CEO Insights Magazine

Great companies aren’t built by chance. They rise on the shoulders of visionaries who lead with clarity, purpose, and precision. In today’s fast-shifting business environment, strong leadership doesn’t just set direction. It creates resilience, scale, and transformation. This is especially true in the world of consulting, where insight meets execution and where trusted advisors shape the future of entire industries. Within Indonesia’s dynamic corporate consultancy landscape, one figure stands at the forefront of that evolution, who is Sayed Musaddiq, Partner at PT Skha Consulting Indonesia.

With a foundation forged in engineering and honed during his early years at the renowned Astra Group, one of Indonesia’s most formidable conglomerates, Musaddiq built a mindset grounded in discipline, standardization, and systems thinking. But it was his move into consulting that broadened his horizon. At Skha, he found not just a career but a calling. He dove deep into diverse industries, crafted tailored strategies, and helped businesses unlock leverage and value.

After four transformative years, he was invited to become a Partner. A year later, he rose to the role of Managing Director, shouldering dual responsibilities from guiding client strategies and mentoring teams to ensuring the firm’s long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, Skha evolved from a boutique operation into a top-tier national consulting powerhouse with sales increased fivefold in just five years. Even during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skha stood resilient, retaining every job and maintaining financial stability.

From launching a new commercial airline for a state-owned enterprise to reshaping post-integration strategies for Indonesia’s port authority, Musaddiq’s work echoes on a national scale. Under his guidance, PT Skha Consulting Indonesia has earned industry wide recognition, including The Best Reputable Consulting Service Company of the Year at the Indonesian Improvement Award in 2019, and The Best Reliable Consulting Service Company of the Year at the Indonesian Inspire and Best Company Award in 2018. With accomplishments that speak for themselves and a vision anchored in impact, Sayed Musaddiq continues to define what leadership in consulting truly looks like. Let’s read on.

What key factors guide your approach when tailoring solutions and recommendations for your clients?

The foremost consideration is whether we can truly deliver and create meaningful value for the client and their organization. On the delivery side, we assess whether we have the right knowledge, capability, and capacity to execute effectively. Equally important is evaluating the impact, asking whether we can generate tangible value for the client once the work is delivered.

How would you describe your leadership approach? What principles or methodologies guide you as a leader?

My leadership style blends participative and transformative approaches. I encourage my team to take on more responsibility, believing that their growth comes from the challenges they face. I delegate tasks to keep them engaged and ensure they’re ready to step up when needed. At the same time, I’m not comfortable with the status quo and constantly seek opportunities for change. Change often meets resistance, so I prefer a personal, one-on-one approach to discuss and navigate these transitions with each team member, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process. 

What key qualities do you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates?

We prioritize two key qualities in candidates. First, their values. We believe that a high-performance team with a sustainable culture can only be built with individuals who share aligned values. Therefore, we assess their values both during the recruitment process and in their day-to-day work. Second, we look for competencies. We believe that problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills are essential for becoming a strong leader and consultant. We evaluate not just their current competencies, but also their potential for growth in these areas.

How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization towards the future?

This business is knowledge-driven, so staying updated on industry trends and knowledge is crucial. To achieve this, we've established a knowledge center dedicated to researching and gathering the latest information on industry developments. Additionally, we actively engage in discussions with key players in the industry. This approach allows us to stay informed about the challenges they face and potential solutions, ensuring that we are always ready to create and deliver value to our clients when they need us. 

What is the ultimate goal or direction you are aiming for in the future?

​ Having established ourselves as a leading national strategic consulting firm, our next goal is to expand globally. We plan to help Indonesian companies reach international markets or partner with multinational corporations looking to invest and operate in Indonesia. Additionally, we aim to create a community for local consulting firms, which will serve as a platform for giving back to the industry while fostering growth and advancement in Indonesia's consulting sector.

Given your extensive experience in the industry, what advice would you offer to aspiring leaders in the field?

I believe the key to success is personal growth. Growth never stops because the world is constantly evolving, always presenting new challenges and opportunities. Continuously raise the bar and stay relevant to your environment. Additionally, it's crucial to focus on developing your team, as people are the heart of this business. Mastering people development skills is essential for creating a strong, effective team. 

Sayed Musaddiq, Partner, Skha Consulting Indonesia

With a strong foundation in engineering and experience at Astra Group, Sayed Musaddiq has become a prominent figure in Indonesia’s consulting industry. As Partner at PT Skha Consulting Indonesia, he has led the firm’s transformation into a national leader, driving significant growth and success through visionary leadership and strategic insight