Navigating Asia: A Vice President’s Path to Effective Leadership

Mrs Velisia Gunawan, Vice President of Finance for the Asia region at Orica, an Australian-based multinational corporation that is one of the world's largest mining and infrastructure solutions providers with 14,000 employees operating in over 100 countries around the globe. Velisia oversees finance operations across 14 countries, including Indonesia, India, and China. Originally hired to manage Indonesia, Velisia’s role expanded to regional responsibilities over time.

“I started working at Orica 14 years ago, and about 4 years ago, I was offered the opportunity to oversee finance for the entire Asia region,” she recalls. “It was a significant shift from managing a single country i.e. Indonesia to overseeing such a vast region, and the role has continued to expand.

This regional scope comes a unique set of challenges, particularly around managing cultural diversity. “Each country—whether it’s Indonesia, India, China, or the Philippines—has its own languages, religions, and even accents. To manage effectively, I need to adapt to and appreciate the diversity within the team itself, which also means aligning with Orica’s Australian roots while embracing my Indonesian background,” Velisia explains.

“As an Asian female representative in a senior leadership role within the Regional Management Team, it has given me a platform to make a positive impact on my team, particularly my female colleagues in the region,” she explains. This representation, she believes, allows her colleagues to see that local talent can thrive in top positions, inspiring them to challenge traditional norms around talent development within the company.

Beyond representation, Velisia actively works to champion diversity in her team. She advocates for equitable opportunities and encourages open feedback to support individuals from varied backgrounds. While setting ambitious standards, Velisia balances this with a genuine interest in her team’s growth, especially in cross-cultural competencies. “I want my colleagues to feel confident and valued regardless of their background,” she says.

In fact, her manager, the President of the Asia Region, had been the one who to recommend INSEAD’s Leading Across Borders and Cultures programme, and she was fortunate to attend on company scholarship. Deeply impressed by the energy and engagement that Programme Director, Erin Meyer, brought to the programme from day one, Velisia was enthused about how Erin connected with each participant. “She reads the room so well and connects with the participants, making everyone feel involved,” she recalled. This dynamic atmosphere helped foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, creating a space where participants from diverse backgrounds could engage openly.

Velisia particularly enjoyed the role-playing and case study simulations, “It was fascinating to watch how people communicated and applied the theories we were learning.” She also appreciated the practical focus: “The programme was exactly what I needed, particularly around communication, decision-making, and feedback.”

Velisia also shared a memorable exercise that shifted her perspective. "Erin invited someone to the front of the class to demonstrate a standing posture. She showed how, when we stand naturally, our legs are positioned straight. Then Erin asked us to take a step out, moving further and further, with one leg rooted and the other stepping forward," she explains. "The first leg represented our culture, our roots; the other, what we do to adjust. Although stepping out isn’t necessarily comfortable, Erin reminded us that it doesn't mean we can't do it."

This exercise left a lasting impact. "It’s not about reaching so far that you lose stability, but about knowing you can manage the discomfort," she continues. "I realised I could remain true to myself and still make adjustments. With practice, stepping out becomes more natural."

Returning to the workplace after completing the programme, Velisia was invited to present her insights to her colleagues, beginning with her management team – many of which were Australians managing teams across Asia. “For many, it was an eye-opener. The discussions highlighted just how critical it is to understand cultural nuances for effective management and team engagement across our region.”

Recognising the value of her learnings, she was tasked to create a series of workshops focused on cultural understanding and management strategies, which were well received. “I’m not Erin, of course,” she shares with a laugh, “but I wanted to share what I’d learned about mapping cultural behaviours and how to manage differences.” Many of the simple, practical tools which she learned during the programme have helped her and her colleagues shift their approach, creating a better understanding and stronger relationships.

Beyond her professional achievements, Velisia enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, whether through travelling, exploring culinary spots, or watching movies. She is also an avid badminton player, a sport she shares with her family. “My son loves badminton, and funnily enough, I even met my husband on a badminton court in high school,” she shares. “Balancing family and work has always been an important part of my journey, and I feel blessed with a supportive family.”