David Irianto

Head of Conference Curation Global Hearth Summit

Jakarta, Indonesia

Trained in Visual Communication Design and Organizational Psychology, David brings a unique intersection of creative storytelling, design, and human insight to shaping transformative gatherings. With background as Managing Editor of ELLE Decoration Indonesia, Creative & Content Director of IdeaFest, and Co-Curator of TEDxJakarta, David has directed programming across hundreds of sessions. His cultural work includes leading creative production for the 33rd IPA World Congress and spearheading the writing of the dossier that earned Jakarta its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Literature in 2021. Driven by the belief that consumed content shapes lived experiences, David co-founded Greatmind.id, a platform dedicated to mental well-being, and the Pear Press publishing imprint for young minds. Formerly a communication consultant for The World Bank, he serves as Partnership Executive at Art Jakarta, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Indonesian Association of Graphic Designers (ADGI), and Literature Coordinator for the Ministry of Culture’s National Talent Management (MTN) program. David was named an Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific Leader in 2022 and represented Indonesia at the Edinburgh Festival Momentum Programme in 2023. At The Wellbeing Project, David leads conference curation for the Global Hearth Summit, uniting social change leaders, thinkers, and artists around inner, organizational, and planetary well-being. When not curating, David enjoys exercising, exploring hidden gems, attending festivals, and unwinding with friends amidst the vibrant energy of chaotic Jakarta.

What does inner wellbeing mean to you? 01

For me, inner wellbeing is the feeling that you are the master of your sail, no matter the state of the ocean around you. It is a sense of being anchored in deep self-understanding and awareness of how you evolve, paired with accepting circumstances beyond our control. Ultimately, it is finding a sense of flow, meaning, and purpose amidst chaos and uncertainty, having the fluidity and adaptability not just to survive, but to thrive.

Are there any rituals or practices you use to enhance your wellbeing? 03

I maintain my sense of balance through both active and reflective practices: 1. Physical movement: Regular exercise and running help me clear my mind, release tension, and stay anchored. 2. Reflective spaces: Unwinding over meaningful conversations with friends and discovering quiet local hidden gems amidst Jakarta’s energy. 3. Cultural engagement: Immersing myself in art exhibitions, literature, and festivals, which feeds my creative spirit and restores my perspective.

Why is it important that we prioritize individual, organizational and societal wellbeing? 04

They are deeply interconnected and fuel one another in a feedback loop. Individual wellbeing forms the foundation, we cannot cultivate healthy communities or sustainable social change if the people driving them are burned out. Organizational wellbeing creates the psychological safety and supportive structures needed for collective creativity and collaboration to thrive. Ultimately, prioritizing societal wellbeing ensures that care, empathy, and flourishing become systemic values, shaping a more equitable, resilient, and harmonious world.

Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or articles that you believe support, promote or educate on wellbeing and related themes?

Books: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (a fundamental read on human resilience and purpose) and Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (essential reading for every creative practitioner). Media: For Indonesian speakers, I recommend exploring Greatmind.id, a digital publication I co-founded that focuses on thought-provoking essays, mental health, and intentional living 🙂