The future is yours to create: Stefanie Wijono

We are kicking off our The Future is Yours to Create: International Women’s Day series with Stefanie Wijono, the Deputy PR & Marketing Director for the Union Group. A well known figure in the industry, she is one of the brilliant minds behind the successful Indonesian F&B group. She shares her unique perspectives on the industry from beyond behind the bar

A little bit about me

My family instilled the love in food and drinks in me since young, so I’ve always known I wanted to enter the industry. After graduating from Switzerland with a hospitality management degree, I worked in a PR agency specializing in F&B, then with Jamie Oliver’s restaurants in Singapore, before moving back to Jakarta and settling into my current role as Deputy PR & Marketing Director for The Union Group. I’ve delved deeper into the drinks industry in the last 2-3 years, after we opened The Cocktail Club.

My favorite part of my job is that I love the process of bringing new concepts to life – designing all the little details, tasting the menu again and again, planning the launch – and then seeing people enjoying it once it opens.

My favorite part of my job is that I love the process of bringing new concepts to life.

Meeting great people, and connecting with them makes me most happiest both in my role and as an individual.

What drives me? At the beginning I wanted to prove – to other people, and also to myself – that I can do it. Now, it is also to see my team succeed.

Announcement photos of the new project Cosmo Pony between Singapore’s Jigger & Pony Group and Indonesia’s The Union Group.

How I approach my work

To listen closely to others when they’re talking, instead of formulating your reply or cutting them off was the most helpful advice given to me.

As long as I still feel like I am learning new things everyday I feel like I am progressing professionally. But professional recognition in terms of roles and awards are rewarding as well.

Giving me responsibility and trust are what employers can do to motivate me more at work.

Brands are definitely important supporters for the industry. The support that the brands give in the form of marketing budget, competitions, cocktail festivals and awards are crucial for the industry’s vibrancy as well as talent development.

My thoughts on mentorship

My older brother, Michael Wijono, is someone I always look up to because of the way he treats other people. He has unwavering loyalty from his team because he treats them as unique individuals and sees their strengths, while recognizing their weaknesses.

I think a role model is someone who walks the talk. I do think there are individuals that fit this definition in the industry – Indra and Guoyi from Jigger & Pony come to mind. They always preach about working together to advance the industry as a whole, and their actions and hard work clearly reflect that.

I think leaders in the industry need to show the next generation that the industry is not just about the glamorous side.

Effective mentors & leaders are people who do not hesitate in sharing their knowledge and is generous with their time and effort.

I think leaders in the industry need to show the next generation that the industry is not just about the glamorous side, about traveling and creating content – to truly succeed you need to put in the work and the long hours every day.

The Indonesian bar community at Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards in Hong Kong.

My hopes for the future

If I could change something about our industry here, I would wish we had more government support for the drinks industry in our country.

Bartenders definitely have the power to define the future of the industry, but they need the support of the rest of the community.

We should support each other, instead of competing with one another.

What should the bar community do to make sure we grow together? We should support each other, instead of competing with one another. We should also work together to contribute to the larger society, for example in charities, larger scale events, etc.

I would really like the Indonesian bar scene to be more recognized internationally, to bring more people to Jakarta and the rest of the country to let them see how special our bars and bar community is. If I can contribute to that, I’ll be happy.