Subhashi Nanayakkara

In conversation with Nirmali Ameresekere

What is a typical day like for you – and do you have any specific habits or routines that help you remain productive?
After enjoying a ritualistic morning tea, my OCD kicks in and I prepare my to-do list for the day

If your career were to be the subject of a movie, what would its title be – and who would play you?
A Better World – staring Freida Pinto

If you have unlimited time and resources, what passion project or business idea would you pursue
I’d be a female rapper and emcee – and have a street-skate brand

A soundtrack that typifies your workday…
Celine Dion’s I’m alive – she has been my ‘go-to’ voice for all emotions

And your ‘go-to’ song or playlist to remain happy during the day is…?
Super Flu Loves Isaac

The best piece of advice you’ve received
You never get a second chance at a first impression

And what is your mantra to recharge when you feel overwhelmed?
Listen to an inspirational podcast while on a run

An item on your bucket list that you’d like to achieve in the next few years?
The Polar Circle Marathon – the coolest marathon (no pun intended)

How would you spend your time if you could unplug from technology for a week?
Stay in a cabin in the mountains in the Swiss Alps to read and write

What other work do you think you would excel in – and why?
I’d excel as a food critic – I love travelling, eating and writing (they’re my favourite pastimes)

A failure that turned out to be a blessing in disguise…
I don’t regard anything as a failure – after all, failures are the pillars of success

And a guilty pleasure that helps you unwind at the end of a stressful day…
Binge watching trashy reality TV shows

Quirky habits that help you during working hours…
A 30 second mini dance – those who know, know! I love doing this when I accomplish a task (even a small win)

 

Advice you’d give your younger self if you could travel back to the beginning of your career…
Don’t worry so much about what others are doing… your path is yours alone

If you could work from anywhere in the world for a month, where would you go – and why?
French Polynesia – it’s far from everything and everyone, surrounded by white sand and clear turquoise water… What more does one want?

If you could collaborate with anyone (past or present) on a project, who would it be? And what would you create?
Michael Jackson – hands down. I would collaborate with him on a range of accessories

If your team members could switch roles with you for a day, what do you think they’d find most surprising about what you do?
They would be surprised by how many hats I wear – literally and figuratively

One thing you hope people will remember most about your contribution to work or society in general…?
That I didn’t just talk about change – I actively worked towards it and created something that outlasted me

When you dance, you look like…?
A happy crab

The first thing you notice about someone…?
His or her shoes – as the saying goes, ‘always look at a man’s shoes; they will tell you a lot about him.’

You know it’s going to be a bad day when…?
I don’t’ really believe in ‘bad days,’ there are only lessons, growth and chances to start afresh

You’re challenged by…?
The moments I step out of my comfort zone – it is why I love big challenges

Recently laughed out loud when…?
I was dancing with my son! One of my biggest joys is dancing with him

Saddened when…?
I realise I’ve eaten all the snacks and there’s no back up stash

Subhashi Nanayakkara is the Manager of Partnership and Programmes Development of Advocata Institute.