We’re proud to introduce Siska Nurindah Sari, one of our distinguished DBA researchers at SSBM Geneva, whom we recently had the pleasure of welcoming to our campus in Geneva. Siska exemplifies what it means to be a purpose-driven leader—combining deep professional expertise with a compelling vision for social impact. Beyond her impressive executive role, it is her doctoral research that truly sets her apart.
Siska is addressing one of Indonesia’s most pressing challenges: how to develop sustainable housing finance models for low-income communities. With a unique blend of finance, mathematics, and strategic leadership, her research aims to create actionable frameworks that go beyond theory—delivering real-world solutions for inclusive urban development.
In our recent interview, Siska shared her journey, what inspires her work, and how the DBA program at SSBM Geneva is helping her turn ideas into impact. Her story is a powerful reminder of what our DBA stands for: not just academic inquiry, but transformative leadership with purpose.
My name is Siska, and I come from Jakarta, Indonesia. I have over 20 years of experience in the banking and financial sector, with deep expertise in consumer banking, credit management, business development, and strategic leadership. Currently, I serve as the Head of the Consumer Division at Bank Mestika, where I oversee a wide portfolio including credit, product development, risk management, and business strategy. I lead a diverse team across several departments, and my role allows me to drive organizational growth while responding to market shifts—particularly in the areas of digital transformation and financial inclusion. This professional background also shapes the direction of my doctoral research in sustainable housing finance.
I initially applied to three universities for my doctoral studies and was fortunate to receive offers from all of them. After careful consideration, I chose to pursue my DBA at SSBM Geneva. I was particularly drawn to SSBM for its strong focus on industry-oriented research, its international academic environment, and its flexible, executive-friendly structure, which aligns well with my professional responsibilities. The school’s practical approach to leadership and digital transformation in business deeply resonated with my vision for contributing to both academia and the financial sector.
My dissertation focuses on innovative and financial strategies to address Indonesia’s housing backlog. Specifically, I aim to explore how to improve accessibility for low-income communities, while also unlocking opportunities in the medium-income housing market. The goal is to develop inclusive and sustainable financial models that support long-term urban development and contribute to national economic resilience.
My inspiration comes from a deep concern about the growing housing inequality in Indonesia, where millions of families still lack access to affordable and livable homes. Working in the banking sector, I’ve seen firsthand how financial products can either enable or limit access to home ownership. This motivated me to explore how innovative financial strategies can serve as tools for inclusive urban development—bridging gaps between public policy, financial institutions, and community needs.
My goal is to integrate academic insights with practical executive experience to inform real-world financial innovation—particularly in digital banking and inclusive housing finance. I also hope to contribute to policy development, mentor the next generation of leaders, and perhaps engage in lecturing or advisory roles that strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.
My experience at SSBM Geneva has been deeply enriching. The program offers a well-balanced combination of academic rigor and practical relevance. Its flexibility allows me to effectively manage my professional responsibilities while remaining engaged in high-quality research. Overall, the program has broadened my strategic perspective and strengthened my capabilities as a leader and scholar.
Balancing work and doctoral studies requires discipline, structure, and focus. I dedicate specific time blocks during evenings or weekends for research and writing. I also align many of my study themes with current professional challenges, creating a synergy between both roles. The flexibility of the DBA program at SSBM Geneva makes it possible to maintain momentum in my studies without compromising my leadership responsibilities.
If you’re passionate about solving real-world problems and want to sharpen your strategic thinking, a DBA is an excellent path. It’s demanding, yes—but also incredibly rewarding. My advice: stay curious, remain disciplined, and choose a research topic that truly aligns with your values and long-term goals.