In this inspiring episode ofFuture Fit with Friska, we sit down with Sayan Gulino, CEO of Waterbom Bali, to explore how he has transformed one of Asia’s most iconic waterparks into a global model of sustainability and innovation. Sayan shares his journey of growing up in Bali, stepping into the family business, and leading Waterbom to be recognized as Asia’s #1 Waterpark for nine consecutive years in TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best Awards.
Sayan dives deep into how sustainability has been at the heart of Waterbom since its inception—from ensuring not a single tree was cut during construction to spearheading award-winning programs that aim for net-zero goals by 2033. With anecdotes about leading massive expansions, integrating Balinese philosophies into business culture, and overcoming challenges as a next-gen leader, this episode is a masterclass in how to fuse purpose, passion, and profit.
Join us as Sayan shares his leadership philosophy, his passion for preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage, and how Waterbom Bali proves that sustainable practices can go hand in hand with business success.
About Sayan Gulino:
Sayan Gulino, the CEO of Waterbom Bali, Asia’s #1 waterpark for an astounding nine years in a row on TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best. Sayan has transformed Waterbom from a beloved local attraction into a global icon of sustainability and innovation, earning accolades like Grand Title Winner in Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the prestigious 2023 PATA Gold Awards.
Raised in Bali since he was 4 months old, Sayan stepped into the family business as a teenager, working from locker boy to operations manager before becoming CEO in 2017. His tenure has seen the park redefine eco-tourism, from conserving Bali’s water resources to setting ambitious net-zero goals by 2033. With initiatives like the award-winning Karmic Returns Program and expansions that blend sustainability with world-class entertainment, Waterbom has also been named Sustainable Business of the Year and Sayan himself was crowned Impact Hero of the Year at The Punch Sustainability Awards in 2024.
Key Topics We Discuss:
• How Waterbom Bali was founded with a vision to protect and celebrate Bali’s natural beauty.
• Sayan’s leadership journey from starting as a Locker Boy to becoming CEO of Waterbom Bali.
• The sustainability milestones achieved under Sayan’s leadership, including their Karmic Returns program and initiatives toward achieving net-zero by 2033.
• Balancing business growth with environmental responsibility: lessons learned during Waterbom’s major expansions.
• Reflections on generational leadership and carrying forward a family legacy with a fresh vision.
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Links & Resources:
- Friska Wirya's Official Website:www.freshbyfriska.com
- Follow Friska on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/friska
- Mini yet Masterful "Resistance to Resilience" Course:https://freshbyfriska.ck.page/7973f52bc4
- Purchase “The Future Fit Organisation” Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Future-Fit-Organisation-Leaders-Transformation/dp/1923007246
- Purchase “The Future Fit Asian Organization” Book:
https://bit.ly/singaporekinokuniya-thefuturefitasianorganization
https://www.amazon.sg/Future-Fit-Asian-Organization/dp/9815204904
https://bit.ly/periplus-thefuturefitasianorganization
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