Not everyone starts from the same point in life. Some individuals may already be several steps ahead, while others may need to work much harder just to reach the beginning. However, as Syauqi Robbani emphasized, what really matters is not one’s starting point, but how they respond to challenges along the way.
This message about teamwork and leadership was a common theme during the Integrated Business Experience (IBE) 2 class session at the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), Bandung Campus (April 29). This session featured Syauqi Robbani, Founder of Edelweiss Healthcare Group, CEO of CNA Investment, and Founder of Kreativa Global School, who shared his experiences building resilient individuals and high-performance teams amidst less-than-ideal realities.
Syauqi explained that family background and privilege often create gaps between individuals. These gaps are not simply differences, but also real challenges in personal and business development. However, behind every gap lies opportunity. The difference lies in a person’s ability to see, process, and respond to those opportunities in a structured manner.
“When you face a problem, it’s very important to structure it. Otherwise, it could be difficult,” he said.
In building a high-performance team, individual qualities are the main foundation. Syauqi emphasized the importance of in-depth expertise, thoroughness, collaboration, and resilience under pressure. A strong talent doesn’t just have a strong work ethic; they must also be able to adapt quickly to change.
Self-confidence plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. According to him, self-confidence is often shaped by one’s environment, experiences, and the ongoing process of overcoming challenges. If you lack self-confidence, or any of these components, it will be difficult to thrive.
“And this is still at the talent stage, not yet at the leadership level. Without strong talent, you cannot be an effective leader,” he emphasized.
To become a leader, one must continuously learn, understand, and apply knowledge, and see problems not in black-and-white terms but as a dynamic spectrum. A clear direction also differentiates a growing organization from a stagnant one.
Syauqi added that leadership also requires awareness of how to manage resources wisely. He believes that experiencing pressure is crucial to developing a leader’s resilience.
“The greatest learning experience comes from suffering. You can’t be a leader if you haven’t experienced hardship,” he said.
Therefore, the journey to building a high-performance team is a long-term process. It requires commitment, a willingness to continue developing, and the courage to keep going even when circumstances aren’t ideal.
In closing, Syauqi advised students to be bold in pursuing their goals but to remain realistic about the risks.
“Do what you want and do what is necessary. Keep moving forward, but also be prepared for the worst. We need to have a safety net,” he said.
He mentioned that strong academic achievement, such as a GPA above 3.5, can serve as a safety net amid uncertainty. This session served as a reflection for students that high performance, both as individuals and as a team, doesn’t emerge instantly. It is built through a consistent, structured, and resilient process.
