Arief Wana
University of Chicago, Booth School of Business
“Experienced fund manager, ethical leader, social impact advocate, resilient learner, storyteller, Marathoner, father, and faithful believer.”
Age: 50
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Family Members: 4
Fun fact about yourself: I blend asset management with philanthropy (helped 30K+ underprivileged students), love coffee and storytelling, and running marathons (3 down, four to go)
Undergraduate School and Degree:
University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
San Francisco State Univ, BA, double majors in finance and accounting
Where are you currently working? Ashmore Asset Management Indonesia – Founder, partner and fund manager
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
* Karya Salemba Empat Foundation (The largest independent scholarship provider for [underprivileged] students in 35 state universities across Indonesia) – Chief Board of Trustees
* Indonesia Chambers of Commerce (2021-24) – Head of sponsorships for G20/B20 in Bali 2022, and representative in World Economic Forum 2023/2024
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I’m most proud of leading a business plan for Srikandi, a solar financing fund designed to unlock Indonesia’s clean energy transition using blended CSR capital. It was an intense yet fulfilling experience—pitching to professors, iterating past midnight with my team, and receiving strong validation for its impact potential. It fused everything I care about: climate, capital markets, and social equity.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Founding Ashmore Indonesia and building one of the largest ESG funds in the country was a defining milestone. But beyond financial returns, I’m most proud that my role enables me to give back—funding free cataract surgeries for 19,000+ patients and empowering 30,000+ underprivileged students through KSE Foundation. This combination of market leadership and meaningful impact keeps me going.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? Booth was the clear choice because of its rigorous academic foundation and global perspective. But what truly stood out was its culture—one that celebrates hard truths, moral reflection, and long-term thinking. It wasn’t just an MBA—it was a reset on how I define success
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I learned was how to balance profit with purpose. At Booth, I deepened my understanding of ethical decision-making in operations, which I applied directly to my startup in blended finance for solar energy. By structuring our model to align returns with long-term impact, we attracted mission-driven partners while ensuring affordability for end users. It taught me that strong business outcomes and social responsibility can—and should—go hand-in-hand.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? It was never easy—especially juggling volatile markets, business restructuring, and my role at the KSE Foundation. I remember finishing a grueling 7.5-hour exam, running a donor meeting that same night, and helping my son with his schoolwork by midnight. But every time I felt exhausted, I reminded myself why I started: to grow, give back, and set an example for my kids.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Be ready to be vulnerable. The EMBA will challenge not just your intellect, but your identity. The more honest you are with yourself—about your values, your limits, and your purpose—the more rewarding the journey becomes.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? There are many classmates, but I particularly appreciate those who are motivated to learn, share knowledge, and maintain humility. I admire Son Tung Nguyen (from EXP) and Yan Liang (AXP), both came from super academic background[s] and have good experience and job[s] at their current levels.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I needed a program that respected my time but didn’t compromise on depth. The EMBA format gave me access to world-class faculty and peer insights—without disconnecting from my responsibilities as a fund manager, father, and foundation leader.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? I financed it privately. It was a major investment, but I cut back on spending and delayed some family plans to make room. More than cost efficiency, it was about clarity: what are we willing to sacrifice today for the future we want?
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To lead a purpose-driven capital platform that bridges profit and impact—financing climate solutions, restoring dignity through healthcare, and creating generational change through education. I want my legacy to reflect not just what I built—but who I lifted along the way.
