Citra Vlado Wedding

The Story of CV:
Two world citizens from Central Europe (Vlado) and Southeast Asia (Citra) are united in diversity through love. It was year 2010 when CV received scholarship from Turkish Government that brought them to meet each other in Izmir during Turkish language course. Since the first moment they felt there is a special connection between them. As time passed by they got to know each other better, their affection towards each other grew stronger and they knew that the chemistry between them is more than just a friendship, it is a love.
CV started their relationship on 21 March 2010. In autumn 2010 CV moved to Istanbul to start their Master’s degree programs through the same scholarship. They went to different university and studied different major, but stayed in the same dormitory area. They were supporting and helping each other throughout their studies.
Thank God, all prays & supports from CV's beloved people together with their excellent study results brought them to several countries in Europe and Australia, including another scholarship from European Union (Erasmus) to do thesis research and internship in the United Kingdom, Citra went to Newcastle and Vlado went to London. They have realized since the beginning that their relationship will face many obstacles and tests, such as physical distance between their homelands, different cultural backgrounds, language barrier and others. Nevertheless, as it is said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Alhamdulillah, CV's love proved to be stronger than all the obstacles they had to face and now they stand happily in front of you as a newly married couple, united in diversity. A happy marriage is a new beginning of life, a new starting point for greater happiness and usefulness.


Akad nikah / wedding ceremony : Saturday, 21 June 2014 / 23 Sya'ban 1435 H in Jakarta.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Vm7466tcs

Additional thanks to: All Family & Best Friends, Puri Denpasar Hotel (Catering), Diamond (Decor), Mia Rosa (Kebaya & Make-up), Noni and friends (Wedding Organizer during The Day), Grup Kesenian BULOG (Music & Sound System), The Kadarto (MCs), Kopel Photography (Documentation)

My Speech: 7 KARTINI Habits to Progress Your Career

Kartini Day is commemorated and celebrated annually every mid April to mark the emancipation of Indonesian women and to preserve our culture. This year I celebrated Kartini Day by participated in speech competition that my office organized. Each participant was given 5 minutes to deliver a speech with a topic "what it takes to get the corner office, to progress our career".

Alhamdulillah, "7 Kartini Habits" speech I wrote and delivered in front of my super big bosses and colleagues both Indonesians and expatriates won the 1st place. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to share, to receive appreciation and good feedback, even then several Asia Pacific VPs wanted me to move to their division and other colleagues suggested me to run for governor election because of my speech and public speaking skills :D :p

I wore traditional costume from Kalimantan/Borneo, the third biggest island in the world. As we know, Kartini is originally from Java island, same as me and probably you. However, there are many other Kartinis outside of Java island as well. A good example can be Borneo. Borneo women are very hard working and to reflect their hard-work nature, I wore their traditional costume. Now let me begin my speech.

Delivering speech with a topic "what it takes to get the corner office" at Kartini Day Celebration

7 KARTINI Habits to Progress Your Career

Ladies and gentlemen, do you know what it takes to get the corner office?
You know corner office has the best view where top management positions usually sit there.

I don’t see anyone raised a hand.

Is it some kind of secret that only chosen ones happen to know?
No, it’s not a secret. In fact, already thousand years ago people knew answer to this question.

Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle once said: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.”

By the way, he said it when he was sitting in his corner office so you should trust him.

But joking aside, he was right.

It is your habits that can get you to the corner office.

Today I will share with you 7 such habits. To make it easier to remember, we can call them K-A-R-T-I-N-I habits, yes, KARTINI habits.

First habit, K is for Know your career passion and mission

If you do what you love, you will absolutely enjoy your life and the result of your work will guide you to achieve your career mission which is declaration of your goals.

Second habit, A is for Allocate time to make career plan and strategy

Have a plan of action with a goal and concrete achievable steps. For example, twice in a year I have discussion with my line manager and my mentors about my career development which will be updated into my Personal Development Plan (PDP).

Third habit, R is for Recognize your strengths and weaknesses

Build on your strengths can help you to stand out from the crowd. Minimize your weaknesses, otherwise they will drag you down while you are trying to reach the top.

Fourth habit, T is for Tie in your competence with good management and marketing yourself

Competence alone will not get you what you want. You must also manage your time and quality of work and ensure that the management notices when you do a good work. That is why you need to marketing yourself.

Fifth habit, I is for Improve yourself with new skills

Do not let stagnation enter into your professional life. Progress in your career can happen only when you evolve, and evolution is possible only when you keep learning new things. Take up certificate courses, attend seminars or workshops, undergo specialization trainings and so on.

Sixth habit, N is for Network, network, and network

Networking has been known to many as one of the most favorite and effective vehicles for growth. Make sure you network and do it with the right people.

Seventh and the last Kartini habits, I is for Integrate your work with your life in a balanced way

People who have found proper work-life balance truly follow the Carpe Diem ideology – they seize each day and make the most of it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I started my speech with a quote and I will also finish it one. That’s one thing about me, I like to have things in a balanced way.

But this one is not from Aristotle, it’s from Mahatma Gandhi. He once said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” And I believe it’s valid also for our careers, be the change you wish to see in your career.

If you want to get the corner office, you should start with yourself, through your habits. And the 7 Kartini habits that I shared with you today will show you the door to the corner office.

Thank you.

- Citra Chergia