Today’s workplace is defined by constant change, and HR leaders like Diana capture what it means to lead with authenticity in the new world of work.
In a candid conversation with AdvantageClub.ai, Diana Marbun, Head of People & Culture, Asetku, and the winner of the Most Admired Women Award in the Leader category, highlights how small but consistent practices like starting her day with reflection, prioritizing employee feedback, and creating authentic moments of connection shape stronger workplace cultures.
Her focus on blending recognition, development, and well-being as part of an organization’s DNA reflects her vision of building a sustainable future where employees feel cared for and empowered.
Here is the excerpt from the candid conversation with Diana Marbun, Head of People & Culture (Head of HR) at AsetKu, a leading fintech company in Indonesia. With over 15 years of experience in HR across various industries, including financial services and startups, she has been instrumental in shaping AsetKu’s organizational culture and HR strategies. Under her leadership, AsetKu has been recognized for its commitment to employee well-being and organizational development.
Read below
Q1. What’s the one thing you do every morning to ensure you’re mentally prepared for the fast-paced world of HR leadership?
A1. Every morning, I grab my coffee, take a deep breath, and review my priorities in my agenda. Its cover says smile to face every day, and it always sets the tone right.
Q2. How do you integrate feedback from employees into your leadership decisions, especially when it comes to enhancing workplace culture or recognition programs?
A2. I try to listen to what employees share, whether through surveys, one-on-one, or even through casual conversations. I look for patterns and ideas that could make our culture stronger, then include them in decisions, especially when I meet for the recognition programs, where employees’ voices, I think, are the key. Because when people see their feedback turned into action, it builds trust and engagement. Feedback without action is nothing.
Q3. As someone who plays a crucial role in shaping company culture, how do you keep employee engagement dynamic, especially when teams are adapting to new ways of working?
A3. I’ll flash back to 2022 when we started working from the office. So, keeping engagement dynamic means always listening and adjusting. When teams are adapting to new ways of working, I focus on creating moments of connection, whether it’s a small check-in, recognition shoutouts, or doing wellness activities. It’s less about the big program and more about keeping the human touch alive.
Q4. In your opinion, what’s the biggest misconception companies have about employee engagement, and how do you challenge that mindset?
A4. Many companies assume that engagement is something HR runs, but it’s wrong when, in fact, it’s something leaders and teams co-create. For me, the misconception is treating engagement as a campaign instead of an everyday culture. So I challenge that by embedding the recognition, feedback, and open dialogue into daily leadership practices. So engagement becomes part of the DNA of the employees; so it’s not just an initiative.
Q5. What is one legacy you hope to leave in your HR career, and how do you plan to build a sustainable future for both employees and the organization?
A5. Okay, it’s a tough question. I hope my legacy is that people, especially employees, remember me as someone who truly cared when I met them, felt their failures, and supported them in their growth.
To build a sustainable future, I focus on creating a system where recognition, development, and well-being aren’t just initiatives, but a part of how the company naturally operates.
Conclusion
Diana’s journey is a reminder that HR leadership is not about policies or checklists, but about human connection, trust, and shared responsibility. Conversations like these showcase how authentic engagement and purposeful leadership can shape stronger, more sustainable workplaces.
We have many more such interesting conversations lined up for you. Stay tuned!
