The power of composure in shaping a resilient legal legacy
The power of composure in shaping a resilient legal legacy
Women in leadership: An inspirational journey making impact
As we continue our March-April 2026 series that is celebrating both International Women’s Day (8 March) and Kartini Day (21 April), we’re delighted to publish an article by Anandra Febrita, Legal Services Partner with BDO in Indonesia.
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When I first stepped into my university years, my primary motivation for studying law was rather simple: a quiet hope to avoid mathematics. Yet life has a fascinating way of guiding us towards our true calling. I initially set my sights on becoming a diplomat, delving into international law and pursuing internships at one of the United Nations’ organisations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, I soon realised that the political nature of those environments did not quite align with my spirit.
My true professional journey began in 2008 when I joined a legal firm as a paralegal. In those days, before the luxury of instant digital searches, we learnt the law by poring over physical documents and reading hundreds of pages manually. It was a humble beginning that taught me a profound lesson: there are no shortcuts to building excellent character and superior knowledge.
Shattering stereotypes with unwavering composure
The corporate legal landscape is often perceived as a fiercely male-dominated arena. As a young female lawyer, I frequently faced opponents who tried to use intimidation tactics - even going so far as to bang on tables to assert their dominance. I quickly learnt that when you stand among your peers, leadership and authority cannot be demanded: they must be proven.
We do not need to mimic aggressive behaviour to win an argument or command a room. True leadership is anchored in unshakeable integrity and calm demeanour. We simply need to be armed with the facts and the law. I have always drawn a quiet inspiration from the film Legally Blonde. It serves as a brilliant reminder that society often dictates that a woman must fit a certain mould but, in reality, we can fully embrace our femininity whilst possessing a razor-sharp legal mind. Intelligence and appearance are never enough, it is our intrinsic value that brings our true strength to the forefront.
From burnout to intentional self-care
The rhythm of a legal professional is undeniably intense. There were times in my early career when I pushed myself relentlessly to prove my worth, ultimately leading to severe burnout. It is in these moments that the illusion of limitless stamina shatters, and the necessity of intentional work-life harmony takes its place.
I realised that to perform beautifully at work, I had to carve out non-negotiable ‘me time’. Whether it is lacing up my trainers for a morning run, spending time on the tennis court or simply retreating to watch a film, these moments of pause are what recharge my resilience. We must find that unique rhythm within ourselves. I firmly believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup: you must love and care for yourself before you can effectively guide your team, manage your clients or support your family.
Maintaining psychological safety and deep expertise in the AI era
The responsibilities of leadership must necessarily include consideration of the environment we are building for the next generation. I am totally committed to creating a safe, supportive community within our office where young women are not easily intimidated by seniority or gender biases. I constantly remind my team - which is proudly dominated by brilliant women - that they have rightfully earned their place at the table. A workplace will always have its pressures, but a supportive environment where we actively build each other's confidence makes the difficult, high-stakes moments much easier to navigate.
To truly thrive in this space, we must also guide the next generation to build genuine capability, which means addressing the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our profession. While AI is undeniably helpful for efficiency, young legal professionals must resist the temptation to rely on it exclusively or use technological shortcuts without human critical thinking. True expertise is forged through the rigorous, manual reading of actual documents and regulations. When you take the time to read and summarise hundreds of pages yourself, rather than simply generating an automated overview, the foundational knowledge truly sticks in your mind. This deep, critical engagement is what separates a truly capable legal mind from someone who merely retrieves information.
Furthermore, this depth of understanding must be paired with meticulous preparation before stepping into any meeting. Young professionals should never wait to be told what to review. Instead, they must proactively study the deep context of every case so they are fully equipped for whatever discussions may arise. Cultivating this habit of intense preparation and deep reading builds an unshakeable confidence in oneself. Ultimately, doing the hard work behind the scenes ensures that you will always be ready to tackle a new, unexpected case without fear.
Upholding integrity and empowering women
Integrity is the absolute foundation of our practice. We are highly selective, ensuring our representation is limited to matters that align with our professional ethics. Maintaining our ethical standards takes precedence over pursuing lucrative opportunities.
Finally, my message to the women at BDO in Indonesia - who may sometimes feel like a minority in the wider corporate landscape - is to never feel intimidated. Women possess immense unique value, and we are entirely capable of matching the achievements of our fellow professionals.
Continuing the discussion with BDO in Indonesia
If you find Anandra’s viewpoints inspiring and would like to discuss more about how to ensure that women are empowered in the workplace, please reach out to BDO in Indonesia’s female leaders.
As we continue our March-April 2026 series that is celebrating both International Women’s Day (8 March) and Kartini Day (21 April), we’re delighted to publish an article by Anandra Febrita, Legal Services Partner with BDO in Indonesia.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
When I first stepped into my university years, my primary motivation for studying law was rather simple: a quiet hope to avoid mathematics. Yet life has a fascinating way of guiding us towards our true calling. I initially set my sights on becoming a diplomat, delving into international law and pursuing internships at one of the United Nations’ organisations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, I soon realised that the political nature of those environments did not quite align with my spirit.
My true professional journey began in 2008 when I joined a legal firm as a paralegal. In those days, before the luxury of instant digital searches, we learnt the law by poring over physical documents and reading hundreds of pages manually. It was a humble beginning that taught me a profound lesson: there are no shortcuts to building excellent character and superior knowledge.
Shattering stereotypes with unwavering composure
The corporate legal landscape is often perceived as a fiercely male-dominated arena. As a young female lawyer, I frequently faced opponents who tried to use intimidation tactics - even going so far as to bang on tables to assert their dominance. I quickly learnt that when you stand among your peers, leadership and authority cannot be demanded: they must be proven.
We do not need to mimic aggressive behaviour to win an argument or command a room. True leadership is anchored in unshakeable integrity and calm demeanour. We simply need to be armed with the facts and the law. I have always drawn a quiet inspiration from the film Legally Blonde. It serves as a brilliant reminder that society often dictates that a woman must fit a certain mould but, in reality, we can fully embrace our femininity whilst possessing a razor-sharp legal mind. Intelligence and appearance are never enough, it is our intrinsic value that brings our true strength to the forefront.
From burnout to intentional self-care
The rhythm of a legal professional is undeniably intense. There were times in my early career when I pushed myself relentlessly to prove my worth, ultimately leading to severe burnout. It is in these moments that the illusion of limitless stamina shatters, and the necessity of intentional work-life harmony takes its place.
I realised that to perform beautifully at work, I had to carve out non-negotiable ‘me time’. Whether it is lacing up my trainers for a morning run, spending time on the tennis court or simply retreating to watch a film, these moments of pause are what recharge my resilience. We must find that unique rhythm within ourselves. I firmly believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup: you must love and care for yourself before you can effectively guide your team, manage your clients or support your family.
Maintaining psychological safety and deep expertise in the AI era
The responsibilities of leadership must necessarily include consideration of the environment we are building for the next generation. I am totally committed to creating a safe, supportive community within our office where young women are not easily intimidated by seniority or gender biases. I constantly remind my team - which is proudly dominated by brilliant women - that they have rightfully earned their place at the table. A workplace will always have its pressures, but a supportive environment where we actively build each other's confidence makes the difficult, high-stakes moments much easier to navigate.
To truly thrive in this space, we must also guide the next generation to build genuine capability, which means addressing the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in our profession. While AI is undeniably helpful for efficiency, young legal professionals must resist the temptation to rely on it exclusively or use technological shortcuts without human critical thinking. True expertise is forged through the rigorous, manual reading of actual documents and regulations. When you take the time to read and summarise hundreds of pages yourself, rather than simply generating an automated overview, the foundational knowledge truly sticks in your mind. This deep, critical engagement is what separates a truly capable legal mind from someone who merely retrieves information.
Furthermore, this depth of understanding must be paired with meticulous preparation before stepping into any meeting. Young professionals should never wait to be told what to review. Instead, they must proactively study the deep context of every case so they are fully equipped for whatever discussions may arise. Cultivating this habit of intense preparation and deep reading builds an unshakeable confidence in oneself. Ultimately, doing the hard work behind the scenes ensures that you will always be ready to tackle a new, unexpected case without fear.
Upholding integrity and empowering women
Integrity is the absolute foundation of our practice. We are highly selective, ensuring our representation is limited to matters that align with our professional ethics. Maintaining our ethical standards takes precedence over pursuing lucrative opportunities.
Finally, my message to the women at BDO in Indonesia - who may sometimes feel like a minority in the wider corporate landscape - is to never feel intimidated. Women possess immense unique value, and we are entirely capable of matching the achievements of our fellow professionals.
Continuing the discussion with BDO in Indonesia
If you find Anandra’s viewpoints inspiring and would like to discuss more about how to ensure that women are empowered in the workplace, please reach out to BDO in Indonesia’s female leaders.