My One-Year Journey as a Startup CEO: Growth, Challenges, and Lessons Learned

Hello, my name is Alfiansah Erik Sugiarto. My one-year journey in a startup has been both long and meaningful. In a startup, you don’t just work — you grow, evolve, and discover what you’re capable of.

It all started with nine fresh graduates who shared the same dream. Among them, I was entrusted with the role of CEO. As someone who had never shouldered a responsibility this heavy before, I felt overwhelmed at first. But it was in that moment of uncertainty that I began sharpening all of my skills — leadership, communication, time management, and decision-making in difficult situations.

Throughout this year, I’ve learned that being a CEO isn’t just about leading. It’s about serving your team, listening to their aspirations, and ensuring everyone feels valued. Success in a startup isn’t built solely on big ideas; it’s built on execution, teamwork, and the persistence of every member.

The journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve had highs — like closing major projects — and lows, when things felt stuck and progress seemed impossible. But every obstacle taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of innovation.

Now, a year later, I see this experience as one of the biggest investments in my life. I’ve learned not only about business, but also about people, about myself, and about the true meaning of leadership.

This journey is far from over. In fact, it has made me even more excited to take this startup to the next stage, build products that matter, and create more success stories with my amazing team.