses on combining strategic planning with creative problem-solving to drive profitability and secure client trust.
Incorporating lessons from male leaders while staying true to my feminine leadership style is crucial for success. Learning from diverse perspectives and adapting strategies accordingly strengthens our leadership approach. Ultimately, my goal is to drive profitability, achieve milestones, and build trust with clients and stakeholders, ensuring the long-term success of the organization.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Empowering women is not just a passion of mine; it’s a mission. I believe that by supporting and uplifting women, we can create positive change in society, starting with education and financial literacy. Women play crucial roles as mothers, sisters, and future leaders, so investing in their education and financial knowledge is investing in the future of our communities.
I’m inspired by the idea that empowering one woman can have a ripple effect, influencing her family, friends, and even beyond. That’s why I’m dedicated to providing educational opportunities and resources to women, empowering them to make informed decisions and pursue their goals. Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or sharing knowledge, I strive to equip women with the tools they need to succeed.
Michelle Obama’s advocacy for education and women’s empowerment resonates deeply with me. I believe that education is the foundation of empowerment, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. By empowering women with education and financial literacy, we’re not just transforming individual lives; we’re building stronger, more resilient communities.
I’m committed to being a positive influencer, spreading messages of empowerment, and encouraging women to take charge of their financial futures. By instilling confidence and providing resources, I aim to inspire women to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and achieve their goals. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me on my LinkedIn and our website or get regular updates shared on our company’s LinkedIn Instagram and Facebook
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Pirie is a TedX speaker, author and a Life Empowerment Coach. She is a co-host of Own your Throne podcast, inspiring women in the 2nd chapter of their lives. With over 20 years in front of the camera, Pirie Grossman understands the power of storytelling. After success in commercials and acting. She spent 10 years reporting for E! Entertainment Television, Entertainment Tonight, also hosted ABC’s “Every Woman”. Her work off-camera capitalizes on her strength, producing, bringing people together for unique experiences. She produced a Children’s Day of Compassion during the Dalai Lama’s visit here in 2005. 10,000 children attended, sharing ideas about compassion with His Holiness. From 2006–2009, Pirie Co-chaired the Special Olympics World Winter Games, in Idaho, welcoming 3,000 athletes from over 150 countries. She founded Destiny Productions to create Wellness Festivals and is an Advisory Board member of the Sun Valley Wellness Board.In February 2017, Pirie produced, “Love is Louder”, a Brain Health Summit, bringing in Kevin Hines, noted suicide survivor to Sun Valley who spoke to school kids about suicide. Sun Valley is in the top 5% highest suicide rate per capita in the Northwest, prompting a community initiative with St. Luke’s and other stake holders, to begin healing. She lives in Sun Valley with her two children, serves on the Board of Community School. She has her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is an Executive Life Empowerment Coach, where she helps people meet their dreams and goals! The difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal is a dream with a date on it!
