About David Henryawan

Some people have unique names. Mine? It’s just David—simple, classic, and one of the most commonly used names worldwide. Call it however you like; it always fits.

Professionally, "David" is the name I go by in every setting—corporate, business, social, and beyond. Officially, my surname, Henryawan, was added for civil documentation.

From Corporate Hustle to Entrepreneurial Grit

For nearly two decades, I thrived in the corporate world, navigating industrial B2B sales, business development, and strategic management. My career took me across Indonesia, working with multinational corporations and mid-sized enterprises. I honed my skills in sales engineering, team leadership, and project execution—each role preparing me for the next.

I started as a sales engineer in a mid-sized industrial trading company, then moved into product specialization and account management. Later, I took a leap into the corporate giant Siemens, facing a steep learning curve, culture shocks, and office politics. But I adapted, grew, and eventually sought new challenges, transitioning into leadership roles in business development for multinational firms like Jebsen & Jessen.

At some point, the entrepreneurial itch became too strong to ignore. I had already taken a chance at business leadership—co-founding a niche B2B sales venture—but corporate life called me back. However, after years of corporate success, I hit a crossroad: stay in the game or take the bold step of becoming my own boss?

I chose the latter.  

Building Something of My Own

In 2017, I walked away from the corporate grind and ventured into entrepreneurship full-time. It wasn’t glamorous—it was a small-scale laundry business in Palembang, far from the industrial B2B world I knew. But it was mine. My wife and I built it from the ground up, learning firsthand the struggles and triumphs of small business ownership.

I quickly realized that running a business for yourself is a different beast from leading one for someone else. There were no corporate safety nets, no structured processes—just sheer determination, adaptability, and persistence. It was tough, humbling, and eye-opening.

Yet, this dual experience—corporate expertise and hands-on entrepreneurship—has shaped my perspective in a way few professionals experience. I understand both worlds: the structured, strategic approach of large organizations and the scrappy, agile mindset of entrepreneurs. This balance allows me to bridge the gap between senior management and frontline teams, making business strategies not just ambitious, but executable.  

Looking Ahead

Today, I leverage this unique combination of experiences to help industrial B2B businesses navigate their growth challenges. Whether through sales strategy, business development, or leadership coaching, I aim to connect the dots between vision and execution.

Life is a journey, and mine continues to evolve. But one thing remains constant—I believe in the power of adaptability, learning, and taking bold steps forward.

Want to connect and explore possibilities together? Let’s talk.