CEO Insights Magazine

With a keen understanding of industry trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics, a CSO holds a key position in a business as they formulate comprehensive strategies to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks. At Universitas Pelita Harapan, Freddy Junevartius, Head of Strategy & Governance, embodies this strategic imperative. With over a decade of experience spanning diverse sectors such as manufacturing, trading, retail, aviation, and IT, Freddy brings a wealth of expertise to his role. From HR and finance to ERP consultancy, his versatile background speaks volumes about his readiness to tackle multifaceted challenges. Freddy's journey reflects a commitment to continuous growth and excellence, evidenced by accolades such as ‘Employee of the Year’ and top KPI scores. As a forward-thinking strategist, he champions innovation, positioning Universitas Pelita Harapan for sustained success in an ever-evolving landscape. Let’s read on.

What recent strategic initiatives have you implemented to enhance operational efficiency, expand reach, and attract new leads in the market?

Executing good strategy demands a comprehensive understanding of the market and optimization of existing processes while effectively engaging new leads. Our strategy relies on thorough market research to identify emerging trends, customer preferences, and growth opportunities, ensuring alignment with market demands. The integration of business and information technology strategies is crucial for market success and organizational cost optimization. We've invested in upgrading digital infrastructure, implementing appropriate technologies, and enhancing our online presence to enhance customer experiences and expand our reach through various digital channels. Additionally, we prioritize building strategic partnerships and collaborations with industry players and complementary businesses to strengthen our market position.

How do you manage the continuous shifts in market behavior?

Effectively executing plans necessitates a comprehensive strategy that embraces adaptability, strategic foresight, and customer-centric governance as its foundational elements. Beyond merely forming strategic partnerships and guaranteeing financial sustainability, it is imperative to prioritize continuous improvement of skills and competencies. Establishing a culture of perpetual learning not only encourages innovation but also facilitates seamless adaptation to evolving circumstances. Simultaneously, maintaining a steadfast commitment to a long-term vision, supported by clearly defined metrics, ensures that organizational efforts remain aligned with overarching objectives. Drawing parallels with military strategy, assuming a leadership role akin to a general positioned in the rear confers numerous advantages. This approach provides a wider perspective, heightened situational awareness, and increased flexibility in responding to shifts in the operational landscape, all of which are instrumental in the triumph of strategic initiatives and endeavors.

How do you ensure that each change is in harmony with the business objectives while maintaining cohesion across different departments?

Ensuring that every member of the organization understands the company’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives is crucial. It's important to take advantage of every opportunity available to communicate and explain the overarching strategy. B uilding c ross-functional c ollaboration and i nvolving t eams i n t he p rocess c an b e highly beneficial; this can be achieved by creating ambassadors and change agents who are enthusiastic about promoting the strategy throughout the organization. Ideally, stakeholders should also be aligned with and supportive of the strategy, reinforcing its importance. Making the strategy easy to remember and understand, while considering the existing organizational culture, is essential for widespread adoption. Structured change management processes should be established to guide the implementation of initiatives across the organization, ensuring that transitions occur smoothly. Additionally, strategies should be developed to address any resistance that may arise during the implementation process, thereby facilitating a more seamless transition.

How do you apply your problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts, maintain harmony, and align with business objectives?

Utilizing problem-solving skills involves a multifaceted approach, beginning with attentive listening to comprehend issues and their underlying causes thoroughly. Fostering an environment of approachability, echoing Sun Tzu's wisdom of appearing strong yet humble, encourages open dialogue crucial for conflict resolution. Transparent communication channels ensure stakeholders are well-informed about the problem-solving process and its outcomes, fostering trust and alignment with business objectives. Embracing a collaborative problem-solving approach engages stakeholders across cultural and organizational dimensions, promoting a sense of ownership and commitment.

In the realm of project oversight, recognizing opportunities amidst challenges is imperative. Effective stakeholder management, coupled with clear communication and goal-setting, establishes a foundation for project success. Proactively identifying and managing risks enhances project resilience in the face of uncertainty, ensuring continuity and progress. By discerning the potential within challenges, projects can capitalize on opportunities, driving sustainable growth and organizational advancement.

Freddy Junevartius, Head of Strategy & Governance, Universitas Pelita Harapan

Freddy Junevartius, Head of Strategy & Governance at Universitas Pelita Harapan, leverages 12+ years of experience. He adeptly coordinates departments, excelling in project management, strategic partnership, vendor management, IT GRC, and business analysis. Certified in CAPM and ITSM, he demonstrates commitment to excellence in project management and information technology service management.