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The Art of Curating Life and Career with David Irianto (Co-founder of Greatmind)

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The Art of Curating Life and Career with David Irianto (Co-founder of Greatmind)

Self development career curation

How do you curate a meaningful life and career in today’s fast-changing world? In this engaging conversation, David Irianto, co-founder of Greatmind, shares his journey from design, media, and psychology to becoming a curator of ideas and stories that inspire many.

Self-Awareness and Context: The Foundation of Curation

According to David, two essential skills shape both personal growth and professional life: self-awareness and contextual understanding. Self-awareness helps you recognize where you stand, while context allows you to navigate external changes without being swept away by trends or uncertainty.

“Without self-awareness and context, life feels like a ship without a captain—adrift and directionless.”

From Chaos to Clarity

David’s career path has been anything but linear. He started in visual communication design, ventured into fashion media, joined global organizations, and eventually became a curator for TEDxJakarta and Ideafest. Each twist in his journey taught him the importance of curating experiences, not just for audiences but also for his own life.

The Role of Curatorship

Curating Ideas

As a curator, David emphasizes that his job is not about himself but about creating platforms for others to shine. Whether at TEDxJakarta, Ideafest, or Greatmind, his role is to weave narratives that connect ideas, speakers, and audiences.

Learning from Leaders

Through years of organizing events and meeting hundreds of speakers, David observed that the best leaders share one trait: deep self-awareness. Leadership, he explains, is not about ego but about recognizing strengths, weaknesses, and the value of others.

The Burnout Phase and Recovery

Like many passionate individuals, David faced burnout during his intense years running conferences. At one point, he considered leaving everything behind and returning to graphic design. What saved him were two key factors:

  • Rest: taking a complete break to recharge.
  • A strong support system: colleagues and communities who reminded him he wasn’t alone.

This period also inspired him to co-found IdeLaju, a professional agency born from the collective energy of TEDx volunteers.

Rethinking Passion and Flow

David’s psychology background shaped his perspective on passion and flow. Passion, he argues, isn’t about seeking what feels good—it’s about choosing what you’re willing to suffer for. Flow, meanwhile, is the state of full engagement, but it doesn’t always guarantee happiness, especially when external factors like money and deadlines come into play.

Harmonious vs. Obsessive Passion

He distinguishes between two types of passion:

  • Harmonious passion: comes from internal drive, allowing balance between work and life.
  • Obsessive passion: fueled by external pressures, often leading to stress and imbalance.

Leadership Lessons and Imposter Syndrome

David admits struggling with imposter syndrome—questioning whether he deserved to be seen as a leader. His experience as part of the Obama Leaders program helped him reframe leadership. He learned that it’s natural to have some ego-driven motives, but true leadership balances personal ambition with responsibility toward others.

Defining Success Differently

David’s definition of success has evolved over time. Early in his career, success meant recognition, awards, and fame. Today, it’s about impact and time well spent. Whether through nurturing communities, working with meaningful partners, or spending quality time with family, success is no longer tied to external validation but to living with purpose.

Key Takeaways for Curating Your Life

  • Embrace curiosity: explore different fields and allow yourself to experiment.
  • Develop self-awareness: know your position and direction in life.
  • Understand context: stay aware of external changes that affect your journey.
  • Value rest and support: avoid burnout by taking breaks and surrounding yourself with the right people.
  • Redefine success: shift from external recognition to meaningful impact and fulfillment.

Conclusion

The art of curating life and career is not about following a fixed blueprint but about navigating chaos with awareness, adaptability, and purpose. David’s story is a reminder that growth comes from experimentation, reflection, and the courage to embrace uncertainty.

If you’re building your own path, take time to reflect, connect with others, and curate experiences that align with your values. Your definition of success may change, but the journey will be uniquely yours.

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