Economic Crisis Seen as Catalyst for Resilient Entrepreneurs to Emerge
JAKARTA — Global economic uncertainty due to geopolitical conflicts and war in the Middle East is seen as a catalyst for the emergence of resilient entrepreneurs. Amid economic pressures, businesses are encouraged to keep moving and seek new opportunities to sustain operations.
Managing Partner Australasia and Southern Africa Regional Country Partner of ActionCOACH, Harry Welby-Cooke, said the business world will always face challenges, from global financial crises to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, businesses must continue operating even when the economy is unstable.
‘In difficult situations, there are always opportunities. Businesses must keep going,’ Harry said at the Celebrating 33rd Years of ActionCOACH event in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May 2025.
He noted that wars and geopolitical tensions have triggered energy price pressures, currency depreciation, and global economic instability. This has led some businesses to hold back and wait for conditions to improve.
However, Harry believes that entrepreneurs who survive are those who continue to seek new strategies amid economic pressures. Similar views were expressed by ActionCOACH Indonesia Coach, Cahyadi Kurniawan, who said true entrepreneurs do not just focus on problems but also spot opportunities during tough times.
‘Opportunities emerge from chaos,’ Cahyadi said.
He added that successful entrepreneurs typically have the habit of taking consistent, appropriate steps, even when the economy is uncertain.
Senior Partner of ActionCOACH Indonesia, Prijono Nugroho, said business owners are currently divided into two groups. Some choose to stay still and wait for conditions to improve, while others are strengthening their business foundations to be better prepared for market changes.
‘Some feel it’s time to pause, but others see it as the moment to improve internal operations to adapt to the current situation,’ Prijono said.
He added that the demand for business coaching is still growing as more entrepreneurs become aware of the importance of strengthening business management amid rapid economic changes.