Indonesia's Most Influential Business Leader to Watch

Indonesia’s
Most In uential
Joannes Rhino
Chief Execu ve Officer
Travel Treasures Asia
& Bali News
to Watch
From Words to Action
Inuence in
Travel and Beyond

,
Wealth consists not in
havinggreat possessions,
but in having few wants.
- Epictetus

Editor’s Note
Preserving Heritage Through Shared Stories
torytelling can bridge people and make them belong to a community. People can develop empathy and
Sunderstanding for each other when they share personal experiences. Studies have shown that the communities
involved in storytelling activities have reported 30% improvement in social cohesion.
In fact, storytelling is the way to help community members express their problems and successes, thus creating
heartful stories. This would also promote communication and participation in the community's activities.
Organizations that apply storytelling will increase volunteer engagement by 25%.
Storytelling continues the tradition and values along the generations; therefore, it is a means of cultural
preservation. It affords a voice to silenced peoples thus creating an outlet of inclusivity and representation. One
study showed that communities who are known for telling stories well are 40% more likely to participate in
collective work.
In an information-intensive age, where access has become widespread, but anonymity is too common, storytelling
creates this connection in a much grander way than any other form of information would have done. Abstraction
makes way for anecdotes on actual issues, and virtually all can understand their rather tough subjects better. An
efficient community is one that endorses and enables the speaking of authentic stories by individuals; a community
shall subsequently prepare an individual for this life-changing story.
This makes storytelling an art of making not only individual lives but also community bonds strong. The practice
can pave the way to a more empowered society by being more involved in one's community and helping
communities to be positive long-term impacts.
The latest edition of APAC CIO World, titled "Indonesia's Most Influential Business Leader to Watch," highlights
Joannes Rhino, who has dedicated his career to redirecting the media industry in Southeast Asia. He believes that
authentic local narratives are not just important; they are essential for nurturing understanding and connection
among diverse populations.
Have a good read ahead!

FEATURING
08.
From Words to Action:
Joannes Rhino's
In uence in Travel and Beyond
ARTICLES
16.
20.
What Are the Key Characteristics of
Purpose-Driven Leadership
What Innovations are Most Critical for
Businesses to Focus on During a Downturn

Sustainability has to
be a way of life to be
a way of business.
.
- Anand Mahindra

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Success consists of
going from failure
to failure without
loss of enthusiasm.
- Winston Churchill

Joannes Rhino
Chief Execu ve Officer
Travel Treasures Asia
& Bali News

From Words to Action
Inuence in
Travel and Beyond
He values the importance
of priori zing quality
journalism while maintaining
meliness, a balance that
proves difficult to achieve.

In a region rich with diverse cultures yet
often overshadowed by mainstream
narratives, the challenge of amplifying
local voices becomes paramount. Marginalized
communities in Southeast Asia frequently find themselves
misrepresented or unheard, struggling to share their unique
stories with the world.
Meet Joannes Rhino, the innovative CEO of Travel
Treasures Asia and Bali News. With a passion for
storytelling and a commitment to community
empowerment, Joannes Rhino has dedicated his career to
reshaping the media landscape in Southeast Asia. He
believes that authentic local narratives are not just
important; they are essential for fostering understanding
and connection among diverse populations.
Joannes’s approach is both creative and actionable. By
prioritizing local experiences and perspectives, he has
launched initiatives that empower communities to share
their stories on their own terms. His work illustrates how
media can serve as a powerful tool for community building,
encouraging collaboration and dialogue among different
cultural groups.
Through his efforts, storytelling emerges as a catalyst for
change, bridging social divides and leaving a lasting impact
on both individuals and communities. Joannes is not just
telling stories; he’s igniting movements, inspiring action,
and reminding us that every voice matters in the rich
amalgamation of Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage. As he
continues to champion local narratives, Joannes is paving
the way for a more inclusive media landscape that truly
reflects the heart of the region.
Let’s discover his journey of storytelling!
Journey in Travel and Inspiration
Joannes is the founder and CEO of Bali News, a leading
travel news platform in Bali, and Travel Treasures Asia, a
luxury travel magazine absorbed in Southeast Asia. An
accomplished author, he has published seven books,
including the 2016 Amazon Best Seller in Psychological
Fiction, The Unseen Face.
As a CEO, Joannes often reflects on the qualities that define
a truly influential business leader. His motivation to embark
on this journey stems from a desire to inspire others and
contribute positively to the business terrain in Indonesia and
beyond. He recognizes that the business world is constantly
growing, demanding leaders who can adapt, innovate, and
lead with integrity.
Joannes believes that influential leaders possess a unique
blend of vision, empathy, and resilience. They focus not
only on profits but also on the broader impact of their
decisions on society and the environment. Through his
work, Joannes aims to embody these principles and inspire
a new generation of leaders in the industry.
Innovative Travel Media
Bali News stands as a prominent online platform founded
by Joannes, dedicated to delivering the latest news and
information about Bali. Aimed at both residents and
tourists, the website covers a wide array of topics, ranging
from breaking news to in-depth articles, making it a
comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the island.
In addition, Joannes founded Travel Treasures Asia, a
platform designed to help travelers discover unique
experiences across Southeast Asia. Faithful to providing
stimulating travel articles, videos, the latest news, reviews,
and helpful guides, Travel Treasures Asia offers both
travelers and locals intriguing insights into the region's rich
beliefs and diverse attractions.
Traverses the Challenges of Modern Media
Joannes faces several significant challenges in the
developing redesign of media and technology. One major
issue is the instant pace of technological change; new
platforms and tools emerge almost daily, necessitating
constant adaptation and learning to stay relevant. For him,
this means investing in new technologies to meet audience
expectations, a process that can be both costly and timeconsuming.
Moreover, competition in the industry has intensified, with
numerous companies vying for the same audience. The rise
of social media has democratized news sharing, resulting in
a crowded marketplace where distinguishing one’s content
is decisive. He values the importance of prioritizing quality
journalism while maintaining timeliness, a balance that
proves difficult to achieve.
Audience engagement presents another critical factor in
Rhino’s strategy. The way people consume news has
shifted, with many preferring bite-sized content that is
easily digestible. To keep pace, he identifies the need to
adapt storytelling techniques by incorporating multimedia
elements such as videos, podcasts, and interactive content.
However, producing such content requires additional
resources, posing yet another challenge for his media
ventures.

To keep pace, he iden fies
the need to adapt storytelling
techniques by incorpora ng
mul media elements such as
videos, podcasts, and
interac ve content.

A diverse team brings
varied perspec ves,
direc ng to richer
storytelling that resonates
with a broader audience
and reflects the society
they serve.

The Digital Transformation in Bali
In the digital age, the topography of news has changed
dramatically, with traditional newspapers declining in
readership as digital platforms gain popularity. This shift
poses both challenges and opportunities for local news
companies, particularly in Bali, where local news is vital
for informing residents and visitors alike.
Social media enables current updates, but it also facilitates
the brisk spread of misinformation, highlighting the need
for local news organizations to prove credibility. Joannes
underlines that maintaining this credibility is central,
mainly in Bali's culturally diverse environment. Dedicated
journalists play a key role in building trust through factchecking
and thorough reporting.
Likewise, the digital age presents new avenues for local
news to engage audiences. With mobile devices allowing
access to news anytime, local outlets can adapt by creating
engaging content like short videos, podcasts, and interactive
articles, appealing to younger audiences who prefer quick,
digestible information.
Changing Media Scenery
Joannes ranks several key strategies to route the fastbudding
media background. First, he points up the
importance of embracing innovation; by actively seeking
new tools and platforms, his team increases content
delivery and expands audience reach.
Lifting a culture of adaptability is another major strategy.
He encourages his team to be open to change and
experimentation, assisting them to adjust content strategies
fast in response to shifts in consumer behavior.
Collaboration is vital as well. Joannes believes in building
strong partnerships with other media companies, tech firms,
and influencers, which helps access new audiences and pool
resources for compelling content.
Finally, prioritizing diversity in both content and workforce
is important. A diverse team brings varied perspectives,
directing to richer storytelling that resonates with a broader
audience and reflects the society they serve.
Global Recognition in Travel Media
Joannes proudly announces that Bali News has been
honored with two prestigious awards in 2023. The platform
received the "Most Insightful Travel &
Hospitality Website 2023—Indonesia" at the
Global Business Awards, presented by Corporate
Vision Magazine in collaboration with AI Global Media
Ltd in the UK.
As well, Bali News was recognized as the "News Website
of the Year" for the Global Awards 2023-2025 by Corporate
LiveWire in the UK. These accolades climax the platform's
devotion to delivering exceptional content in the travel and
hospitality sector.
Importance of Team Building
Joannes highlights that team building and leadership are
must cornerstones of a successful organization. He believes
that nurturing a cohesive team involves more than simply
hiring talented individuals; it requires educating a taste of
trust and collaboration.
He ranks open communication within his leadership team,
holding regular meetings to share ideas and address
concerns. This transparency creates an environment where
every member feels valued and empowered to contribute.
By encouraging team members to voice their opinions, he
not only augments decision-making but also strengthens
relationships within the organization.
Joannes believes that recognizing and celebrating
achievements is vital for a successful organization. He
prioritizes acknowledging both individual and team
successes, which boosts morale and inspires others by
showing that hard work is appreciated.
In addition, he foregrounds the importance of constructive
feedback for personal and team growth. He strives to create
a safe environment where team members can learn from
their mistakes.
Besides, joannes understands that leadership is not just
about decision-making; it’s about being a role model. By
demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a promise to
excellence, he sets the tone for a positive company
principle.
Encompassing Innovation
Joannes pinnacle that in the current updated world,
involving innovation is necessary for staying ahead.
Technology serves as the backbone of operations, playing a
significant role from story inception to audience delivery.

Joannes believes that
recognizing and celebra ng
achievements is vital for
a successful organiza on.

By utilizing advanced analytics, his team tailors’ content to
meet audience preferences, identifying trending topics to
confirm relevance. This data-driven approach also allows
for effective diversification of content formats, such as
videos and infographics.
Furthermore, he holds artificial intelligence to streamline
news production, helping journalists focus on storytelling
rather than research, resulting in timely and accurate
reporting.
Collaboration tools have transformed team subtleties,
aiding seamless remote work and real-time resource sharing
through cloud-based platforms, adopting a vibrant
newsroom environment.
Sustaining Ethical Journalism
Joannes points out that ethical journalism and accuracy are
central, particularly in an era flooded with misinformation.
His foremost priority is to plant a culture of integrity within
his companies by hiring journalists who are not only skilled
but also deeply entrusted to decent standards. He seeks
reporters who understand the burden of their words and the
societal impact of their stories.
Furthermore, he focuses on the principal importance of
accuracy, insisting on rigorous fact-checking for every
piece of information before it reaches the audience. This
devotion assures that his media outlets contribute not to the
noise but to the delivery of trustworthy content.
Key Advice
Joannes points out the need to adopt change in today’s
speedily advancing media reform. He informs aspiring
journalists to adapt by staying updated on trends and tools.
Authenticity is important; developing a unique voice builds
trust with audiences. Networking is also vigorous, building
relationships at industry events can create unexpected
opportunities.
Lastly, he stresses the importance of curiosity. Great
journalists ask questions and seek new stories, driving
innovation by exploring diverse topics and perspectives.
Innovation in Leadership
Joannes arranges tasks daily to focus on what matters most
and delegates responsibilities to trusted team members,
empowering them while he makes strategic decisions.
He values quality, believing that high standards
build client trust. Regular reviews assess processes
and outcomes, with team feedback emphasizing areas
for improvement and celebrating successes.
He adopts innovation by encouraging open statements and
holding brainstorming sessions to explore new ideas.
Flexibility is key; he adapts his schedule for urgent matters
while assuring time for strategic planning to meet long-term
goals.
Aiming for Direction
Joannes aims to establish his company as a leader in the
industry by not only growing market share but also
attracting its reputation for innovation and quality. To
achieve this, he is assigned to invest in research and
development while fostering a value of creativity among
employees. He envisions a work environment where every
team member feels empowered to share ideas, operating
innovation through collaboration.
Customer satisfaction is also the foundation of his longterm
strategy. He prioritizes understanding customer needs
through regular feedback, which guides product
development and service offerings. Joannes believes that
making sure every interaction with the brand is positive is
critical for building strong relationships that advance
loyalty and retention.
Inspiring Communities Through Storytelling
Joannes believes that media possesses a unique power to
foster connection and understanding among diverse groups.
He advocates for prioritizing local storytelling, which
allows media companies to amplify the voices of
underrepresented communities.
He also emphasizes the importance of partnering with local
organizations to improve awareness. Collaborating with
non-profit institutions can create content that reflects the
community's values and history, educating audiences about
different beliefs and promoting inclusivity.
By inviting community members to participate in the
storytelling process, these partnerships can lead to richer
narratives that resonate more deeply with viewers.

16 October, 2024
www.apaccioworld.com

What Are the Key
Characteristics of
Purpose-Driven
Leadership
eadership in a rapidly changing
Lworld has transcended the
management practices. It is
purpose-driven leadership that most
typifies this approach whereby a leader
gives himself to a greater purpose. This
style not only matters for leaders as
they function within their teams, but
more so, it impacts the culture of any
organization.
What is Purpose-Driven
Leadership?
Purpose-driven leadership makes the
goals of an organization associate with
a more significant mission that
everyone in business or work will be
able to identify with, and both
employees and customers will have
something to hold on to.
This is motivated from the context that
business entities should have a positive
impact on society while accomplishing
the set goals. Leaders adopting this
kind of leadership inspire their
followers to connect small daily tasks
into a bigger vision and provide a
sense of belonging and motivation.
General Features of Purpose-Driven
Leadership
1. Visionary Thinking
Purpose-driven leadership involves a
clear and compelling vision. Therefore,
this has also compelled leaders to come
up with a vision that brings more than
just profit margins on the balance sheet
but rather devises a positive impact on
society.
Such a vision would act as a guiding
star for the teams, enabling them to
understand the greater meaning of their
work. The firms that possess an
excellent purpose-driven leadership are
reported by McKinsey to have a 30%
higher chance of outperforming peers
when it comes to employee satisfaction
and retention.
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October, 2024
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2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
One of the pillars of effective
leadership is empathy. Purposeful
leaders are highly emotionally
intelligent; that is, they can feel and
understand the feelings and thoughts
their team members have about
something.
Such leaders make employees trust and
be honest with one another. This makes
them feel important and valued and
understood. "Employees engaged
increase 50% for companies led by
empathetic people, and this increase
goes hand-in-hand with increased
levels of productivity.".
3. Authenticity and Integrity
Authenticity is crucial in purposedriven
leadership. Authentic leaders
can work credibly with their teams,
and integrity in their actions gets
perceived to prove as an example. It
inspires employees to open up about
their suggestions and concerns.
According to one of the studies by
Harvard Business Review,
organizations saw an increase of 20%
employee morale due to authentic
leadership.
4. Inclusion and Colloboration
Purposeful leaders strive to make the
whole a part of the process because
diversified opinions invigorate
creativity and solve complex problems.
The kind of leader that puts all voices
into consideration and thereby creates
an atmosphere where every voice is
heard, innovates, and in teamwork.
Inclusive leadership values the input of
everybody in a given team, and this
unleashes the absolute best in a
workforce. According to Deloitte
research findings, teams that have
inclusiveness outperform their rivals
by 80% in team-based performance.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
Resilience is key to successful
leadership in an ever-evolving business
environment. The purpose-driven
leader is committed to a set mission
but pliable to change. He or she
inspires people in the team to tackle
challenges as they come as events
rather than disappointments. Resilience
not only allows organizations to endure
troubles but also inspires the
employees to the same way.
Impact of Purpose-Driven
Leadership
Its impact is even more considerable
than that on an individual firm since
such leadership gives birth to whole
industries and communities. Generally,
firms led by purpose-driven leaders
register a high percentage of employee
satisfaction, and turnover is at bay;
customer loyalty is certainly boosted.
For instance, based on a PwC survey,
only 21% of employees believe that a
strong sense of purpose at work will
have a significant influence on job
satisfaction. In contrast, companies
with defined purposes enjoy 40 percent
more loyal customers as compared to
those with no clearly defined purpose.
Growing the Purpose-Driven
Culture
A purpose-driven culture does not
happen overnight. It needs effortful
inputs from leaders at all levels within
an organization. Some strategies
through which such cultures can be
fostered are as follows:
• Clearly, communicate the Vision:
Leaders should always
communicate to employees what
their mission and values are, so
that people can understand how
all of their jobs fit into the big
picture.
• Engage Employee: The
participation of employees in
decision-making enhances higher
engagement and ownership over
their work.
• Recognize the Contribution: On
individual as well as team level,
recognition of efforts restates the
connection that daily tasks have
with the organizational purpose.
• Provide Development
Opportunities: Providing training
programs that align with the
purpose of the organization can
strengthen an employee and also
enrich their skills.
• Lead by Example: Leaders should
lead by example, acting in ways
that show commitment to the
organization's mission and values.
Conclusion
Transformative purpose-driven
leadership not only contributes to
better performance but also a better life
for employees at work. In other words,
looking at visionary thinking, empathy,
authenticity, inclusivity, resilience, and
adaptability, leaders can enthrall the
passion of individuals who make
meaningful contributions.
As a result, purpose-driven leadership
could be the path to sustainable success
by those companies that continue to
confront complex issues in our current
world and include financial and social
benefits. This is because organizations
that focus on purpose over profit can
impact lasting change and motivate
future generations of leaders to have
the same impact.
-Alaya Brown
18
October, 2024
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Leadership is not
about being in
charge, Its about
taking care of those
in your charge.
- Simon Sinek

Wh Innovations
are Most Critical for Businesses
to Focus on During a Downturn
he most difficult time for
Tbusiness companies occurs
during a receding economy.
The sale declines, and the budget
becomes tighter than usual with
gloomy uncertainty. Yet, hardships
may have its golden opportunities.
Some companies may survive this
crunch and start thriving again when
the economy picks up by innovating
and adapting during that period. I
discuss below some of the most urgent
innovations required by businesses
during a crunch.
Digital Transformation
The digital transformation is one of the
most impactful changes that businesses
should focus on. The pandemic has put
businesses under tremendous pressure,
accelerating the need for a more digital
way of doing things that should be now
the only choice in the future. For
example, improving efficiency with
technology to streamline business
operations in delivering the best
customer experience gives an upper
hand in the battle between competitors.
For instance, businesses can move to
cloud computing to save costs on
physical infrastructure. A survey
conducted last year recorded that 94%
of enterprises who migrated to the
cloud experienced security
improvements. Creating e-commerce
sites offers companies access to online
customers who are essential since
consumers are fast turning digital
shopping focused. For instance, e-
commerce sales are predicted to
increase at a compound annual growth
rate of 16% between 2021 and 2026.
Promoting Product and Service
Innovations
With changing consumer preferences
usually during economic downturn,
corporations need to be responsive to
the demands that change with the
second economy. Companies, thus,
should adopt an innovation culture
where employees are encouraged to
think creatively and come up with new
ideas.
For instance, companies can capitalize
on developing cost-effective
alternatives of their earlier products.
That not only attracts the budgeting
minds but also reflects an
understanding of customer needs. A
study found that 70% of consumers are
likely to buy from brands offering
value-oriented products during tight
economic times.
In addition to that, firms should
diversify their product lines or
services. Such diversified strategy will
have the ability to avoid risks
associated with dependency on one
source of income. In such cases,
supplementary revenues can be
generated in other markets or niches
even when major products or services
are experiencing difficulties.
Better Customer Interaction
Building a good relationship with
customers is crucial in the era of a
downturn. Companies that understand
the engagement with the customer can
foster loyalty and encourage repeat
business. Innovative approaches to
customer service can really make a
great difference in how consumers
perceive a brand.
One effective strategy in elevating the
aspects of engaging with customers is
the utilization of data analytics. These
allow organizations to provide insights
into buying patterns and preferences
while undertaking focused marketing
strategies with personalized
experiences based on unique customer
requirements. Accordingly, it has been
asserted that 10% more individuals
become convertibles if a firm's
approach is personalized in its
marketing.
Furthermore, social media, through a
host of different media channels, can
enable a brand to interact directly with
consumers thereby creating a sense of
community around the brand. When a
concern is posed by a customer that an
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21 October, 2024
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organization responds to using social
media, an engagement is created, thus
demonstrating the values and
commitment of an organisation at
given times.
Automation to Efficiency in
Operations
Another area of innovation is
automation. Automating procedures
saves much money and increases
efficiency exponentially. Organizations
should analyze their business and find
repeated processes that can be
automated.
For example, automation in inventory
control eliminates the possibility of
human error combined with
maintaining optimum stock positions.
According to industry reports,
companies, which implement
automation, on average increase
productivity by 20-25%. With the
increase in efficiency, people are free
to do more meaningful rather than
routine work.
In addition, customer service through
automation in the form of chatbots can
respond quickly to inquiries and free
precious staff time for more difficult
problems. This strategy fosters a better
overall customer experience at a lower
cost operation.
Sustainability as Innovation
Sustainability has emerged as an
integral factor in consumer choice and
business operations. In lean economic
times, the company that places
sustainability into an extra account in
their marketing may outshine others in
the field. Consumers are increasingly
targeted by socially responsible brands.
Investing in sustainable innovation,
like green packaging or energy
efficiency, attracts customers who are
environmentally conscious. Recently, a
survey pointed out how 66 percent of
global consumers would pay more for
sustainable brands, further underlining
the value behind internalizing business
practices according to consumer
values.
One more way sustainability can be
cost-effective is in the long run. An
example might include energy-efficient
technology: up-front investment that in
many cases will save money on utility
bills later on. Business sustainability
will not only help society in a positive
way but set up positions for success in
the future.
Building Resilience Through
Collaboration
Finally, during economic turmoil,
internal and external collaboration is
the key. Innovation goes hand in hand
with the sharing of knowledge and
crossfunctional constructive thinking
in the firm. A business can come up
with innovative solutions when using
different perspectives by creating
cross-functional teams.
Innovation also finds supplementation
through partnerships with other
organizations. In some instances, an
organization may go into partnership
with startups or research institutions to
get new technologies and ideas that
may not be available within the
organization.
The fact is that companies partnering
on innovation have a better probability
of reporting revenue growth compared
to those companies that don't engage in
collaboration. This simply means
networking and alliances need to be set
up even during the time of decline.
Conclusion
In sum, business difficulties offer both
risks and opportunities to companies
that are willing to innovate.
Opportunities exist for digital
transformation, fostering product
innovation, enhancing customer
engagement, carrying out operational
innovation through automation,
keeping sustainability at top of the
agenda, and building resilience through
collaboration.
Innovation means changing strategies
and practices to respond to the shift in
market demand, not necessarily the
development of a new product.
Businesses that heed such basic needs
are sure to weather the recession and
get ready to prosper when the economy
recovers. Downturns provide the
opportunity for innovations-and not
only survive but also grow and be
more resilient in the long run.
22
October, 2024
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