LIFESTYLE
What do you do at the beginning of your day that sets the tone before work begins?
I begin my day with meditation for mindfulness, followed by Pilates or a round of golf in the morning – this routine helps me feel energised and centred, both mentally and physically.
Which personal habit or routine has had the greatest impact on your professional life?
Meditation, without a doubt – it’s not only a spiritual practice but also a powerful tool that sharpens focus, enhances emotional intelligence, and builds resilience and adaptability.
A peek into the life of Jayomi Lokuliyana
In conversation with Natalie Seneviratne
How do you maintain a healthy balance between your personal life and a demanding work schedule?
It calls for creative thinking, problem solving and being attuned to my parasympathetic nervous system.
I focus on delegating effectively, prioritising what truly matters and taking intentional pauses, which allows me to respond skilfully to high-pressure situations – including knowing when to say ‘no.’
If you had a month to unplug anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go and what would you do there?
Interestingly, I have already created such a place – not just for myself but for others seeking to slow down, digitally detox and reconnect with nature.
It is a rainforest retreat I’ve developed called Kurunduketiya Private Rainforest Resort, an off-grid villa set within 40 hectares of forest in Kalawana. It offers a rare opportunity to breathe in forest air, and reconnect with both nature and the soul.
What’s been the defining moment in your leadership journey so far?
Leadership is transient; it is more about becoming than being. My journey has taught me that leadership styles evolve alongside a company’s growth stage, social context and challenges.
From startup to mature entity, it has been a process of cultivating humility, inspiration, collaboration and empathy.
Where do you draw inspiration from outside the world of business?
From life’s varied experiences, the people I meet and the places I visit. As an avid traveller open to new philosophies, I draw inspiration from diverse experiences across disciplines.
One facet of leadership you’re consciously trying to improve…
In an age of constant notifications and multitasking, the ability to sustain attention is a superpower – one I continue to strengthen through meditation.
On challenging days, what helps you reset your mind and regain clarity?
I remind myself that there is always a space between stimulus and response. Pausing enables me to handle high-pressure situations with greater calm and helps guard against long-term burnout.
If you could capture the essence of your leadership style in a short phrase, what would it be?
Centred, adaptive and human.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as a leader?
To be remembered as a courageous leader who dared to venture into the unknown and whose success stands as a testament to the human mind’s potential.
What book, podcast or piece of content has influenced you recently?
I read widely… from biographies, philosophy, business and spirituality.
Recent meaningful reads include Atomic Habits, by James Clear; Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia; The Fall of the Human Intellect, by A. Parthasarathy; and Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman.
If you could give your younger self one meaningful piece of advice, what would it be?
Trust the journey, stay curious and do not confuse pace with purpose.
What’s an unconventional leadership insight you’ve learnt that others may find surprising?
Restrictive interpretations of religious and cultural beliefs can sometimes limit participation in business – especially for women in leadership.
Coming from a Buddhist background and practising Dhamma, I have found that religion can serve as an ethical mental operating system, helping leaders navigate uncertainty and complexity.
What personal value or principle do you refuse to compromise?
Integrity.
How do you spend your ideal weekend when you’re not working?
Reading, playing golf, yoga, spiritual practice and travelling.
What’s the most memorable travel or life experience that has shaped the way you see the world?
Travelling to India’s sacred lands, and learning about the Buddhism’s 2,600 year old history and teachings. Seeing how deeply relevant the Buddha’s insights remain today has profoundly shaped my worldview.
What’s a simple everyday pleasure that brings you unexpected joy?
Moments of stillness in solitude.
Name someone outside your sector or industry whom you admire – and why?
I admire women in entrepreneurship who demonstrate remarkable resilience.
A common misconception people have about leaders at your level…
That we are not humble.
Looking ahead, what excites you the most about the next phase of your life and career?
The opportunity to inspire others, support them in achieving their goals, and practise generosity and compassion on a broader scale.
Jayomi Lokuliyana is an independent director of Citizens Development Business Finance, CEO and Founder of zMessenger, and Founder of Adstudio.Cloud.
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