LIFESTYLE
Kushani Kalpage
In conversation with Ashwini Vethakan
LIFE’S JOURNEY
Born in
1986
Alma mater
Musaeus College
Family
Husband (Ryan) and son (Dihein)
Wanted to be
A pilot
Is
Director – Marketing at Sysco LABS Sri Lanka
Drives
An Audi A4
Likes to play
Table tennis
Prefers to watch
Comedies, romances or thrillers
Most unforgettable moment
That would have to be the day my son was born
Best advice received
‘If you don’t like someone, talk and get to know him or her better – because everyone is special in their own way’
Mantra to relax and unwind
Learning to play the guitar
A little-known fact about you
I’m what you’d call an adrenaline junkie
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Anything new you’ve tried this year
It’s still midyear so I haven’t been able to try anything new as yet
Workout preferences
Weights and strength training for an hour daily
Saddened when
People make self-centred decisions
Most used phrase
‘Guys…’ – this is usually followed by a long pause
Most hated chore
Doing the laundry
Success is
What makes you happy
Happy place
Wherever my family is
Impressed by
My mother
Purpose in life
To extend my support and care in whatever capacity I can towards the wellbeing of friends and family, and the community at large
Three languages you would like to learn
Spanish, Mandarin and French
Describe your day off
Spending time with my husband and son while drinking coffee
Three items on your bucket list for the next six months
I’m hoping to try scuba diving soon and can’t wait for my university reunion – because I am excited to meet my friends again
Three items on your bucket list following retirement
I’d like to retire in one of the best countries for retirees
One thing you would change about yourself
I love myself the way I am – so there’s nothing I’d want to change
You are challenged by
My work
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
You’re obsessed with
Any product by the brand Apple
Pet peeves
Flies, cockroaches, politics and mega teledramas
A moment in time you’d like to go back to
The day I first experienced skydiving
The place and person you most feel at home with
My son Dihein during the school holidays
Hobbies
I’m into anything adventurous, and love to explore other countries and cultures, as well as watch movies
Three must-haves
My phone, debit card and AirPods
Likely retirement destination
Switzerland
Unlikely food combination
Tim Tams soaked in coffee
Desirable qualities in friends
Honesty and a sense of humour
FAVOURITES
Day of the week
Friday
Colour
Blue
Chill out spots
Any boutique hotel
Food
Sushi
Drink
Wine
Brands
Nike and Apple
Restaurants to eat at
Royal Thai, Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab
Musician
Bruno Mars
Actor
Tom Holland
TV show
Friends
Book
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap;and Others Don’t by Jim Collins
COMPLETE THE SENTENCES
The first thing I need when I wake up is…
My phone
What I notice in a first time encounter with someone is…
His or her outfit
Recently laughed out loud when…
I was trying to figure out an April Fools’ joke at a team meeting
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
My mom is in a bad mood
Last gift to someone…
A set of science books for my son
A new technology that will transform the future is…
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
The best thing about working in your industry is…
You are constantly challenged to keep up to date and stay ahead of the pack
Children are…
Precious
Sri Lanka in a few words…
A beautiful tropical island
PICK ONE
Most productive in the morning, noon or night
Night
A leader or follower by nature
Leader
Cook or foodie
Foodie
Quality or quantity
Quality
The glass is half full or half empty
Half full
The most delightful word you can think of
Blessed
Work or play after retirement
Play
Role models
My parents
Why
Because they inspire me every day in the way they live their life, love each other and our family
