BUSINESS INNOVATION
Innovate with a purpose
Sandra Wanduragala
“True innovation isn’t simply about progress; it’s about people and that makes all the difference”
Innovation is no longer a buzzword in the modern business landscape. But for Sandra Wanduragala, innovation must be rooted in purpose to be truly respected by others.
She explains: “I firmly believe that innovation in product development and technology is a vital aspect for any business to grow; and it definitely enhances its reputation and respect in any sector or industry, by positioning the business as a forward-thinking, customer centric and sustainable enterprise.”
According to Wanduragala, innovation is a transformative force that plays a vital role in reimagining a brand to be respected on the international stage. However, she adds that innovation alone is insufficient. Balancing innovation with reliability is essential for building long-term trust.
“Innovation epitomises progress and vision, while reliability builds confidence and consistency,” she declares, and adds: “Together, they ensure that customers, partners and even competitors see your brand as both forward-thinking and dependable. And this in turn will earn lasting respect and create new market opportunities for the business in question.”
LEADERSHIP CATALYST Leadership, she believes, plays a critical role in embedding innovation as a cultural value within an organisation.
Wanduragala elaborates: “Innovative cultures begin with a clear and compelling vision. And the leadership needs to be open to taking risks and encouraging a culture of innovation within the organisation.”
“By setting a clear vision, modelling innovative behaviour, empowering teams and creating a safe environment for risk taking, leaders inspire creativity and drive change,” she adds.
Leaders must go beyond vision alone. They must invest in people and tools, reward new ideas and promote collaboration, Wanduragala asserts. Through consistent support and thought leadership, innovation becomes a defining trait that others in a sector or industry admire and seek to emulate.
KEY DIFFERENTIATOR And while many companies innovate, only a few are seen as respected innovators. In her view, the key differentiator is purpose. She believes the true mark of respected innovation lies in an unwavering commitment to whatever creates social impact.
While many organisations innovate for growth or efficiency, Wanduragala emphasises the importance of innovating to empower lives, preserve culture and build a more inclusive economy.
She adds that when products, processes and platforms are thoughtfully designed to uplift people, preserve values and create dignified livelihoods, they go beyond commercial success.
And Wanduragala reiterates that “innovation that is rooted in values, scaled through impact and sustained by purpose earns deep and lasting respect. True innovation isn’t simply about progress; it’s about people and that makes all the difference.”
What’s more, she acknowledges that innovation is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination, so to speak. To this end, she notes: “As always, everything is a journey and not a destination. We keep moving forward to try and be different, and I am very confident that this will be achieved.”
As for how an organisation’s approach to innovation can influence others across a sector or industry, she is clear: “Innovate with purpose and ethics to raise industry expectations. It will prove that social innovation drives real results, and influence and enable others to collaborate to scale change.”
Moreover, she believes that this approach has the power to reshape perceptions and policies, for the growth and sustainability of the wider industry.
Wanduragala’s perception is that innovation is not only about disruption or market leadership – her take is that it’s about transformation with a heart, which she says is what eventually earns a level of respect that lasts.
