UNAIR NEWS – In today’s professional world, data analysis skills are a vital foundation for career growth. Lussi Agustin, an alumna of the Statistics Program at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), is a testament to this.

Combining her background in statistics with an entrepreneurial drive, Agustin, now leads PT Cemerlang Statistika Indonesia (StatsMe), a research consulting firm that has grown into a nationally recognized company. After graduating in 2016, she began her business modestly, offering data analysis services to students for academic research.

What started as a small venture with a few friends soon evolved into a professional enterprise. As client demand increased, the company’s focus expanded beyond individuals to larger corporations and institutions.

“At first, our main clients were students, but we later shifted toward government agencies. In 2017, we officially registered as a limited company, and we’ve continued to grow ever since,” she said.

Today, StatsMe, initially based in Surabaya, East Java, has expanded to several major cities, including Mojokerto, Surakarta, Depok, and Makassar. The company is now preparing to open additional branches in East Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, and Sumatra.

Multidisciplinary collaboration

As director, Agustin oversees daily operations, team development, and cross-sector partnerships. She emphasized the importance of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in business. “Our foundation is in Statistics, but we now work with institutions in a variety of fields. Data, after all, plays a role in nearly every sector,” she explained.

In leading her team, Agustin also fosters a workplace culture rooted in growth, learning, and adaptability. StatsMe organizes regular training sessions and team gatherings twice a year to build both skills and motivation. “I always remind my team not to settle too quickly. We must stay open to new ideas and evolving trends,” she added.

Interestingly, Agustin later returned to UNAIR to pursue a master’s degree in Public Policy. “Because our company often collaborates with government agencies, I wanted to understand how policies are made and how that process can be integrated with data,” she said.

Leadership and women’s empowerment

Throughout her career, Agustin has been committed to empowering women in the workplace. She shared that, from the very beginning, StatsMe’s team has been predominantly female.

“I don’t make distinctions based on gender, but I believe women must be empowered and driven to succeed. Being a woman in leadership is challenging, but it’s absolutely possible,” she said.

As a leader, Agustin places strong emphasis on professionalism and research quality. For her, research is not only about results but also about client service. “Maintaining good relationships with clients is essential, not only by delivering strong results but also by providing service that exceeds expectations,” she stated.

Importance of knowledge and professionalism

Reflecting on her career journey, Agustin credited her academic experience at UNAIR for shaping her professional foundation. She believes success in research requires a balance between hard skills and soft skills.

“Technical expertise is crucial, but soft skills are just as important because we interact with people who are highly knowledgeable. Both must grow together,” she explained.

Agustin encouraged UNAIR students and alumni not to fear starting small. “Being a pioneer means having the courage to begin. Ideas are everywhere, but without execution, they’ll never become real. Everything must be backed by solid data and research,” she advised.

For Agustin, success is not just measured by a company’s longevity but also by the positive impact it creates. “We’re responsible not only for ourselves but also for our team and their families. That’s why everything we do must be carried out with full dedication,” she concluded.

Author: Tsabita Nuha Zahidah

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia