2,5+ years may sound short for a career span in someone’s life, but for me, 2,5+ years in Uber felt like I have been in the company for 5+ years. It may be odd, but that’s what I’ve felt. When I first joined Uber in 2015, I didn’t know what I would step into. All I know is that I love the brand and I’m excited to work with young and smart people in the company. I was employee no.11 in Uber Indonesia, and needless to say that I am also the oldest person at that time. So, I was excited and felt the need to step up.
The first day is already a day that I will never forget. I was told that our office was located in an office building in the SCBD area of Jakarta, but I receive a last minute information that the office temporarily moved to an apartment in Kuningan. I was told that there were some enforcement during that period. So, everyone must work in a safer place. It was weird, but fun and intimate at the same. I was greeted by Marisa on that first day who happens to be my buddy and a wonderful mentor for the onboarding period. The team feels like a family and everyone supports each other. I know at that moment that I’m going on the right direction. I’ve also experienced with the team to work in a small and confined room for a few months, where our arms could literally touched each other without even moving, and sitting on top of a cabinet because the chair is limited. I miss those days.
During my early days in Uber, I was challenged by Alan Jiang (Launcher) to share the good stories and have better relationship with the local media. It was a challenging task, but I was doing my best to have more intimate conversation with the media about Uber’s mission in Indonesia and share our good story. From there, I knew that we need to spread the word faster to more people. So, I started to create small gatherings with KOL’s, from Bloggers, Influencers to celebrities. On each of our campaigns, we are starting to involve media and KOL’s to enhance the impact of our campaigns.
During the early days, Uber mostly known for it’s UberBLACK product among the higher class of Jakarta. So, I was challenged to build engagements that can create more awareness about Uber, especially uberX among locals. So, I set up Universities tour around Jakarta and we called it Uber Goes to Campus, where we tour and share knowledge about how our technology can help unlock the city with shared resources to university students.
Sharing stories about Uber’s good mission and the impact for the society has always been the key objective that I have in mind every time I approach my duties. I’m a storyteller and I always love telling stories. That is why when I got the chance to manage Uber Indonesia’s social media channels, I’m building it from a storyteller point of view. I always felt humbled every time I see the Driver of the Week posts about the true stories of Uber driver partners. From the posts that I’ve photographed, interviewed and design myself up until my team is taking over for a more scalable series.
One of the best moments is when me and my videographer (Neita), interviewed Reiner, a deaf Uber driver partner. We’re having a hard time communicating with Reiner, but he managed to send his information through to us. It was so sincere and heartfelt. I honestly weep a little, when we have lunch and he asked to take a photo with an Indonesia celebrity. With all the challenges that he has faced in life, Reiner still able to share a positive spirit for everyone surrounding him. Moments like this is the reason that I love working for this company. Because, we are truly making impact for the city and enabling people like Reiner to have equal chance to earn and provide for his family.
During my time in Uber Indonesia, most of the time It didn’t feel like working. Because I got to meet a lot of fun, caring and amazing friends. We were busy everyday, but still manage to have fun. It was an unforgettable time. The company have also got me the chance to open a widespread of network, from policymakers, startup partners, agencies, press, influencers and the chance to exchange knowledge with them. Here, I learn that all the basis of good partnership is not only about doing business, but collaborating and maintaining a personal relationship.
In Uber, we are the owner of our projects. We are not just assigned for projects, we create the projects and executed it. I was lucky enough to be able to support the team for various launches, like the launch of uberMOTOR, uberPOOL, expansion cities and brand projects. I am also proud that I was given the opportunity to lead several projects for Indonesia, like Uber & Disney’s Zootopia, Uber X Vice Easy Riders, Year in Review 2016, Year with Uber 2017 and many more projects. But, the biggest campaign that I’ve lead was UberTIGA anniversary, Uber Indonesia’s first ever driver partner’s appreciation day in Jakarta & Surabaya for Uber’s anniversary. Seeing the faces of driver partners in the event was a reward that I’m proud of. Thank you Cassie for given me that opportunity.
I’ve never learned so much in my life before. Uber has been a school, a workplace and a home for me. The opportunity to learn from so many people in different countries all over the world, the opportunity to learn about the brand straight in the US, the opportunity to travel the world and the treasure of meeting wonderful people that I can proud of calling them as my friends and also my family. Working hand in hand with the all the Uber Indonesia team, collaborating with the regional Comms, Brand & Campaigns and my APACx Social & Contents Family (Margi, Dat, Judy, Elaine, Rose & Rouwei).
I will never take my experience in Uber for granted. I appreciate everything that I’ve been through and I will cherish it my whole life. This maybe goodbye for Uber but it’s not the end for its legacy. I hope the best for each and every one of you that I’ve crossed path during my Uber time. I’m sure that we’ll cross paths again. I love you all and see you soon.
