Chandra Leonardi
Finding passion is a journey for CEO of Capital Value International Group, Chandra Leonardi. It took years of working as an accountant and two failed start-ups for this Indonesian born property agent to find his purpose.
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Finding Fulfilment
“We wouldn't be able to understand success if we never failed,” Chandra begins.
From the get-go, Chandra has had high expectations to achieve and take advantage of all opportunities that come his way. This began in 2004 when he moved from Jakarta to Sydney to complete a double major in accounting and finance. Whilst at university, Chandra worked multiple part-time jobs, including as a toll logistics company admin and after graduating, worked full-time as a tax accountant where he managed funds for 4.5 years.
Although he liked the predictability, consistent pay, and frequent opportunities for promotion, he didn’t find the work fulfilling. He left the accounting firm in 2011 and took the entrepreneurial route, launching his first solo business selling window films. This business was short-lived and was replaced the following year by a second start-up selling clothing lines.
Chandra is not afraid to admit that both businesses quickly ended in failure.
“A lot of people don't want to fail because they don't want to pay the price,” he shares. “But if we don't fail, we won’t be able to learn, we won’t be able to move forward, we won’t be able to conquer and we won’t be able to understand success...”
Unexpected Opportunities
It was by chance that Chandra stumbled into the real estate world. He was introduced to an Indonesian agency when researching personal property investments and met his future mentor who provided insight into the wonders of the industry.
It wasn’t long before Chandra began working alongside his mentor on a part-time basis and his enthusiasm and proven track record saw him promoted to a full-time role the following year.
When asked what he loves about real estate, Chandra says, “It's really dynamic, it's quite unpredictable and there's always something that I can learn from someone or from any situation.”
Constant opportunities to learn and grow, not only in business but as a person, keep him enthusiastic about his work.
Chandra’s Advice
1. Don’t Be Afraid To Take Risks
In 2013, Chandra gave up the security of his job to start his own property company; the difference being that Capital Value International Group was a business he was actually passionate about.
“Even though working for someone might look secure, there’s nothing secure in this world,” Chandra explains.
The first two years were challenging, especially learning to manage cash flow. However, once Chandra adopted a long-term vision and started managing cash flow over a 10-to-20-year span, he was able to make wiser business decisions.
2. Invest In Your Network
Chandra attributes much of his success with Capital Value International Group, compared with previous start-ups, to the help of his network.
“Our network is our networth…,” he says. “Our network is going to open doors to the most potential opportunities in our lives. My network just opened doors for property.”
3. Success Takes Time
Chandra’s equation to sustainable success is a summation of learning enthusiasm and growth but most importantly, time.
10 years on, Chandra still wakes up with the enthusiasm and drive to continually grow in the real estate industry. He encourages everyone to chase opportunities that align with their passions and to remember that a long-term vision is essential for sustainable success.