Cover Fransisca Harlijanto at the summit of Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia's highest peak
Fransisca Harlijanto at the summit of Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia's highest peak
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Fransisca Harlijanto, CEO of PT Frina Lestari Nusantara, talks about her sporting pursuits and their impact personally and professionally
Sport can lead to success on the global stage, but this is not limited to the pitch, field, court or track—having a sporting background has the potential to lead to business success too.
Studies have shown that the vast majority—more than 90 per cent, according to a study by consultants EY and women’s sports platform espnW—of women in C-suite positions played sport. Taking up sport later in life can also have a positive impact professionally.
To tie in with Paris 2024, our limited series Top of Her Game sees women currently or formerly in C-suite positions in a range of industries discuss their sporting journeys, the role of sport in their lives, and why they would encourage other women and girls to pursue sport. Here, Fransisca Harlijanto, CEO of Indonesian manufacturing company PT Frina Lestari Nusantara, opens up.
Above Fransisca Harlijanto is preparing to climb Lobuche East and Ama Dablam in October 2024
Fransisca Harlijanto is preparing to climb Lobuche East and Ama Dablam in October 2024
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Have you always been interested in sport or did it come later? What's your sporting journey?
I have been active since childhood, playing badminton, swimming in the sea, biking, running around the neighbourhood and climbing trees for as long as I can recall. In middle and high school, I joined the swimming team for competitive swimming. During university, I embraced kickboxing and hiking. I’ve challenged myself in various competitions, from sprint triathlons to full Ironman distances, duathlons, cycling, ocean swims, marathons and trail runs. I also enjoy tandem skydiving, surfing, free diving, scuba diving and underwater photography.
What's your current sport of choice?
Since the pandemic, I have reignited my passion for hiking and have explored numerous mountains in Indonesia. For the past two years, my attention has been devoted to mountaineering and trail running. I find mountaineering captivating due to its technicality and challenges, while trail running hones both my endurance and skills.
Do you prefer individual or team sports and why?
I gravitate towards individual sports where I can rely on my own efforts to push myself and achieve results. Additionally, coordinating schedules with others can be challenging, and I prefer not to rely on anyone else for my activities.
When/how often and where do you do sport?
I hit the gym daily, dedicating 8 to 10 hours per week to various exercises including Pilates, strength training, HIIT sessions, wall climbing, hill repeats and running. With upcoming climbs of Lobuche East and Ama Dablam scheduled for October 2024, I’ll ramp up my training to peak at 20 hours per week by September 2024.
How do you make sure you fit sport into your schedule? Any tips or strategies on how to do so as a busy executive?
I reach the gym by 6am and my workday begins at 9am, varying depending on the day. Completing my workout in the morning ensures I don’t have to concern myself with it later.
How has/does sport help you personally and professionally?
Engaging in competitive sports has instilled in me the importance of consistency and discipline in adhering to training schedules and pursuing goals. I’ve come to understand that success lies in the process rather than solely in the outcome. To achieve results, one must commit to the process wholeheartedly. Just as skipping training sessions can impact performance in competitions, shortcuts at work can affect outcomes negatively. This success in both realms requires persistence, consistency, and disciplined effort. Sports have taught me to be calm under pressure, and even when I am tired, I can still tap into a reservoir of stamina, strength and good thinking and continue to compete successfully.
Do you have a proudest sporting moment or achievement?
I have clinched numerous victories in local triathlons, duathlons, cycling, swimming and ocean swim competitions. Additionally, I’ve conquered Carstensz, Indonesia’s highest peak.
Success lies in the process rather than solely in the outcome. To achieve results, one must commit to the process wholeheartedly
Why do you think people who play sport are more likely to achieve in the workplace and how do you think sport has contributed to your journey to CEO?
Sports have a multitude of positive impacts on both the body and mind. In addition to promoting healthy bones, heart and lung efficiency, and enhanced motor skills, they both bolster cognitive functions and guard against chronic diseases. Moreover, exercise serves a therapeutic function in addressing psychological disorders and has been associated with boosted self-esteem. Engaging in sports fosters a healthy lifestyle by connecting individuals with like-minded peers who prioritise physical activity and nutritious eating habits. Furthermore, sports aid in achieving better sleep quality and duration, while simultaneously reducing anxiety and elevating energy levels. Serving as a potent tool, sports integration into one’s life enhances resilience to stress and promotes greater happiness and communication skills through increased agreement with others. Personally, sports have equipped me with resilience to stress, elevated energy levels, and instilled a sense of persistence and consistency in my endeavours.
Why would you encourage girls and women to take up sport?
Active participation in sports empowers girls and women, fostering greater confidence, self-esteem, and pride in both their physical and social identities while concurrently reducing levels of depression. They cultivate a more positive body image and enjoy heightened psychological well-being. The benefits of sports extend across psychological, physiological, and sociological realms. Moreover, sports instil vital life skills such as goal setting, teamwork, and striving for excellence, all of which are essential for success in the professional sphere. It’s imperative that our daughters are equally prepared for the fiercely competitive workplace as our sons. Engaging in sports provides invaluable lessons in both winning gracefully and accepting defeat with dignity.
What are you most excited about for Paris 2024?
Increased female participation and the success of female athletes.
About
Rachel Duffell is regional content director for Power & Purpose, including Front & Female, and former regional content director for Tatler Dining. She is a journalist and editor who has been covering people, gender, impact, leadership, culture and lifestyle for more than 15 years.
