The rhythm of resilience: How value and harmony shape our legacy
The rhythm of resilience: How value and harmony shape our legacy
Women in leadership: An inspirational journey making impact
Welcome to the third article in our March-April 2026 series, celebrating both International Women’s Day (8 March) and Kartini Day (21 April).
IGA Erna is a certified tax consultant and BDO in Indonesia’s advisory partner. She also holds the position of Head of Business Services & Outsourcing (BSO).
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When I first stepped into the professional world, the expectations placed upon women were often cloaked in a quiet, yet heavy stereotype: the assumption of our inability. There was an unspoken illusion that we could not handle the weight of the work, even though women are entirely capable of executing it. This was the reality I faced, particularly when I was tasked with leading a team of men. I quickly learned that when you stand among your peers, leadership cannot be demanded: it must be proven. We must equip ourselves with superior knowledge to demonstrate that we are truly worthy of guiding and directing others.
Society often dictates that a woman must be either beautiful or clever. However, I have always believed that intelligence and appearance are never enough. True leadership is anchored in excellent character, a positive attitude and unshakeable integrity. We must find that unique strength within ourselves - that intrinsic value that others do not possess - and bring it to the forefront.
Finding purpose beyond the ledger
My journey in this field began in 2001, driven by the realisation that taxation is a certainty that will never die, regardless of where you are in the world. Initially, I pursued this knowledge simply to protect myself and my closest family members. But as time passed, my perspective shifted. I saw how a lack of compliance could become a crushing financial burden, causing immense stress and even illness for many people.
Throughout this journey, I have held firmly to a principle imparted by my early mentors: do not work merely to chase money. Work to the best of your ability to build your value, and the financial reward will naturally follow. I have seen this truth manifest in my own life.
From balance to intentional harmony
In the life of a tax consultant, the months of March and April are a crucible. I vividly remember days leading up to the 31 March deadline when I could not return home before midnight. There were agonising moments when my child had to be hospitalised, yet the professional demands remained unyielding.
It is in these moments that the illusion of a perfect work–life balance shatters, and the necessity of work–life harmony takes its place. Harmony requires the unwavering support of family. It is about mitigating risks and understanding that this intense rhythm does not last the entire year.
Harmony is also about how we manage our energy at home. I do not believe in forcing artificial ‘quality time’ when I am exhausted. If you try to teach your children immediately after returning home when you are fatigued, they will only perceive your tiredness as anger. Instead, I chose a different rhythm. I made it a habit to wake up early, pray together with my children, and review their schoolwork at dawn, when our minds were fresh and the time was truly ours.
When my youngest child struggled to read just a month before starting primary school, I did not panic or force late-night study sessions. I simply took two days of leave. I knew exactly when and how to allocate my time and, within those two focused days, the foundational pieces came together.
Even the chaotic seasons of Eid (Lebaran), when domestic helpers return to their villages, became an exercise in harmony. Rather than striving for a perfectly clean house, we turned survival into a game. My children learnt to cook using a simple rice cooker and frying eggs. We do not need perfection, we just need participation and support.
Cultivating psychological safety for tomorrow
As my leadership responsibilities have grown, my focus has naturally shifted towards the environment we are building for the next generation. I remember the profound difficulty of finding a nursery near the office in 2004 when my first child was born, and the terrifying anxiety of how I would feed my baby. I remember feeling so overwhelmed that I considered abandoning my career entirely.
Today, mental health issues and phenomena like ‘baby blues’ silently weigh down many of our young mothers. They carry these burdens alone, which makes the weight unbearable. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive community within our office where women can share their struggles freely, because sharing is indeed caring. A workplace will always have pressure, but a supportive environment makes the difficult moments easier to pass through.
Give to Gain: Investing in what lasts
The philosophy of ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly encapsulates this journey. My message to the women stepping into their careers today is this: never stop creating value. Even if life circumstances require you to resign from formal employment, you must remain capable of generating and managing resources, so you are prepared for whatever unforeseen tragedies life may bring.
What have I gained from a lifetime of giving my dedication to this profession? I have gained a loyal team of individuals who perform beautifully and have gone on to build their own happy families and leadership roles. I have been blessed with children who are not only successful but, more importantly, possess good morals.
And finally, I have gained the ultimate luxury: time. The sacrifices of my youth have purchased the freedom I enjoy today. Now, I have the time to play golf, practise yoga to maintain my strength and truly enjoy the life I have built.
Leadership is not about surviving the pressure alone, it is about building your internal value, orchestrating the rhythm of your days with grace and ensuring that the path you leave behind is softer and safer for the women who will walk it tomorrow.
Continuing the discussion with BDO in Indonesia
If you have been inspired by IGA Erna’s experience and voice and would like to discuss more about how to create a work environment that supports the creation of a supportive community within the workplace, please reach out to BDO in Indonesia’s female leaders.
This article series continues until 21 April – Kartini Day.
Welcome to the third article in our March-April 2026 series, celebrating both International Women’s Day (8 March) and Kartini Day (21 April).
IGA Erna is a certified tax consultant and BDO in Indonesia’s advisory partner. She also holds the position of Head of Business Services & Outsourcing (BSO).
__________________________________________________________________________________
When I first stepped into the professional world, the expectations placed upon women were often cloaked in a quiet, yet heavy stereotype: the assumption of our inability. There was an unspoken illusion that we could not handle the weight of the work, even though women are entirely capable of executing it. This was the reality I faced, particularly when I was tasked with leading a team of men. I quickly learned that when you stand among your peers, leadership cannot be demanded: it must be proven. We must equip ourselves with superior knowledge to demonstrate that we are truly worthy of guiding and directing others.
Society often dictates that a woman must be either beautiful or clever. However, I have always believed that intelligence and appearance are never enough. True leadership is anchored in excellent character, a positive attitude and unshakeable integrity. We must find that unique strength within ourselves - that intrinsic value that others do not possess - and bring it to the forefront.
Finding purpose beyond the ledger
My journey in this field began in 2001, driven by the realisation that taxation is a certainty that will never die, regardless of where you are in the world. Initially, I pursued this knowledge simply to protect myself and my closest family members. But as time passed, my perspective shifted. I saw how a lack of compliance could become a crushing financial burden, causing immense stress and even illness for many people.
Throughout this journey, I have held firmly to a principle imparted by my early mentors: do not work merely to chase money. Work to the best of your ability to build your value, and the financial reward will naturally follow. I have seen this truth manifest in my own life.
From balance to intentional harmony
In the life of a tax consultant, the months of March and April are a crucible. I vividly remember days leading up to the 31 March deadline when I could not return home before midnight. There were agonising moments when my child had to be hospitalised, yet the professional demands remained unyielding.
It is in these moments that the illusion of a perfect work–life balance shatters, and the necessity of work–life harmony takes its place. Harmony requires the unwavering support of family. It is about mitigating risks and understanding that this intense rhythm does not last the entire year.
Harmony is also about how we manage our energy at home. I do not believe in forcing artificial ‘quality time’ when I am exhausted. If you try to teach your children immediately after returning home when you are fatigued, they will only perceive your tiredness as anger. Instead, I chose a different rhythm. I made it a habit to wake up early, pray together with my children, and review their schoolwork at dawn, when our minds were fresh and the time was truly ours.
When my youngest child struggled to read just a month before starting primary school, I did not panic or force late-night study sessions. I simply took two days of leave. I knew exactly when and how to allocate my time and, within those two focused days, the foundational pieces came together.
Even the chaotic seasons of Eid (Lebaran), when domestic helpers return to their villages, became an exercise in harmony. Rather than striving for a perfectly clean house, we turned survival into a game. My children learnt to cook using a simple rice cooker and frying eggs. We do not need perfection, we just need participation and support.
Cultivating psychological safety for tomorrow
As my leadership responsibilities have grown, my focus has naturally shifted towards the environment we are building for the next generation. I remember the profound difficulty of finding a nursery near the office in 2004 when my first child was born, and the terrifying anxiety of how I would feed my baby. I remember feeling so overwhelmed that I considered abandoning my career entirely.
Today, mental health issues and phenomena like ‘baby blues’ silently weigh down many of our young mothers. They carry these burdens alone, which makes the weight unbearable. I am deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive community within our office where women can share their struggles freely, because sharing is indeed caring. A workplace will always have pressure, but a supportive environment makes the difficult moments easier to pass through.
Give to Gain: Investing in what lasts
The philosophy of ‘Give to Gain’ perfectly encapsulates this journey. My message to the women stepping into their careers today is this: never stop creating value. Even if life circumstances require you to resign from formal employment, you must remain capable of generating and managing resources, so you are prepared for whatever unforeseen tragedies life may bring.
What have I gained from a lifetime of giving my dedication to this profession? I have gained a loyal team of individuals who perform beautifully and have gone on to build their own happy families and leadership roles. I have been blessed with children who are not only successful but, more importantly, possess good morals.
And finally, I have gained the ultimate luxury: time. The sacrifices of my youth have purchased the freedom I enjoy today. Now, I have the time to play golf, practise yoga to maintain my strength and truly enjoy the life I have built.
Leadership is not about surviving the pressure alone, it is about building your internal value, orchestrating the rhythm of your days with grace and ensuring that the path you leave behind is softer and safer for the women who will walk it tomorrow.
Continuing the discussion with BDO in Indonesia
If you have been inspired by IGA Erna’s experience and voice and would like to discuss more about how to create a work environment that supports the creation of a supportive community within the workplace, please reach out to BDO in Indonesia’s female leaders.
This article series continues until 21 April – Kartini Day.