Meet with Clapham, a woman who is inspiring and advising women entrepreneurs in Indonesia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.
I was born in Jakarta Indonesian-Dutch mother and an Australian father. I lived in Jakarta until I was five and moved to Singapore, stay there until I was 11. Then we moved to Quito, Ecuador, where my sisters and I attended a school for a year while my father Hispanic was the establishment of a school, which was run along the Montessori style lines. Then we stayed in the Galapagos Islands, living on a boat, before making our way back to Singapore. I finished high school in Australia, and then attended the University of Melbourne. I spent a year working in London and Paris before returning to Australia to finish my studies. In 2009, I returned to Asia and based myself in and out of Singapore and Jakarta.
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
I think it's in my blood, my father was a diplomat turned businessman and social entrepreneur, who had been in Indonesia since the early 1960s Basically, I knew I would be an entrepreneur. When I applied for my first job in Australia, I had to fill out a form that asked me where I saw myself in five years, and I answered that I would be my own CEO or owner of an NGO. I had always looked up to my father, so I think his personality rubbed off on me.
Your father was very famous in Jakarta at the time.
He certainly had his admirers, women and men! People were always coming to him for advice, insight and expertise in the region and people. Dad was great to connect people from all circles, and was able to maintain relationships with each of them. There was no socio-cultural boundaries for him and he was able to bridge all divisions between his friends and businesses. He was an extremely generous person who gave so much time to others and helping the Indonesians - do everything to give refuge to people at the time of the crisis in 1965, to bring more Australian rescue monitors, to help orphans and helping businesses boom. He was a liaison to many in the nonprofit sector and also in diplomatic and business worlds. He was still a serious person also had a great sense of humor, which could be embarrassing, especially in front of some of the most powerful individuals, who do not always know how to take it!
What are your current projects in Indonesia?
Change Ventur.es ( www.changeventur.es ) is a program of one month in Bali for those interested in starting or working on social enterprises focused on 'innovation. For four weeks, the participants connect and develop skills and knowledge of their peers, industry experts, mentors and inspirational speakers from a range of sectors, and discover how to be physical form and mental. Everything you need to help drive a start-up, social, business or a creative project. We offer an Indonesian scholarship for the program, and we are on the lookout for anyone open to join us to develop their social enterprise.
secrecy business {W} ( www.secretwbusiness.com ) is another company I co-founded. It is a network and community for women entrepreneurs, policy makers and innovative changes in the Asia-Pacific region. We will open a chapter in Jakarta before the end of the year. We have chapters in Bali, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, so that next year we will be opening in Korea, Nepal, Manila and Australia. We provide monthly events, workshops and action skill sessions to help make entrepreneurship and social innovation accessible to all women, while enabling collaboration and cultural exchange. We look forward to all the amazing women in Jakarta who wish to join us.
I am looking to do much more in Jakarta to showcase more of what Indonesia has to offer globally, while allowing talented women here to build their skills, knowledge and opportunities .
What are the challenges faced by Indonesian women entrepreneurs?
Accessibility to education, skills and capital. There are very few communities that connect and share on a regular basis and provide a space that is comfortable and empowerment. I think the key right now is to build entrepreneurship and skills in the country and access to funds to get their business - so that access to a broader network for financing , micro-credits, etc.
What makes you tick?
I am Indonesian half but feel more Indonesian, as I have a great love for the country and its people. There is a huge gap to be filled in the impressive talent of construction Indonesia then get presented locally and internationally. I think because of my experience I am able to bridge the divide East and West through various companies. I hope that my work here helps to empower individuals and communities; it is all about to see Indonesia develop.
The Suharto regime encouraged women to be subservient housewives. Was your own mother like that?
Hahaha! I think my mother would have liked to be your own boss or to have a career. She started in the banking sector, but has given everything to take care of three daughters. I know she has always wanted to go back and work full time, but I think my father did not think she really needed, and by the time my sisters and I were growing up, he was a little late.
What women need to do to unlock their creative potential?
Always be curious and attentive, as you never know where inspiration will come. Take in your environment. Look at other areas that you are interested. Write and make plans. Be motivated by books and inspirational videos, and through conferences such as TED [Technology, Entertainment, Design], and websites such as Pickings brain.
Do not surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Surround yourself with people who will push your creative boundaries, and those who have different backgrounds and perceptions, as they open up to other ideas.
Love or hate Jakarta?
I like Jakarta, chaos, culture and food. I do not even mind the traffic, as long as I have internet access or something to do. I really enjoy the people and the energy here. Things that may disturb others, I see as opportunities to improve things, even in the smallest ways. What I do think, however, is to empower and enable Indonesians further. I guess sometimes the materialistic side or consumption of things bother me. People need to learn that life is more than aspire to have a Gucci handbag.