International Relations for Business Academy 2.0 Features Retno Marsudi and Arsjad Rasjid on Global Mindset and Leadership

We were deeply honored to welcome Retno Marsudi, Board of Council Member of Paragon Wardah Stewardship for Global Impact, ParagonCorp, and Arsjad Rasjid, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Business Council (IBC), as mentors at the International Relations for Business Academy 2.0.

As globally minded leaders from Indonesia’s public and private sectors, both bring extensive experience and contributions to advancing Indonesia’s role on the world stage. Their session, “Owning a Global Mindset: Why and How Does It Matter for Indonesians,” offered invaluable lessons on how diplomacy and business can complement each other in shaping a more connected and resilient Indonesia.

Ibu Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2014 to 2024, shared her reflections on diplomacy as both an art and a lifelong discipline—one that requires empathy, trust, and the ability to build bridges across divides. She emphasized how an international relations background can be a powerful tool for fostering understanding and solving complex problems.

Pak Arsjad Rasjid, a forward-looking business leader who also serves as President Commissioner of XL Smart, Initiator of Gen8, and Commissioner at Indika Energy, highlighted how international insight and collaboration are essential for businesses to thrive in today’s interconnected economy. Drawing from Indonesia’s leadership during the G20 and ASEAN chairmanships, he underlined that strong partnerships between government and business can deliver lasting impact—driven in part by young professionals equipped with global perspectives.

Bringing these two extraordinary mentors together was a perfect blend of diplomacy and business, inspiring our participants to lead with purpose, vision, and a global mindset.

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