How I Got Here: Change management consultant Friska Wirya on overcoming cultural stereotypes
IMAGE VIA @FRESHBYFRISKA/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Embracing our unique backgrounds and perspectives leads to greater innovation and success in the workplace.”
Have you ever stalked someone on LinkedIn and wondered how on earth they managed to land that wildly impressive job? While the internet and social media might have us believe that our ideal job is a mere pipe dream, the individuals who have these jobs were, believe it or not, in the same position once, fantasising over someone else’s seemingly unattainable job.
But behind the awe-inspiring titles and the fancy work events lies a heck of a lot of hard work. So what lessons have been learnt and what skills have proved invaluable in getting them from daydreaming about success to actually being at the top of their industry?
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Welcome to How I Got Here, where we talk to people who are killing it in their respective fields about how they landed their awe-inspiring jobs, exploring the peaks and pits, the failures and the wins, and most importantly the knowledge, advice and practical tips they’ve gleaned along the way.
This week we speak to Friska Wirya, an author, entrepreneur and CEO of Fresh by Friska, a change management consulting company. Essentially, her job is to help companies move through big changes, turning it into an opportunity for growth rather than a corporate shake-up. Last year, she released the book The Future Fit Organisation: A Leader’s Guide to Transformation, which quickly became a bestseller.
Friska’s incredibly passionate about what she does, partially because she had to fight for recognition in her field (among other obstacles). “My undergrad and MBA degrees are not in ‘change management’ because that didn’t exist when I went to university,” she says. “Change was only starting to be recognised as a discipline… it intrigued me it played to my strengths.” Here, she speaks on workplace biases, the best bits of her job and shares advice for anyone aspiring to be in a multifaceted role one day.
What do you do and what’s your official job title?
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Good question. I do many things! I’m the CEO of Fresh by Friska, which encompasses the following: organisational change and transformation consulting and advisory, keynote speaking, workshop and offsite facilitating, executive styling and the latest addition is writing. I wrote my first book which skyrocketed up three bestseller categories in less than three days last year, with my second out later this year.
Take us back to when you were first starting out. Did you study to get into your chosen field, or did you start out with an internship/entry-level role and climb the ladder? Tell us the story,
I did both. My undergrad and MBA degrees are not in ‘change management’ because that didn’t exist when I went to university! I was a management consultant for a few years and felt really bored and unfulfilled. Change was only starting to be recognised as a discipline… it intrigued me it played to my strengths. But I didn’t have any certifications then, and it was expensive to obtain.
So I took a 40 per cent pay cut to start from the bottom again. As a lowly change analyst, I worked my way up with unwavering dedication and laser-like focus. Fast forward seven years later I was the youngest GM at the biggest gold mining company in the Southern Hemisphere.
In those seven years, I got my certifications and made sure I was exposed to all sorts of changes, cultures and sectors. I did climb the ladder. I climbed fast, but when I got there I realised it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.
What challenges/hurdles have you faced getting to where you are now? Can you tell us about one in particular?
Being a minority, the journey to where I am now has not been without its challenges. One significant hurdle I faced was overcoming cultural stereotypes and biases in the workplace. Growing up in a society where traditional norms often emphasise humility and deference, I found it challenging to assert myself in environments that valued self-promotion and assertiveness.
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One particular instance stands out. Early in my career, I was working in a high-pressure corporate environment where opportunities for advancement were highly competitive. Despite my hard work and dedication, I noticed that my contributions were often overlooked, and I was not being considered for leadership roles.
I realised that part of the problem was my reluctance to speak up and advocate for myself, a trait that was deeply ingrained in my cultural upbringing. Additionally, there were unconscious biases at play, where colleagues and superiors often underestimated my capabilities based on stereotypes associated with my background.
… It wasn’t an easy journey, but it was a valuable one. It reinforced my belief that diversity is a strength and that embracing our unique backgrounds and perspectives leads to greater innovation and success in the workplace.
What do you want people to know about your industry/your role?
Everything looks seamless and slick on the outside, but it took a heck of a lot of effort to get there. Nothing comes easy. Naively, I thought starting a business would be easier than climbing the cutthroat corporate ladder and navigating politics!
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. Hustle culture has made it sexy and glamorous to be a founder, just be prepared that things will get hard, not go according to plan and there’ll be no safety. It requires a huge degree of resilience, grit and patience.
Every person’s journey is different. Some may take six months and some may take six years depending on their industry, offer, market etc.
What’s the best part about your role?
The array of interesting people I meet and the impact I can make across companies, geographies and sectors. Every day is different and I love that. Being a multihyphenate is very much ‘choose your own adventure’.
What would surprise people about your role?
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Contrary to popular belief, business doesn’t fall from the sky. I spend a lot of time developing relationships, networking, following up with prospects, etc. And that one coffee meeting doesn’t seal a deal. It could take up to a year for a signed engagement.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a role like yours one day?
To anyone aspiring to take on a multifaceted role like mine, I would offer the following advice:
- Embrace continuous learning. Never stop learning. Stay curious and invest in your personal and professional development. Take courses, attend workshops, read extensively, and seek out experiences that broaden your skills and knowledge. The more you know, the more versatile and valuable you become.
- Build a personal brand. Develop a strong personal brand that reflects your unique strengths, values and expertise. Be consistent in how you present yourself across different platforms… your brand should communicate what you stand for, how you differ and what you offer.
- Relationships are king. Cultivate a robust professional network. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with like-minded individuals… Networking is not just about what others can do for you, but also how you can support and add value to others.
What about a practical tip?
Shadow a professional in your desired role. If you want to become a consultant, speaker, and author, find a professional who successfully juggles these roles. By shadowing them, you can learn how they manage their time, prepare for speaking engagements, handle client relationships, and approach writing projects. This practical experience can provide valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you on your path.
Read the rest of the How I Got Here series here.
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