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Leadership does not always begin with a title. For Riza Mahardika, S.Sos., M.Med.Kom., it is rooted in strong personal resolve and a wide network. She shared this view in her application to the I TEACH PEACE Champions Fellowship, an intergenerational peace education program for which she is currently going through the selection process.Riza recalls that as a social and political science student, she was among those who actively critiqued social and political issues, both in Indonesia and abroad. It was then that she came to believe that every student is a future leader, whether in the private sector or in government.
"As a future leader, I feel obliged to dedicate my knowledge to myself, to society, to the nation, and even to the international community. That requires a strong will that comes from within," Riza said.
## Leading from the Classroom to Social Media
Today, Riza works in the digital and business fields while also serving as a practitioner lecturer. Her roles include leading team discussions, facilitating workshops and online discussion groups for students and professionals, and sharing professional insights on social media.
In each role, she emphasizes clear communication, shared responsibility, and a common understanding of goals. In her view, these practices help reduce misunderstandings during project execution and create a supportive learning environment in which diverse backgrounds are seen as assets rather than obstacles.
## Networks as a Support System
Riza considers networks one of the most important factors in influencing decisions and the people around us. "The people around us are a support system that helps shape the decisions we make and how we carry them out," she said.
She also stresses that her leadership style has always been peace-oriented. By fostering respect, empathy, inclusivity, and ethical communication, she seeks to turn once-transactional interactions into spaces where learning, dignity, and constructive debate can coexist.
## A Message for Young People
Drawing on her experience, Riza encourages students and young professionals not to wait for a title before they start leading. Leadership can begin with how one leads a discussion, expresses an opinion, and embraces the people nearby.
"A leader is not just the person standing in front. A leader is someone willing to dedicate their knowledge and build trust together with the people around them," Riza concluded.