EPISODE / 054

March 10, 2025

Iwan Sunito

CEO-One Global Capital. Architect. Creative. Builder

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From the Jungle to Transforming City Skylines

On this episode of the HeadSmack Podcast, host Paul Povolni sits down with Iwan Sunito, the visionary architect and CEO of One Global Capital. Known for reshaping Australia’s cityscapes with innovative, luxurious developments, Iwan shares his incredible journey from growing up in the jungles of Kalimantan to becoming one of the most influential real estate developers in Sydney.

One of his signature projects, Infinity by Crown, became one of Sydney’s most recognizable buildings, known for its breathtaking ribbon-like design. The development set a record when it sold $100 million worth of units in just one hour and a total of $385m in 5 hours.

A Story of Perseverance and Vision

Iwan’s path to success wasn’t conventional. He grew up in a small village in Indonesia, surrounded by nature, and struggled academically in his early years. However, his parents never lost faith in him. They sent him to study in Sydney, where he eventually found his calling in architecture. Despite setbacks, including failing a school year, he persevered, earning honors in his architectural studies and later completing a Master of Construction Management.

Building a Billion-Dollar Empire

Iwan started his business journey with a modest $50,000 turnover from his sunroom. Within two years, he raised $5 million in capital and completed his first development—a 14-story residential building in Bondi Junction. From there, his company grew exponentially, navigating through major economic crises, including the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis, the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the turbulence, Iwan’s company continued to thrive, and in 2023, he rebranded his business as One Global Capital. Today, his vision is bigger than ever, with plans to take his company public and establish a $5 billion enterprise by 2031.

The Art and Science of Iconic Architecture

Iwan doesn’t just build buildings—he creates experiences. He believes that great architecture should engage the head, heart, and spirit. His projects are known for their fusion of luxury and functionality, creating spaces that inspire and uplift the people who live in them.

Iwan draws inspiration from global design philosophies, particularly Japanese minimalism. He believes that simplicity and elegance create timeless architecture, much like the masterpieces of the world’s most iconic buildings.

Three-Dimensional Engagement

Great architecture—and by extension, great business—engages people on three levels:

Head: The intellectual appreciation of clever design
Heart: The emotional response that makes people feel happy or inspired
Spirit: The “goosebumps” moment that transcends the ordinary

Innovating with Modular Construction

Looking toward the future, Iwan is pioneering a new approach to real estate development through modular construction. Inspired by the efficiency of the automotive industry, he envisions a world where prefabricated, robotically manufactured hotel rooms and apartments can be deployed globally, addressing both housing shortages and sustainability challenges.

His plan? To revolutionize the hotel industry by creating standardized, high-quality living spaces that can be moved and repurposed as needed. This approach not only reduces construction waste but also makes luxury living more affordable and accessible.

Final Takeaway: Vision, Resilience, and Reinvention

Iwan Sunito’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, vision, and continuous innovation. From sleeping on rice bags in a small village to shaping some of the world’s most striking skylines, his journey proves that with persistence and bold thinking, anything is possible.

For those looking to break barriers in business, architecture, or personal growth, Iwan’s philosophy is clear: embrace challenges, push creative boundaries, and never stop evolving.

As he sets his sights on expanding into New York and beyond, one thing is certain—Iwan Sunito is far from finished redefining the future of architecture.

Guest Bio

Iwan Sunito is the co-founder and CEO of One Global Capital, a leading property development firm behind some of Australia’s most iconic architectural landmarks. With a background in architecture and construction management, he has built a multi-billion-dollar empire that combines bold design with strategic real estate investment. His journey from growing up in Kalimantan to reshaping Sydney’s skyline is a testament to resilience and visionary leadership. Beyond business, Iwan is a mentor and philanthropist dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Guest Links/Offer

Link: One Global Capital

About the Host

Paul Povolni (aka Voppa) is the founder of Voppa Creative and a creative leader with more than 30 years of experience working with organizations and teams around the world. His career spans brand strategy, design leadership, and creative direction, with a focus on helping organizations clarify who they are, how they lead, and how they communicate with intention.

Paul has led multidisciplinary teams in the development of award-winning branding and design systems across a wide range of industries. His work consistently connects strategy to execution, ensuring that brand expression reflects both organizational purpose and internal culture.

In addition to his consulting work, Paul is an experienced coach and speaker. He works with leaders, executives, and creative teams to strengthen decision-making, build creative confidence, and cultivate cultures rooted in clarity and accountability. His speaking engagements and workshops are grounded in practical frameworks shaped by decades of real-world leadership experience.

Paul is also the host of the Headsmack Podcast, where he interviews world-class thinkers, strategists, creatives, and business leaders from around the globe. The podcast explores branding, leadership, creativity, and culture through candid, in-depth conversations that challenge assumptions and sharpen thinking.

Through his consulting, speaking, and coaching, he equips clients to lead with Clarity, Creativity, and Culture—aligning vision with execution and purpose with performance.