Tom Courly, Founder and CEO, Sentian
In today’s world, entrepreneurship is evolving beyond profit margins and market monopolies. A new breed of leaders is emerging—ones who believe in building businesses that drive meaningful change. Tom Courly, the founder and CEO of Sentian, is one such visionary. His journey from working with legacy companies across Western Europe, Asia, and Southern Africa to founding an impact-driven company in Indonesia tells a powerful story of resilience, purpose, and innovation.
With over a decade in advertising, entrepreneurship, and consulting, Tom chose to walk away from a lucrative corporate career to forge his own path. His vision? To help build the next generation of socially responsible companies that embrace cutting-edge technologies without sacrificing integrity. His story is not just about breaking away from the traditional but about creating something genuinely transformative.
A Defining Leap of Faith
When asked about the leap from established industries to founding Sentian, Tom’s response reveals the heart of his journey. “After a decade, I wanted something different, a role where I could contribute directly to positive change,” he shares. During the pandemic, Tom co-founded an early-stage impact investment vehicle in Indonesia, which led him to support projects like Robries, a company turning plastic waste into elegant furniture. That experience was pivotal, awakening a passion for entrepreneurship and sustainable impact that inspired him to start Sentian.
With Sentian, Tom’s mission is clear: to build an innovation consultancy and venture builder where impact and technology intersect. As he puts it, “Sentian is a values-driven company, meaning all the clients we take on, and the work we do must align to our core philosophy. We believe in progress, but how we go about it is just as critical.” At Sentian, value creation goes beyond profit, focusing instead on creating solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning Along the Way
In the fast-paced digital innovation space, challenges are plentiful. Tom admits that these challenges are essential learning experiences that have profoundly shaped his approach to business. “Every business is unique,” he says, adding that the first two years are typically the toughest. Startups, he explains, must establish a sustainable model early on if they want to survive, which he’s seen play out in his ventures and the hundreds of startups he’s advised.
To tackle these challenges, Sentian adopts a ‘one-step-at-a-time’ growth approach, focusing on financial sustainability, tangible traction, and the right technology. Tom emphasizes that technology doesn’t need to be over-engineered; instead, it should be simple and effective, allowing businesses to scale efficiently. This balanced, thoughtful approach has empowered Sentian to build impact-driven tech solutions that help other startups thrive while remaining agile and focused.
Beyond building technology, Tom and his team prioritize education, understanding that knowledge is the foundation of any true impact. Twelve months ago, they launched Indonesia On-Chain, a national blockchain education program designed to prepare the younger generation for a future in Web3. For Tom, sustainable growth isn’t just about achieving milestones; it’s about creating systems and opportunities for communities to grow together.
Leading with Purpose and Integrity
At the heart of Tom’s leadership philosophy is a deep belief in integrity and purpose-driven work. Sentian’s mission statement emphasizes ‘taking society’s needs to heart’ and finding solutions that set an example for future generations. For Tom, this is more than just a mission statement—it’s a way of life.
“When we take on projects and clients, we consider every stakeholder,” he says. “We firmly believe that sustained financial success comes from following such guidelines, especially in today’s world, where we can no longer ignore the consequences of our actions.” Tom’s leadership style is rooted in trust, independence, and collaboration. By creating an environment where his team feels empowered, he fosters a culture that values integrity and celebrates individuality, allowing Sentian to thrive as a values-driven company.
Achieving Work-Life Harmony
For Tom, balancing a global company and a personal life isn’t easy, but he’s found a way to manage his time that keeps him grounded. “What I’ve found works for me is to invest time and care in every aspect of my life; like watering my garden every day,” he says, underscoring the importance of small, daily actions that nurture his well-being. By prioritizing time for family, reading, sports, and relaxation, he maintains the mental clarity needed to stay innovative and resilient in the face of challenges.
Tom approaches each aspect of his life with intention, which not only fuels his creativity but also allows him to make a meaningful impact at Sentian. His simple tools, like the 4 Ds (Delegate, Delay, Delete, Do), help him stay focused, while the practice of patience, breathing, and mindfulness keeps him connected to the world around him.
Vision for the Future: A Commitment to Responsible Innovation
As Sentian continues to grow, Tom envisions a future where the company leads the way for what he calls “modern businesses”—those that take responsibility for their actions within society. Sentian’s long-term goals include developing in-house ventures, collaborating with governments and nonprofits, and expanding to other regions like Southern Africa, where impact-driven solutions are needed.
“Our ultimate expression would be to seamlessly blend the latest tech with impact-driven practices,” he says. With an eye on sustainability and responsibility, Tom’s goal is for Sentian to be a source of inspiration for other entrepreneurs who believe in the power of business to create positive change.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Tom’s journey offers a wealth of wisdom for those looking to create impact-driven businesses. His advice is grounded in resilience, humility, and, most importantly, joy. “Find your passion and give yourself the time to turn your dream into reality,” he advises. “Take little steps every day, no matter how small. Always keep moving forward, focus on adding value to others, and build a community. Foster relationships, harness resilience, stay humble—and have fun.”
In an industry that often prioritizes profit over purpose, Tom Courly and Sentian stand out as examples of what’s possible when innovation meets integrity. Through his dedication, Tom is not only building a better future for Indonesia’s startup ecosystem but also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to follow in his footsteps. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about the destination; it’s about the positive impact you leave behind.