‎​All too soon another year is drawing to a close. Have a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones and here’s wishing you happiness and prosperity for the year ahead.

Best regards,

Maverick

Some of my friends asked me how I could travel so often. I said, “Because my office is paying for it!” And they would say, “How lucky! But you’re traveling every year!” to which I answered, “Well, because every year, the office is paying for it!”

This August, together with my friend (and colleague) Shilla, we traveled to Europe (yaaay!). And yes, we used our Personal Development Fund–a nifty benefit to ensure that our staff have a balanced life to make them even better consultants. Together with our bestfriend (an ex-Maverick), Nancy, we traveled to 5 cities in 10 days: Barcelona, Sevilla and Jerez in Spain, also Lagos (Algarve) and Lisboa in Portugal.

The very first destination in Barcelona is of course–the Nou Camp, the stadium of Barcelona football club. You can buy a ticket to enter the stadium from a stall in La Rambla (the most famous stretch in Barcelona) a day before, so you don’t have to queue in front of the stadium.

We stayed in Double Beates, not far from La Rambla–whereby you can see lots of street stalls, open-air cafes and great art performances. For art lovers and those interested in architectures, the city is bursting with great works of Dali and Gaudi, very pleasing for the eye!

And oh, don’t skip the beach! It was summer-time, and you can walk down to the beach at 4 pm and had a suntan until the sun went down at around 8.30 pm.

Sevilla is the next city we visited after Barcelona. A small town with lovely churches and cathedrals and its wonderful alleyways, as well as a lovely Botanical Garden at the heart of it. Sevilla is also the place where you can see the original and the best flamenco dance, said Salva, our taxi driver. We enjoyed a long walk in Sevilla, pretending to be princesses from ancient times at the Roman wall.

From Sevilla, we took a bus to Jerez, a very small town in the middle of nowhere. When we got off from the bus, we thought we’ve landed in a ghost town. It seemed like there was no living soul in the city! But Jerez is full of wineries. One of the most famous wineries is Tio Pepe’s Bodega that produces one of the best sherries in the world.

Spain is bursting with music, colors, and of course (you know us the Mavericks): good food!!! From tapas to tomato salad, steak to paella, all the ingredients are fresh and rich in flavors. Spain is definitely in my list of the world’s greatest food meccas.

PORTUGAL–Posting by Nur Shilla Christianto

After spending five days in Spain, we took a bus drive to the Algarve region, in southern Portugal. Our first stop is a coastal town called Lagos in which we fell instantly in love with. Its city center is sculpted with rich and colorful architecture, dating back to before the Roman empire.

One of the most celebrated buildings is the Saint Anthony’s church, famous for its asymmetric bell towers. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to visit the site as we (unintentionally) spent too much time shopping at the small niche shops and lounging at the alfresco cafes in the city center area. Excuses, excuses, I know. But seriously, as an avid foodie, who would want to miss the chance of having a bite of the region’s most renowned delicacy: Barbecue Chicken Piri-Piri! That’s one more tick off my bucket list.

While we had stayed at reasonably affordable accommodations in Spain, we decided to splurge a little in Lagos by renting a villa overlooking the ocean. It was the best decision ever. Not only that the view was amazing, we also had the huge place to ourselves and so on our first night there we fixed our own dinner, assembling our rendition of the Western European spread.

We knew that we needed to burn off our holiday splurges, and so the next day we took a long walk to Meia Praia, the largest open bay in the area. After all three of us spent a couple of hours sunbathing there, Hanny continued her photo-hunting walk, immersing herself in the city’s life and heritage, while Nancy and I decided to sign up for a sea kayaking activity that lasted for 5 hours! We were assigned in pairs, and the guapo guide (Google it if you don’t know what it means) took us to view the most breathtaking caves and grottos off the coast of Ponta da Piedade. Never mind the tan, this, I have to say, was the highlight of the trip.

We made our final stop at Portugal’s capital Lisbon before heading back to Jakarta. It was rather sad that we only had one day to spend in a city as beautiful as Lisbon. And since we were too exhausted from the six hours drive from Lagos, we took a city tour in a cab. We cheated, but at least we got the basics covered–and that includes stuffing our face with the most decadent Pasteis de Belem (Portuguese egg tart pastry) and a visit to the Sunday market.

You know it was a good summer holiday when you came back to work sun-kissed, refreshed and energized–and it’s a better feeling when you can hold your office accountable for providing you with this state of happiness. Hasta luego!

But looking back, we must say that we are extremely proud of how far we have come since that time nine years ago, when we started with one employee. Throughout the years, we’ve had the pleasure of providing our clients with clear strategic thinking, helping them in engaging the public with their stories and even working side-by-side with them during crisis. However, not wanting to toot our own horns we’ll let the clients do it for us.

Timur Sukirno – Managing Partner, Hadiputranto, Hadinoto & Partners – was there in our infancy, and he was also there to celebrate Maverick’s 9^th anniversary. We are flattered that he was impressed with Maverick’s combination of solid strategic thinking and clean execution.

Sonitha Poernomo – Country Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank - thought that our team of young people was always wonderful inside and outside of work.

Jane Mary Morrison – Head of Communications & Contributions, PT H.M. Sampoerna Tbk. – said HMS has been working with Maverick for five years now, thanks to what she termed Maverick’s “professionalism and good network.”

While last but certainly never least, Leila Djafaar – Head of Corporate Affairs, PermataBank – commended us for our superior media monitoring quality and swift response to clients’ needs. She also wished that our business grow even more in the future.

Such wonderful statements and wishes naturally bring twinkle to our eyes, because to watch our people and our clients grow with us is what made us proud above all. Again we thank them, as well as each and every one, past and present, who has helped shape Maverick to what we are today.

It is true that we couldn’t have made it without you. Here’s to another glorious nine years of working and growing together!

To see more of what they said about us, check out the video below.

Taiwan is a small island located just off the southern coast of mainland China. It’s also known as Formosa, Portuguese for “Beautiful Island”. What makes Taiwan interesting is the mixture of Chinese and Japanese culture with added spices of Western values that is shown at almost every aspect of people’s lives.

One of the places I would highly recommend to visit is Jiufen. The city had gone through such a fascinating history. It’s essentially an old mining city over a hill that had transformed into one of the busiest tourist destination in Taiwan. The narrow stairs and alleys are packed with souvenir shops, food stall and cafes. I found this city succeeded in captivating me, made me stayed there for one full day, letting my self bewitched by its beauty over a cup of cold tea.

Another recommended spot in Taiwan is Shilin Night Market. It is a night market in the Shilin District of Taipei city. Being the most famous night market in Taiwan, it offers you varieties of local foods. Although the place is always crowded during weekends, it is definitely a heaven for those who are interested in culinary adventure.

Surely, a trip to Taiwan would be incomplete without tasting the infamous Chòu Dòufu. Can be easily found almost everywhere in Taiwan, this fermented tofu with strong odor definitely has it’s own charm. Although it is the stinkiest tofu in the world, I highly recommend those who are planning to go to Taiwan to taste it. You might need to pull out the courage out of you to eat one, however it will give you an unforgettable experience.

To celebrate the occasion we held a party for our clients, partners and friends at Poste Kitchen + Bar last Tuesday.

In addition to celebrating our 9th anniversary, we took the occasion to launch three Maverick brands as well. These are: Raconteur which helps clients engage with their audience through online and offline activities; training division Brio that brings specialist knowledge to companies and organizations; and Gauge, the first and only PR measurement service in Indonesia. Around 125 guests came to celebrate and witness the birth of these new brands with us.

Jerry Aurum, photographer and founder of Jerry Aurum Design & Photography, with Jane Mary Morrison, Head of Communications & Contributions at HM Sampoerna, among guests at Maverick's 9th anniversary celebration

Ong and Shilla, with Charlotte Rose and Sarah Rooney from United World

Dody with Alvin Lie, Editor-in-Chief of Jurnal Parlemen

Felicia and Hanny with author and techpreneur Aulia Halimatussadiah (Ollie) from #StartupLokal community

Lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis with author and The Straits Times journalist, John McBeth

Hanny with Wicaksono or well-known as Ndorokakung, Editor of Tempo Interaktif and prominent blogger

London School of Public Relations head Prita Kemal-Ghani with Ong and Felicia

THP's Bob Murdoch must have felt like Austin Powers

Globe Asia Editor-in-Chief S.K. Zainuddin was one of the senior journalists at the event

With a theme of “Unleash the Maverick in You”, guests were welcomed with a photo wall where they could express themselves in awesome poses. Upon entering the venue, guests were treated with music and a sample of all the activities that we’ve done in the past 9 years on photo panels of creativity, network, goodness and the net.

Nila Tanzil, Sr. Communications Manager of Putera Sampoerna Foundation and Elvera Makki, Corporate Affairs Manager of Fonterra, expressing their creative pose at the red carpet

The Es Teler 77 team in full force with (left to right) Fredella Nugroho, director Andrew Nugroho, president director Yenny Widjaja, Wike Nugroho, and vice president Anton Widjaja

Rahne Putri and Johnny, founders of Twitter influencer @Anjinggombal giving their best pose at the red carpet

Andrew Hallatu, Media Relations Manager of Coca-Cola Indonesia at the red carpet

Debora Tjandrakusuma, Legal & Corporate Affairs Director of Nestlé Indonesia with her colleague Ita Mucharam from Legal & Corporate Affairs

The Jakarta Post CEO Daniel Rembeth and Lita unleashing their photogenic skills

We, the Mavericks had our individual spotlight too, in a special photo panel that became one of the most-talked about topics of the night. Showcasing our personal passion, having fun can happen while working. Everything from sports to parties to pop culture, you’re bound to find one of us who’s passionate in it.

HM Sampoerna's Brand A team posing with Mavericks in front of the 'what's your passion?' photo wall. From left to right: Maruf Fauzi-Media Relations Executive, Wigra Anggara-Direct Communications Executive, Ignes, Adinda Kuntoro-Media Relations Executive, Sharon and Adis

None of this would’ve happened without the support of everyone involved. So thank you to our clients, partners and friends who came to celebrate with us. But beyond that, we also thank you – yes, YOU – who have made Maverick what we are today. Let’s look forward to more years of working together and striving to deliver the best communications services in Indonesia.

Seeing the lively atmosphere that night, it’s safe to say that everyone had a blast with the good food, good music and most importantly, in good company. So did we celebrate in true Maverick style? And if you’re wondering, where’s my picture?? Come take a look here

Last Monday about 20 students majoring in Communications Studies from Universitas Pelita Harapan trooped to our Maverick office in Senopati.

When they had settled Lita, one of the partners in Maverick, gave a presentation that introduced us as a consultancy: what we do, who our clients are. She was followed by Sharon, a senior associate who heads accounts such as Airbus and Brand A, who spoke about public relations and integrated marketing communications.

The students responded with many questions, among which were how to attract journalists to an event, and what to do if there was a poor turnout of journalists; whether we were allowed to have two clients from the same industry; and how to achieve an integrated marketing communications program for the clients.

When the discussion session finished the students were split into two groups to tour the office. The groups took turns visiting the consultants on the ground floor and Gauge, our media monitoring division, upstairs.

In their tour they met with, among others, Lesley, who heads our marketing communications division. She shared her insights about marketing communications and activitation, including giving suggestions to one of the students on how to boost the sales of products.

They also met Dini, our associate who’s Maverick’s representative to the Indonesian PR Practitioners Groups, a voluntary multi-firm organization of PR practitioners who provide free training to young PR practitioners. Dini encouraged them to join the IPPG’s events as it is a good place to learn from the practitioners as well as to get to know them.

The students ended their visit by presenting Lita with a golden eagle souvenir and a certificate of appreciation. We reciprocated with goody bags and hopes that the students had enjoyed and benefited from visiting our office.

Maverick memiliki sebuah program untuk para associate yang dinamakan Personal Development Fund.   Program ini dapat diambil oleh mereka yang sudah menjadi karyawan Maverick selama satu tahun.  Personal Development Fund yang jumlahnya adalah satu kali gaji associate dapat dipergunakan untuk menghadiri course atau dipergunakan untuk membiayai perjalanan ke tempat yang belum pernah kita kunjungi sebelumnya.

Meskipun saya memutuskan untuk mengejar karir di tempat dan bidang lain akhir tahun ini, saya berterima kasih kepada perusahaan yang masih mengijinkan penggunaan dana PDF ini untuk membiayai kehadiran saya di Ubud Writers and Readers Festival di Bali awal bulan Oktober lalu.  Thanks, Bosses!

UWRF memang merupakan festival yang dinanti-nantikan oleh para pecinta buku dan pecinta literatur dunia.  Acara ini mengundang berbagai pembicara dari berbagai negara, antara lain: Cina, Malta, Djibouti, Palestina, Israel, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapura, Perancis, Bosnia, Turki, Afrika Selatan, Australia, Inggris, Irlandia, Amerika Serikat dan Kanada

Ubud Writers and Readers Festival tahun ini, yang diselenggarakan pada tanggal 6-10 Oktober untuk ketujuh kalinya, bertemakan Harmony in Diversity atau Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.  Tema ini dipilih untuk merayakan keberagaman Indonesia dan dunia.    Ungkapan yang dikemukakan oleh Sutasoma, seorang pujangga besar Indonesia, dinilai relevan dengan berbagai permasalahan yang terjadi di Indonesia dan dunia.

Suasana meriah penyelenggaraan UWRF benar-benar terasa ketika kita memasuki wilayah Ubud.  Peserta festival, turis, dan penduduk setempat yang berbaur dan berinteraksi di daerah dingin pulau dewata ini menunjukkan realita harmony in diversity.  Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in action!

Umbul-umbul biru dari sponsor utama acara UWRF, Citibank, yang menyambut pengunjung sejak perjalanan dari Denpasar menuju Ubud juga menambah ceria suasana festival.

Seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, UWRF memiliki sejumlah sesi paralel yang menarik.  Saking menariknya, kadang-kadang peserta festival pun harus benar-benar memilih untuk menghadiri sesi yang memang dicarinya.  Pilihan yang sulit!

Para pembicara sesi UWRF menyampaikan banyak hal yang insipiring.  Kisah tersebut bisa berupa cerita tentang bagaimana seorang penulis menuangkan ide, imajinasi, dan inspirasi dalam buku, hingga kisah hubungan antara penulis dengan keluarga atau orang-orang terdekatnya sebagai dampak langsung maupun tidak langsung dari buku yang ditulisnya tersebut.

Sesi demi sesi saya ikuti dan inspirasi demi inspirasi pun menyeruak.  Inspirasi tersebut mendorong saya untuk lebih percaya diri untuk segera menulis.  Beberapa panelis menyatakan bahwa modal awal untuk menulis bukan lah kreativitas atau yang lainnya, namun cukup keberanian untuk memulai menulis.

Baiklah.  Akan saya coba!

Bersama keluarga, teman, sahabat, kolega.

Menjelang datangnya hari yang fitri,

Meski jemari tak dapat berjabat dan raga tak dapat bersua,

Dengan hati yang bersih, kita jalin indahnya silaturahmi.

Membuka keikhlasan di hari kemenangan,

‘tuk memulai lembaran baru dengan fitrah dan kesucian hati.

Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri 1431 H

Mohon Maaf Lahir dan Batin

* Untuk melihat video ucapan dari Maverick, silakan klik tulisan ‘replay’ pada gambar di atas

What? A quiz? If I want to join Maverick, I just have to take a quiz?

Yes! If you dare to join us and be a part of our super fun team, you can start by taking this quiz. Go ahead and try for yourself, see if you’re Maverick enough!

happy faces of the Mavericks

When was the last time you pushed yourself to try something new and your employer not only encouraged you but subsidized the cost up to one month of your salary!? Ask anyone at Maverick because they enjoy this every year!

At Maverick we constantly challenge our staff not only to provide quality work for clients, but also to develop themselves, broaden their horizons, try new things and generally getting out of their comfort zones. We think that life is much, much more than just work — which you of course have to be good at — but that each individual should explore the full potential of their lives.

That’s why we introduced the concept of a Personal Development Fund (PDF) from the first year Maverick was established. The fund, equivalent to a month’s salary, is available to anyone who’s been confirmed and who has been working with us for a year. You can use the fund, that gets renewed each year, for any course or program that helps you develop as a human being and makes your life richer. The best part is that it has to be non-work related.

Over the past few years Mavericks have used this fund in exciting ways. Shilla, for instance, used the fund to learn how to scuba dive in one year. The next year she used the fund to indulge in another passion of hers – cooking. She went to Hong Kong to enroll in a Dim Sum making course. Indri used her PDF to pursue the art of belly dancing and Adwie used his PDF to sharpen his skills in photography. Hanny is planning to use hers for a course in painting. And Maverick picks up the tab for all of these activities.

This year the PDF got better. We decided to allow our consultants to use it to travel. The only condition is that it must be to a destination that they haven’t been to before, so that they are exposed to new places, idea and people. We think it would be cool if our consultants are able to watch sunset from a different timezone, enjoying exotic food and friendly chat with local people, while not having to worry about the bills.

Paid-for holidays and an opportunity to enroll in any course to indulge your passions? What’s the catch?

Very little, really. You merely have to be very good at your work, push the boundaries of what’s possible and have a zest for life and learning new things.