Leaders

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the critical role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. Nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder, and in low-income countries, more than 75 percent of people with the condition do not receive treatment. Most teenagers and adolescents have expressed feeling detached, lonely, and extremely bored, which creates much frustration. There is a sense of social detachment and a loss of social skills, group dynamics, and relationships. The key to mental health is connecting users with the right professionals, and Novia Karunia Nur Ashri, Chief Growth Officer at Riliv, strives to accomplish this mission by supporting the habit of independently practicing self-ability. The pioneer of a mental health application in Indonesia, Riliv's mission is to make it easy for everyone to access integrated mental health services. Behind one application and various Riliv channels that make it easy for you to access better mental qualities, there is a solid, friendly, and dedicated team to make you smile every day.

Bachelor of Information Systems from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Novia Karunia Nur Ashri, has led product growth with her determination and positive outlook. She drives innovation and improvement to build a better product, enables collaboration, and bridges team communication. Let’s hear from her.

What are some essential features of your expertise as a product manager?

Our mission is to connect people who experience mental health problems with the right person and methods anywhere and anytime. Unlike traditional counseling, where people have to go to the hospital or the clinic to conduct a consultation session, we connect them through the Riliv application, which one can access anytime. People can counsel mental health professionals via chat or video call about their problems. It can reduce people's time commuting and make it easier to reach out for professional help without any judgment, and you will be guided step by step to get better. The digital self-care content feature is intended for people who want to keep their well-being lifestyle happier and healthier, reduce mild stress, and be mindful every day. Consisting of 500+ meditation, sleep audio content, a journal, and a list of some activities to help users achieve a specific goal like Master Your Stress. Using our meditation feature as a daily activity by users has proven to reduce stress by 41 percent.

What are some critical business takeaways and learnings you have gathered over the years as a global business leader?

One needs to be bold and brave to do hard things that bring the most significant impact and embrace and be open to any perspectives, ideas, and diversity. Always continue testing and experimenting with business ideas and talk to users for meaningful learning and improvements.

Tell us about your roles and responsibilities as the Head of Growth for Riliv. What are your primary focus areas in terms of driving growth for the company?

I am responsible for reaching and growing our users bigger and faster. We know that many people still struggle with their mental health condition and do not get any treatment due to the stigma. So, we would like to become part of these people in helping and supporting them through their hard times. I brainstorm and communicate with the marketing, product, and sales team to align with the direction and build initiatives to test innovations. My primary focus right now is building collaborations and partnerships with relevant institutions, corporates, or governments to deliver more significant movement and optimized solutions related to mental health space so that more people will understand the importance of mental health and take any action for themselves and support people in their surrounding too.

Throw some light on the most critical challenges you have faced as a business leader. What steps do you take to overcome the roadblocks that you encounter?

The only sure thing in the current scenario is change; we must embrace it to retain our position in the market. As the market deals with growing uncertainty; innovation, readjustment, and constant improvisation become the need of the hour. I always think back to the fundamentals whenever there is some roadblock. Understanding our users' problems, their needs, and what we can do to fulfill their needs are some of the essentials we need to resolve.

“Don't let anyone underestimate and drag you down; believe in yourself that you can achieve anything”

What is your take on women's representation in leadership roles across the Indonesian business landscape? How do you foresee the scenario evolving going forward?

Women's representation in leadership roles across the Indonesian business landscape is increasing, and the opportunity is more significant, although the percentage might be small. It is a good sign because women's participation as a leader is seen as necessary as men and this would lead to embracing diversity in thinking, creating more creative and inclusive

strategies, and making more effective decisions. There would be more inspiring great women leaders because as the incentives for education increase, so many women in Indonesia now have access to higher education and excellent qualifications in top global education institutions.

Novia Karunia Nur Ashri, Head Of Growth, Riliv

Striving always for excellence, Novia Karunia Nur Ashri is driven by constant learning, motivation, and persistence to bring a more significant impact on herself and society. With her enthusiastic personality, she continuously puts her best effort into making users love and engage with the product.