Vidio’s CMO Teguh Wicaksono on staying 'punk' and breaking corporate norms

Teguh Wicaksono has built a solid reputation in leadership and marketing within Indonesia's digital industry. With a background in journalism, his career trajectory spans executive roles at Twitter, ByteDance, Netflix, Amazon, and now nearly a year as the CMO of Vidio.

A passionate supporter of the arts, he founded Sounds from the Corner, a music archiving collective; Krapela, a public space for live music and art events; and the Archipelago Festival, which showcases emerging musicians across genres. Recently, Teguh returned to Jakarta after several years in Singapore. In an Instagram Q&A session, he offered candid thoughts on leadership, communication, career growth, and balancing creative work with corporate responsibilities.

What does great leadership look like today?

For Teguh, great leadership begins with emotional availability for your team. "A leader must understand the personal goals of their team members, not just their professional ones," he explains. He emphasises the importance of truly listening, rather than simply assigning tasks without analysing problems.

"We must be present for our teams, and remember that managing downwards is much harder than managing upwards," he adds. Teguh believes effective leaders must define success within the organisation through metrics and KPIs, while empowering team members to articulate their contributions. "Success is never a solo achievement," he stresses.

Equally crucial, Teguh advocates for creating space to experiment. "Mistakes foster ownership. Don’t be afraid of failure," he advises.

How do you navigate office politics based on your experience?

Teguh suggests understanding the "map" of organisational politics so you know your position. "Investigate the historical context that shaped the current environment," he says. Knowing when to compromise and when to stand firm for yourself and your team is essential. "It’s never black and white, never binary."

He candidly adds, "It’s okay to lose battles as long as you win the war." This pragmatic approach reflects his understanding of modern organisational dynamics.

What’s the most exciting or challenging project you’re working on right now?

With enthusiasm, Teguh responds, "I’m obsessed with ensuring my team can thrive and become the best versions of themselves! It sounds cliché, but it’s truly how I feel." Leading a team of over 100 professionals, Teguh prioritises individual growth. "They are all my number one priority," he asserts.

What’s your key lesson in dealing with difficult individuals?

Teguh advises taking time to understand their motivations in a professional context. "Find common ground in their communication style; don’t force your own," he says. He stresses the importance of thorough documentation in every interaction.

"Gather evidence and testimonials to build your case so it doesn’t feel one-sided," he adds. Most importantly, Teguh emphasises knowing when to stop investing in difficult individuals: "Your mental health is just as important!"

What’s the best way to provide feedback to colleagues or employees?

Feedback, Teguh believes, must be specific. "Use real and concrete examples; avoid vague statements like ‘you need to improve at…,’" he advises. He underscores the importance of setting clear expectations for improvement and providing a timeline for follow-up.

"Check in regularly; don’t just leave them to figure things out alone. Show that you’re invested in their growth," he adds. Most importantly, he encourages asking how you can help them grow, reflecting his people-centred leadership philosophy.

How do you handle a micromanaging boss?

When dealing with overly detail-oriented superiors, Teguh suggests identifying patterns in their feedback. "Analyse what they consistently comment on or critique. There’s always a pattern—listen carefully and don’t get defensive."

Then, proactively address these areas before they become issues. "Make your work bulletproof, at least regarding their common concerns," he advises. He also recommends documenting all conversations to ensure accountability. "Note-taking is key," he concludes.

How do you plan your career and navigate setbacks?

Teguh plans his career by analysing external trends and insights alongside internal motivations. "When things don’t go as planned, I take time to reflect before preparing for the next step—not for too long, though," he shares. "Lessons learned during these periods become the foundation for future growth," he adds, highlighting his reflective approach to overcoming challenges.

Do you have a career growth rule, like aiming for a promotion every few years?

"I always have a clear roadmap for personal growth, though it’s rarely about money. It’s more about what kind of challenges will bring me professional satisfaction," Teguh shares. With a wry smile, he adds, "I’m a bit of a masochist about this, sorry."

He explains that growth doesn’t always have to be vertical. "It can also be diagonal or horizontal if that’s what’s right for you," he says, reflecting a more holistic view of career advancement.

How do you stay indispensable as you grow older?

Teguh’s answer depends on one’s role. "If you’re a manager or generalist, align your business goals with the company’s objectives so your achievements remain relevant," he advises.

"If you’re a specialist, sharpen not just your skills but also your character, so your output is distinctive, and your expertise is clear to everyone," he adds. In the age of AI, he reminds us that character and vision often distinguish professionals from machines.

Should early-career professionals play it safe or take risks in today’s economy?

Teguh recommends researching industries with strong career growth potential. "Avoid conventional skills and templates; tailor your personal offering to meet demand," he advises.

Humbly, he adds, "I’m not 100% sure, but I imagine leaning toward certainty is safer in today’s world. I’m open to further discussion."

How do you balance creating authentic work with corporate demands?

Teguh stresses defining your goals and understanding your objectives. "‘Selling out’ can also mean ‘scaling up,’ which is fine if you want to make an impact. Compromise is inevitable when it comes to business growth or wealth creation," he explains.

However, he adds, "Authentic work doesn’t always need a corporate angle—it can be your personal art, tied to your ideals."

How do you balance creative intuition with data-driven decisions in branding?

"There’s no perfect balance," Teguh says, "but framing conversations contextually and defining objectives helps."

For high-level discussions, he recommends justifying creative decisions with metrics. For tactical execution, he prioritises aligning creativity with the target audience.

How do you maintain passion projects while working a 9-to-5?

Clarity of purpose is essential, Teguh says. "Understand your limits—emotionally, physically, financially—so you know when to push and when to pause."

He also warns against letting personal ambitions cannibalise professional responsibilities.

This article is adapted from Teguh Wicaksono’s Instagram Q&A, edited for clarity and brevity.