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Leading through Complexity

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

How Systemic Team Coaching Drives Impact Beyond Performance

As a coach, I have had the privilege of working with leadership teams across industries, cultures, and continents. Each engagement teaches me something new – not just about organisations, but also about the people I work with. Recently, I concluded a Systemic Team Coaching journey with Arc Australia Consulting alongside Fourteena and Linda, working with a global information technology client, PT Kairos Utama Indonesia. This 20-year-old company has a subsidiary in Canada, with an impressive range of clients across various industries, including oil and gas, banking, telecommunications, and more. The experience provided powerful reminders about what truly enables teams to thrive in today’s complex world.

Listening Before Leading

The coaching journey began not with solutions, but with curiosity. This coaching journey spans over seven months, from early March to October 2025. Over this period, we engaged leaders and teams across Sales, Operations, Delivery, HR, Finance, and other core functions in in-depth dialogue. Through interviews, surveys, and facilitated conversations, we created a space for voices that are often unheard and questions that are seldom asked. More than 30 hours of collective conversation revealed something familiar yet profound: when teams slow down long enough to truly listen, clarity begins to emerge. Patterns become visible. Assumptions are challenged, and people start to see not just their own function, but the system they are part of.

What We Discovered Together

Across functions, several shared challenges surfaced that I see repeatedly in organisations:

  • A strategy that is well-intended but not always clearly translated into day-to-day priorities
  • Strong teams working hard, yet often in silos
  • Ownership and accountability diffused across complex structures
  • Stakeholders sometimes feel disconnected from internal decision-making
  • Learning is happening informally, but not yet embedded as a shared discipline

These are not failures. They are signals. Signals that an organisation is evolving and ready for its next level of maturity.

From Insight to Intention

The most meaningful shift occurred when the conversation moved from “what isn’t working” to “what are we committed to building together.” Through collective sense-making, teams began shaping a future state grounded in shared responsibility, disciplined execution, and human connection. The focus areas that emerged were both practical and aspirational: clarifying strategy and goals, strengthening accountability, enhancing cross-team collaboration, deepening stakeholder engagement, fostering a culture of learning, and improving communication and recognition. What struck me most was not the content of these priorities, but the energy behind them. When teams co-create their path forward, commitment replaces compliance.

A Vision Beyond Performance

Looking ahead, this organisation has articulated a bold aspiration: to become an internationally recognised technology company where discipline and creativity coexist, and where people work in alignment with one another and with the broader ecosystem they serve. In this envisioned future, ideas are shared courageously. Differences are valued. People, processes, technology, and business strategy are aligned with purpose. The organisation not only performs – it learns, adapts, and leads by example.

A Personal Reflection

As a coach, moments like these reaffirm why systemic work matters. Real change does not come from top-down directives or isolated initiatives. It comes from collective awareness, honest dialogue, and the willingness to see the whole system – and one’s role within it. Completing this coaching journey reminded me that the future of work is not about having all the answers; it’s about embracing the unknown. It is about creating the conditions where teams can think, learn, unlearn, relearn, and move forward together. When that happens, transformation is not only possible – it becomes inevitable.

As I conclude this year, 2025, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with global clients as part of my learning journey, which has challenged my intellectual sphere and refined my humane aspects, as well as other personal and professional domains. I look forward to welcoming 2026 with a sense of confidence shaped by reflection and progress. The journey continues – and it begins with optimism, anchored in purpose.

To find out more about Systemic Team Coaching, please visit: https://www.14arcaustralia.com/team-coaching.html

For those who are interested in reading my research on digital transformation, leadership, and beyond, you may go to: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-46209-2_2

Wishing you the happiest holidays and a wonderful new year!

Coaching Digital Transformation Industry

Collaboration with BRIDA of Central Java Province

Posted on December 18, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Two-year Study on Domestic Product Use Intensification (P3DN)

I am excited to announce that a collaborative project with the Regional Research and Innovation Agency of Central Java Province (BRIDA Provinsi Jawa Tengah) has been successfully completed. In my role as the expert team leader, I have guided a comprehensive study focused on the use of domestic products (PDN) and the domestic product use intensification (P3DN) program.

This initiative was structured as an integrated, two-stage research project spanning a two-year period. The first stage involved conducting background research to identify key issues surrounding the use of domestic products in Central Java. During this phase, we undertook a thorough examination of PDN to build a solid foundation for our work. The second stage of the study focused on developing a roadmap for the domestic product use intensification (P3DN) program in Central Java for the years 2025-2029. This roadmap aims to provide strategic direction for implementing the use of domestic products within the region.

I extend my sincere appreciation to my team members, Anis Susanti and Dr. Lyna Latifah, for their outstanding contributions to this project. My gratitude also goes to the BRIDA Provinsi Jawa Tengah team, including Arif Sofianto, Tri Risandewi, Setyo Aji Wijayanto, Tri Susilowati, and Novan Setiawan, for their dedicated support and collaboration throughout the research process. I would also like to thank all participants in the Focus Group Discussions, which included representatives from various government units, independent surveyors, business professionals, and other relevant stakeholders. Their constructive feedback and active engagement were invaluable in making this study possible.

To access the policy brief in Indonesian resulting from this study, please visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bwon15ncWUkGZl0BfITa4vzcXrN_EDbK/view?usp=sharing

BRIDA Central Java Domestic Product Policy Brief

Charting My Mentorship Journey: Transformation from HDR Mentor to GRMA Founder

Posted on December 17, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Charting My Mentorship Journey: Transformation from HDR Mentor to Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA) Founder

Participation in the HDR Mentors

During my PhD studies at Macquarie University, I was eager to participate in the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Mentors program for several essential reasons. I recognised the value of establishing robust support systems, broadening my network across different disciplines, and reducing the sense of isolation often experienced during the PhD journey. I applied to join the HDR Mentors program, motivated by my previous experience supervising students as a lecturer in my home country. My portfolio and background in student supervision played a key role in my shortlisting as a mentor candidate. I vividly recall the interview process with Dr. Md. Mohasinul Haque, Coordinator of HDR Mentors, which took place in the university library. During the interview, we discussed the significance of the mentorship program and its impact on HDR students.

Following my acceptance as a mentor, I participated in a training session in June 2018. The training was designed to provide a thorough understanding of effective mentorship practices. These training sessions encompassed a range of topics, including the articulation of a mentoring philosophy, aligning expectations and assessing understanding, maintaining effective communication, fostering cultural diversity and awareness, establishing appropriate boundaries between mentor and mentee, navigating the emerging field of online mentoring, promoting independence and professional development, staying connected beyond training, and reflecting on mentoring competencies. These sessions were facilitated by an expert team and provided a strong foundation for my mentoring approach.

Reflecting on my PhD journey, I am grateful to note that I completed my PhD with the award of having my thesis accepted without any corrections or revisions. This significant achievement was, in part, made possible by the invaluable learning experiences and insights I gained through participation in the HDR Mentors program. The mentorship and support I received not only enriched my academic development but also contributed directly to the quality of my research and the successful outcome of my thesis examination.

My learning journey as an HDR Mentor concluded in November 2020. At the end of the program, I was honoured to receive a certificate presented by Professor Simon Handley, Pro Vice-Chancellor for HDR Training and Partnerships, accompanied by Kim Tan, Program Manager of HDR Mentors. This recognition marked the culmination of my commitment to supporting fellow research students and reflected the valuable skills and experiences I developed throughout my participation in the mentorship program.

I shared my experience in the HDR Mentors program at https://indonesiamengglobal.com/2020/07/berbagi-kisah-di-program-doktoralphd-saling-menguatkan-melalui-program-mentoring/

Establishing the Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA)

Building on the knowledge and skills gained from the HDR Mentors program, I founded the Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA) after completing my PhD. The GRMA is dedicated to enhancing research experiences for students at my university, UNNES, and beyond. This platform is designed for both Master’s and Doctorate students, offering opportunities to:

  1. Join a research community, minimise a sense of isolation, and improve the intellectual atmosphere,
  2. Develop peer-level support and foster a scholarly community between Master’s and Doctorate students,
  3. Elevate and share the graduate researcher experiences,
  4. Provide peer support training, including mental health resources, career development, and other professional and personal development opportunities,
  5. Create networking opportunities among Master’s, Doctoral students, faculty & staff members, alumni, and industry professionals.

To support research students and individuals interested in broadening their academic and professional engagement, we organised a series of webinars covering a variety of topics. These sessions were designed to facilitate learning and encourage participation from attendees across different disciplines, and the events are free of charge. I am sincerely appreciative of the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from participants, which confirms that the program has played a meaningful role in helping them navigate their research journey more effectively. For an example of one of our activities, please go to: https://blog.unnes.ac.id/sandyunnes/2025/02/09/graduate-research-mentoring-academy-grma-2/

Alumni Mentoring Program

Recently, I completed a six-week Alumni Mentoring program organised by Macquarie University, furthering my commitment to giving back to my alma mater. The program commenced with a mentor orientation and was officially launched in September 2025. This pilot initiative brought together 150 nominated students from undergraduate and postgraduate programs, alongside over 40 alumni who were selected for their diverse backgrounds and expertise from around the globe. The orientation was instrumental in preparing me to engage with my assigned mentee, emphasising the importance of guidance and support throughout the program.

To participate in this program, it is a requirement that I complete the Mentor Online Learning Module through Macquarie’s learning platform (ProLearn). This module is essential for ensuring that all mentors are adequately prepared and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide excellent support to mentees. I have successfully completed this module, scoring 100 out of 100, which demonstrates my commitment to upholding the highest standards within the mentoring program. This achievement not only highlights my commitment to delivering high-quality support to mentees but also shows my ongoing efforts to continually enhance my mentoring skills and to constantly learn. By engaging fully with the module, reflecting on prior experiences, and striving for excellence, I continue to invest in my professional growth and hope to make positive contributions to the development of my mentees.

The Alumni Mentoring program is structured around four core focus areas designed to support and empower students as they progress through their academic and professional development. These focus areas include supporting the development of employability skills, career planning tools and techniques, building confidence and resilience, and reflection and action planning. To read my personal reflection on this experience as an alumni mentor, please visit: https://blog.unnes.ac.id/sandyunnes/2025/11/20/macquarie-graduate-futures-mentoring-program/

Mentoring Capability

Drawing on the mentoring skills I have developed, I have discovered a strong connection between mentoring, coaching, and supervising students. These experiences have positioned me effectively to provide guidance and supervision to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Having supervised students through various levels, from undergraduate to doctoral theses, I have become more confident in my supervisory capabilities and gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the supervision process. My goal is to ensure that every student I supervise has a rewarding experience throughout their academic journey.

Academic Supervision Mentee Mentoring Mentorship University

Call for Book Chapters – Taylor & Francis

Posted on December 1, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Digital and Tech-Enabled Social Innovation in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies

We are pleased to announce the opening of a Call for Book Chapters for the forthcoming edited volume titled “Digital and Tech-Enabled Social Innovation in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies.” This book aims to examine how digital and tech-enabled social innovation is transforming the social impact landscape across Asia. It explores how higher education institutions (HEIs), in partnership with private corporations, non-profit organisations, and government agencies, leverage digital technologies to address complex societal challenges and drive inclusive development.

For detailed information regarding submission guidelines, thematic areas, and important deadlines, please refer to this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nShhveRTrLVzkUclcowu3Hogb4-V5OXu/view?usp=sharing

Editors:
Intan Azura Mokhtar, PhD., Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore.
Arif Perdana, PhD., Monash University, Indonesia.
June Cao, PhD., University of Southampton, United Kingdom.
Sandy Arief, PhD., Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia.

Call for Book Chapters Digital Higher Education Social Innovation Technology University

Macquarie Graduate Futures Mentoring Program

Posted on November 20, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Reflections on My Journey as an Alumni Mentor

It is a privilege for me to be a mentor for the Macquarie (MQ) Graduate Futures Mentoring Program, an opportunity that marked another impactful chapter in my professional journey. Previously, I was an active member of the Higher Degree Research (HDR) Mentors at Macquarie University. Recently, I have finished a 6-week Alumni Mentoring program, which is another way for me to give back to my beloved alma mater. The program began with a mentor orientation, which officially launched on September 11, 2025. This pilot initiative brought together 150 nominated students from both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, along with over 40 selected alumni from diverse backgrounds and expertise worldwide. This orientation prepared me to engage with my mentee effectively and highlighted the importance of guidance and support within the program.

As my mentee resides in Sydney, our interactions have been conducted through online sessions. This virtual engagement has been a wonderful learning process, allowing me to adapt my mentoring approach and foster a productive relationship despite the geographical distance. The mentoring experience has allowed me to expand my professional knowledge and skills. Through meaningful discussions and facilitating others, I have deepened my understanding and enhanced my abilities in various domains.

I aspire for my mentee to gain practical knowledge from my journey as an academic, international consultant, and professional accountant. I discovered an incredible opportunity to share the knowledge and experiences that have shaped my own path. The role was not just about guiding others; it was a transformative experience for me as well. It reignited my passion and allowed me to see the world through fresh eyes—the eyes of an eager learner ready to take on challenges. By sharing my experiences, I hope to provide valuable insights that will benefit her prospective path.

As I connected with my mentee, I realised how much I learned from her questions and ambitions. Her excitement reminded me of my own academic journey, bringing back memories of uncertainty and discovery. Together, we created a space where ideas flowed freely, and I felt privileged to witness her growth and development. Being an Alumni Mentor is more than just imparting wisdom; it is about fostering relationships that inspire both mentor and mentee alike.

In conclusion, being part of this program has brought me immense fulfillment. In this role, I have come to appreciate the profound impact of giving back to the alma mater that helped shape my identity. The lessons learned have been mutual; what started as a commitment to support the next generation has transformed into an enriching experience that has forever changed my perspective on mentorship. This process has been rewarding, both in terms of my personal growth and in the positive influence I hope to have on my mentee’s future journey.

Alumni Mentor Mentorship

Teaching Practitioner with EY Indonesia

Posted on October 17, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Reimagining Forensic and Integrity for a Technology-driven World

I am excited to welcome Febrilly Andamary, M.Com, CFE, CA, CPA (Aust.), my fellow CPA member and Macquarie University alumna, who serves as a Senior Manager at EY Indonesia for Forensic and Integrity Services in my ‘Teaching Practitioner’ scheme under the unit of Accounting Information Systems (International Undergraduate Program). We will discuss pressing issues, ranging from the application of AI in an international accounting firm and protecting integrity practices to securing a job at a Big Four firm.

I received very high enthusiasm from students from other units, colleagues, and the public, who are passionate about this topic. Hence, I welcome you to participate. Join us by simply logging in through your Zoom account; detailed information is available on the poster, please see attached: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cJeidphZL2tuNJLEHCsv7yCbP1uOW9HI/view?usp=sharing

See you!

Dosen EY Industri Praktisi Mengajar Teaching Practitioner

Doctoral Journey: Research, Scholarship, and Life – GRMA

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA) Session #2

The GRMA offers a range of opportunities to enhance your research experiences at UNNES and beyond.

The GRMA is a platform for research (Masters and Doctorate) students to:

  1. Join a research community, minimise a sense of isolation, and improve intellectual atmosphere,
  2. Develop peer-level support and foster a scholarly community between Masters and Doctorate students,
  3. Elevate and share the graduate researcher experiences,
  4. Provide peer-support training including mental health, career prospects, and other professional and personal development,
  5. Create networking opportunities between Masters, Doctorate students, faculty & staff members, alumni, and industry.

Join us for our 2nd sharing session, and we have Anna Kania Widiatami, S.E., M.Ak., Akt., Lecturer of Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Negeri Semarang, who is currently a Doctoral Student of OsloMet University, Norway. She will share timely and relevant topics on Doctoral Journey: Research, Scholarship and Life. For more details, please see the poster: https://bit.ly/GRMAMeeting2Poster. To register, please fill out this form: https://s.id/GRMAMeeting2.

For further information about the GRMA, contact us at [email protected].

See you!

Sandy Arief – Founder of GRMA
Inaya Sari Melati – CoFounder of GRMA

GRMA Mentoring Mentorship Research

In Conversation

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I welcome many incredible guests to In Conversation. This program I created aims to provide an impactful platform for influential thinkers, creators, makers, and doers to share about learning and life that takes place here on campus and worldwide to make a difference globally. The views or opinions expressed by the guest speaker(s) are solely their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES). The comments on this channel belong only to the person who posted them. However, we reserve the right to remove off-topic or inappropriate comments.

To join me with inspiring speaker(s), please visit: https://bit.ly/in-Conversation

academic Akademik Conversation Discussion Diskusi Ilmiah Universitas University

Doctoral Publication – GRMA

Posted on September 9, 2024 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Graduate Research Mentoring Academy (GRMA)

The GRMA offers a range of opportunities to enhance your research experiences at UNNES and beyond.

The GRMA is a platform for research (Masters and Doctorate) students to:

  1. Join a research community, minimise a sense of isolation, and improve intellectual atmosphere,
  2. Develop peer-level support and foster a scholarly community between Masters and Doctorate students,
  3. Elevate and share the graduate researcher experiences,
  4. Provide peer-support training including mental health, career prospects, and other professional and personal development,
  5. Create networking opportunities between Masters, Doctorate students, faculty & staff members, alumni, and industry.

Join us for our 1st sharing session with Dr. Inaya Sari Melati on Doctoral Publication. For more details, please see the poster: https://bit.ly/postermentoracademy. For registration, please fill out this form: https://s.id/Registrasi_Mentor_Academy1.

For further information about the GRMA, contact us at [email protected].

See you!

Sandy Arief – Founder of GRMA
Inaya Sari Melati – CoFounder of GRMA

Latest Publications

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Sandy Arief Posted in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Latest Publications: Please refer to https://scholar.google.co.id/citations?user=UmI912AAAAAJ&hl=id for more detailed publications.

Book Chapters:

– Arief, S., Basutama, W. (2025). A Case Study on Cryptocurrency Strategy and Regulation in the Asia Pacific. In Perdana, A., Bharathi, S., Karim, R., Arifin, A., Srivastava, A. (Eds.), Digital Strategy and Governance in Transformative Technologies. London and New York: Routledge (Taylor and Francis). https://www.routledge.com/Digital-Strategy-and-Governance-in-Transformative-Technologies/Perdana-Bharathi-Karim-Arifin-Srivastava/p/book/9781032762685?srsltid=AfmBOornBi7MbVILKxTujIXNG2IOiNBruRjAatRADu4P9VItNt1DE24K
– Arief, S. (2024). Digital Transformation in Accounting: The Nexus between Technology, Leadership, and Beyond. In Perdana, A., (David) Wang, T. (Eds.), Digital Transformation in Accounting and Auditing: Navigating Technological Advances for the Future, (pp. 29-59). London, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-46209-2

Books:

– Latifah, L., Anisykurlillah, I., Arief, S., Susilowati, N. (2024). Strategi UMKM Menghadapi Era Transformasi Digital. JDS Publisher.

– Wartini, S., Arief, S., Alidayanti, F., Wahyu, D., Ulya, J., Alfain, M., Sidiq, Rama. (2024). Understanding Cross-cultural Management. UNNES Press.


Journals:
– Latifah, L., Setiyani, R., Arief, S., Susilowati, N. (2024). The Role of Personal Values in Forming the AI Ethics of Prospective Accountants. Ethics in Progress, 14(2), 90-109.

– Sucipto, S., Arief, S., Susanti, A. (2024). Center of Excellence Assistance Model: Is it Effective to Improve Vocational School Management in Central Java? Cakrawala Pendidikan, 43(3) – Forthcoming.

Research Reports:
– Arief, S., Setiawan, A., Latifah, L., Prasetyo, R., Widyastuti, A. (2024). Evaluation of Strategic Plan of Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) 2018-2023. The Provincial Executive Report of Department of Cooperatives and SMEs, Central Java, Indonesia.

– Arief, S., Latifah, L., Susanti, A. (2024). Strategy on Domestic Products Use Intensification in the Central Java Provincial Government. The Provincial Executive Report of Regional Research and Innovation Agency (BRIDA), Central Java, Indonesia.

Teaching and Supervision:

Semester 2024/2025

Undergraduate:

20X00319 Sustainability Reporting

20X00309 Accounting Information Systems

20X00306 Accounting Theory

Masters:

20P04334 International Financial Management

20P04342 Cross-Cultural Management

20P00608 Research Method

Doctorate:

20P04269 Educational Strategic Management

20P04263 Educational Human Resources Management

Supervision: Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Master’s and/or Doctorate) Accredited Supervisor.

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Recent Posts

  • Leading through Complexity
  • Collaboration with BRIDA of Central Java Province
  • Charting My Mentorship Journey: Transformation from HDR Mentor to GRMA Founder
  • Call for Book Chapters – Taylor & Francis
  • Macquarie Graduate Futures Mentoring Program

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