Using a finance career to drive social impact
Vikri Novandi’s path from banking to purpose‑driven entrepreneurship.
Meet Vikri Novandi
Vikri Novandi came to UNSW with a question: how can systems be redesigned to include more people? Through his Master of Commerce (Digital Transformation), he found not only the answers — but the confidence to lead with purpose. Now, as the founder of multiple impact-focused organisations, Vikri combines business skills with empathy and curiosity to drive real equity and opportunity for all.
Vikri Novandi's quick tips
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Let your experience guide you
Your background isn’t a barrier — it’s where meaningful ideas begin.
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Choose study that aligns with your values
With the right mindset, any degree can help you design a more inclusive world.
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Learn through action
Projects, practicums and real-world challenges will shape how you lead.
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Lead with empathy, not ego
True leadership is about listening, trust, and connection.
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Start small, think big
You don’t need a perfect plan — just a reason to begin.
“As I moved forward, I was more aware of other equally pressing issues that many Indonesians still face, like limited access to quality education, nutritious food, and sanitation. I realised I wanted to do more beyond corporate roles.”
A career sparked by financial inclusion
My professional journey started in the banking sector in Indonesia… where I saw firsthand how difficult it was for many families to access basic services, especially financial services.
That experience shaped my decision to start a career in banking because I wanted to help bridge those gaps and contribute to meaningful solutions. Throughout my career, I led several award-winning projects across operations that reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery.
These experiences taught me how systems and processes can be redesigned to serve people better.
Moving beyond performance to purpose
However, over time, I felt the urge to do more than just optimise internal performance. I wanted to contribute more directly to improving access to essential services, like finance, education, food, and even sanitation.
To explore how inclusive systems work in more developed countries, I decided to pursue my master’s degree at UNSW, where I focused on digital transformation and saw firsthand how Australia embeds accessibility into its infrastructure, whether through more efficient public services, more connected digital platforms, or more robust support systems.
Studying business with a social impact lens
At first glance, a corporate degree might seem distant from grassroots impact, but for me it was the foundation for what I do today. Studying digital transformation at UNSW gave me more than just business knowledge. It helped me understand how to design systems that are inclusive, scalable, and rooted in empathy.
I learned how to apply strategy, data and technology not only to drive growth, but also to reduce barriers and expand access.
One of the most meaningful parts of my program was the Social Entrepreneurship Practicum, which I chose as my capstone. In that course, I had the chance to collaborate directly with a social business in Australia. Seeing how they used market-based approaches to create employment opportunities for people with a disability and support vulnerable communities changed the way I thought about business. It made the idea of impact feel personal and real. I saw how values like compassion and sustainability could sit alongside revenue and operations.
The course on Managing and Leading People also played a key role in shaping my mindset. It helped me understand how to communicate across different contexts and lead with empathy. That course gave me the confidence to speak the language of both the boardroom and the community. It showed me that effective leadership is not just about authority, but about listening, inclusion, and trust, things I practiced with my classmates and lecturer during my study.
The frameworks and tools I gained through my studies continue to guide how I build my ventures. They help ensure that the work I do is not only viable, but also meaningful.
More than anything, UNSW taught me that business and impact can grow together with the right mindset and approaches. That belief continues to guide my work and my purpose.
One of the most transformative parts of my experience was joining the UNSW Founders Program. It connected me with mentors who provided honest feedback and encouraged me to keep refining my ideas. Even though I did not win any of the competitions, the journey taught me how to navigate business challenges like market validation and building a go-to-market strategy. These lessons are now central to how I run my businesses.
Beyond the classroom and valuable courses, UNSW offered countless opportunities to connect and collaborate with people, and to learn safely in real-world scenarios. These experiences gave me the confidence and mindset to move from ideas to action and helped shape the way I approach entrepreneurship today.
Translating postgraduate learning into real-world action
Studying at UNSW helped me view complex problems differently, using innovation, design thinking, and digital tools to explore practical solutions. I was not just learning theories, I was applying what I learned to real-world situations.
Through hands-on courses, case competitions, and industry-linked projects, I was able to test ideas, learn from failure, and improve quickly.
Postgraduate skills that shaped my career
The most valuable skill I developed was adaptability. In a world shaped by constant digital disruption, being open to learning and unlearning is essential. I realised that digital transformation is not just about adopting new technology, it is about embracing a mindset that is flexible, future-oriented, and resilient. Learning to work across different functions, understand user needs and drive change through collaboration has helped me thrive in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.
Apart from that, communication, data visualisation and stakeholder management have been essential in building trust and driving alignment.
Whether I am engaging with regulators, business partners, or community members, the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies has proven invaluable.
Together, these skills have prepared me to navigate an evolving workforce with confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
Turning lived experience into impactful business models
WayV grew from a very personal realisation. Coming from Indonesia, I saw how many young people have strong ambitions but limited access to opportunities.
Scholarships feel out of reach, mentors are hard to find, and many students do not know where to begin when it comes to building a career pathway. I understood this deeply because I had been in the same position.
When I received a fully funded scholarship to study at UNSW, it opened my eyes to what equal access to education could look like. In Australia, and at UNSW in particular, I experienced a system where resources, support, and opportunities were accessible to everyone — including international students and the First Peoples of Australia. Whether it was career support, mentoring programs, mental health services, startup incubators, or student-led initiatives, I felt that the university wanted every student to thrive, regardless of their background.
Being surrounded by this level of support made me reflect on how different the situation was back home. I kept thinking of students in Indonesia who have the potential, motivation, and talent — but not the same visibility or guidance. That contrast became the seed for WayV.
WayV is my attempt to bring the spirit of accessibility and empowerment I experienced at UNSW to young people who may not have a system that supports them as strongly.
The idea is to help students discover themselves — their stories, their values, and what they would like to do for society in the future — and to align those with scholarships, mentorships, and career opportunities. More importantly, it’s about giving them the confidence to believe they belong in those spaces.
At UNSW, I learned the importance of inclusive environments, of being seen and supported, and of creating spaces where students feel confident to grow.
UNSW showed me what it feels like to have people who believe in your potential, and WayV is my attempt to pass on that belief to others.
In many ways, it is my way of giving back. I was supported, encouraged, and uplifted throughout my journey in Australia. Now, through WayV, I want to extend that same sense of possibility to students who need it the most.
Scaling impact through purpose-led ventures
Currently, I focus more on my own ventures that reflect my values.
With WayV, I mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds and help connect them with scholarships and career pathways.
I also recently started a food business in Indonesia that serves affordable meals, inspired by a simple belief that everyone deserves to eat a proper meal, I call it “chicken for everyone” because in many parts of Indonesia, meat is still seen as a luxury.
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