Jakarta, November 9, 2024 – To raise mental health awareness and explore the connections between mental development and professional image, Dian Nusantara University held a seminar led by Communication Science students titled, “Be Brave, Be Wise, Be You: Empowering Leadership for Mental Health Resilience.”

Approximately 300 students from various semesters attended the seminar. The event opened with remarks from Dr. Novida Irawan, Head of the Communication Science Department at Dian Nusantara University, who highlighted the importance of understanding personality aspects to support effective interpersonal communication.

The seminar continued with a musical performance by UNDIRA’s Music Club, followed by a discussion moderated by Fuji Maharani, a Communication Science student at UNDIRA. The event featured two speakers: Mr. Ongky Hojanto, recognized as a public speaking expert by Koran Kontan and an inspirator in leadership, and Mr. Irwan Wantja, a content creator from Mental Health Doodles.

In his presentation, Mr. Ongky Hojanto emphasized that to become a leader, one must balance good mental health. He noted that mental well-being also includes maintaining an open-minded attitude to create harmony in team development and self-growth.

Mr. Ongky further stated, “The most important quality for a leader is the ability to adapt to change.” He encouraged participants to practice time management, emphasizing that quality engagement in activities is more meaningful than quantity.

Building on Mr. Ongky’s points, the second speaker, Mr. Irwan Wantja, discussed the importance of maintaining mental health to sustain activities and increase productivity. He added, “Leaders who experience mental health issues may lose productivity and struggle to make sound decisions.”

In some cases, individuals who challenge themselves can overcome internal barriers. Each person has their own Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT), and by understanding personal limits and focusing on self-improvement, one can build a better self-image that benefits relationships.

Mental health issues can significantly impact success or failure, with each case having a unique and complex context. It’s important to recognize that mental health covers a broad spectrum and doesn’t necessarily prevent extraordinary achievements. By paying greater attention to leaders' mental health, we can create a healthier and more productive environment.