POWER PLAY
AGENTS OF CHANGE
The unstoppable force of two women achievers
“A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants”
Coco Chanel
In the world of business, the stories of remarkable women who overcome obstacles with poise and tenacity resonate with the most poignant voices for the story of development. And we’re reminded of the critical role women play in influencing economies, propelling innovation and promoting inclusive growth as we celebrate International Women’s Day.
So the spotlight turns on the experiences of two trailblazing women in the 2024 edition of Essence, whose steadfast commitment and resolute spirit have left an enduring impression on Sri Lanka’s corporate sphere.
Their stories stand tall as examples of illustrating that family names alone don’t necessarily hold sway whereas determination and merit do.
These business powerhouses exemplify leadership in the face of rapidly changing market conditions and challenging economic landscapes. Their commitment to quality and an ingrained conviction that perseverance pays off make them powerful agents of change in an island that is perennially embroiled in challenges.
This year, we celebrate the notable contributions of Kumudika Fernando (Group Managing Director of Maliban) and Shea Wickramasingha (Group Managing Director of CBL), inspired by their unwavering resolve that reaches beyond the confines of boardrooms and corporate corridors.
Kumudika believes that her journey as a power woman “has been steered by resilience, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a proactive leadership style that values practicality and meticulous attention to detail.”
On the other hand, Shea emphasises that “if you put your mind to something, you can overcome any challenge and emerge a victor.”
Their stories serve as reminders of the limitless potential that resides within each of us, urging women to overcome barriers, challenge stereotypes and forge new paths towards a future where equality and opportunity know no bounds.
In honouring their achievements, we pay tribute to the collective strength and resilience of women in general – and reaffirm the need to commit to championing the rights and aspirations of women… not just on one day but every day.
‘Inspire Inclusion’ – in keeping with the 2024 International Women’s Day campaign, this year’s edition of Essence highlights the importance of upholding the values of equity and diversity in all spheres of life and work.
– Tamara Rebeira
WORK
What attributes helped you grow to being a power woman?
Kumudika: I credit a combination of determination, commitment and passion for overcoming challenges. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered and transcended gender barriers, firmly believing in breaking through them with perseverance and a focussed mindset.
My affiliation with the Maliban Group of Companies has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional identity. Its organisational values – especially the commitment to upholding high quality standards – align seamlessly with my own principles.
While progress in narrowing the gender gap is evident, the pace remains gradual
This shared commitment has intensified my dedication to achieving excellence in every facet of my work.
Regular visits to the factory enable me to maintain a close connection with ground level operations. This approach underscores my belief in practical leadership and meticulousness, both crucial elements for success in a competitive business environment.
My journey has been steered by resilience, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a proactive leadership style that values practicality and meticulous attention to detail.
Shea: I don’t consider myself a power woman. Looking back, I never took any leadership roles in school even though I was involved in different areas.
I’ve had a couple of ‘aha moments’ that I think have given me a lot of strength. One is when I entered university where I had to attend many chemistry classes for my course. I was very weak in chemistry and really concerned that I was going to fail these classes. I started studying really hard and found that I actually enjoyed it… and was good at it.
I pursued my master’s degree in food chemistry subsequently, and realised that the ‘aha moment’ I had brought me to the point that if you put your mind to something, you can overcome any challenge and emerge a victor. And that for me was a massive self-motivating, self-confidence building and life-changing discovery.
Gone are the days where leadership is about being the boss
There’s also some advice I give to young women. My mother would always say that you have to be independent in all respects – especially financially. In Asian society, it’s not an important consideration because you’re expected to marry and have children. Whether you have a career or not is a secondary consideration.
It’s not even about a career; it’s about being able to support yourself if the need arises. This was life advice she gave me, coming from a family where her siblings were all doctors and she opted to excel in sports by competing for Sri Lanka.
How would you describe your leadership style and approach to managing a team?
Kumudika: My leadership style revolves around strategic technological investments that enhance operational efficiency and elevate the overall customer experience. Open communication and collaboration within the team is paramount, creating an environment where every member feels empowered and valued.
Prioritising the customer experience is integral to our strategy, and we actively leverage feedback to ensure satisfaction. Staying true to our organisation’s values and culture is non-negotiable, providing a solid foundation for long-term success.
Simultaneously embracing adaptability to change is crucial in navigating the dynamic business landscape. I believe these principles have been instrumental in driving the notable successes we’ve achieved at Maliban.
Quality is at the core of Maliban’s values and my involved approach to production processes ensures that the highest standards are consistently met. I dedicate 10-12 hours every week to factory visits and engage in rounds early in the morning.
This approach has proven invaluable in my role as a leader and custodian of Maliban.
Shea: I’m a very direct person and sometimes it’s hard for people as I want to find solutions fast. When people get to know me, they realise I’m actually very approachable, although first impressions can be misleading.
I’m not overly friendly as I tend to be reserved. I also say things as they are. In a leadership role, I think people who work with me appreciate that. When I have feedback, I believe it’s helpful because people know where they stand with me. I want to have direct conversations without beating around the bush.
It’s also very important to provide feedback and when I talk about being direct, it means addressing both the good and the bad. You have to build mutual trust and respect; it’s mutual for a reason and never one-way.
Gone are the days where leadership is about being the boss – you must work within a matrix system and rely heavily on your team members who are professionals and leaders in their space.
Building trust is very important as you need to drive your vision and objectives collectively with your team. There has to be purpose that inspires everyone to give their best.
What do you find most rewarding in being in a leadership position?
Kumudika: I would describe it as being deeply rooted in determination, commitment and a passion for achieving goals, irrespective of any gender barriers that may exist. My affiliation with Maliban runs deep, and I share the company’s ethos of upholding high quality standards.
My leadership style is hands-on and practical with a strong focus on finer details. I’m committed to spending quality time in the factory, a practice instilled by my father who serves as Maliban’s Chairman.
Shea: Being able to do what I want to do allows me to follow my passions.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic when we all went through very difficult times, including difficulties in accessing food, I felt that as a country there was so much more we could do. One thing I love to do when I travel is to visit supermarkets overseas; I love exploring food flavours.
Everything in my life revolves around food – including my work. And I believe that Sri Lanka can produce most of what is available in foreign supermarkets as we have so many wonderful ingredients. So with four friends including a young millennial CEO – who is also an investor – we started a brand called Gourmet Twist.
We created flavour bombs using herbs and spices to be used in cooking, all made with local ingredients. Being where I am, I have the knowledge base and reach to do creative things like this – and this is both satisfying and energising.
Additionally, one of the most satisfying aspects for me is the difference we can make to people’s lives. We work closely with people in our supply chain including farmers. It’s meaningful to impact their lives positively.
For example, we’re conscious about the environment and the presence of pollutants.
For soybeans, which we grow extensively, we’ve eliminated the use of chemical fertilisers 100 percent. We worked with the Department of Agriculture and universities to develop technology that fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Another example is when we started manufacturing cakes and had to find egg suppliers; after visiting many suppliers, I saw the conditions in which hens were bred – they weren’t conducive to any animal.
Today, 40 percent of all the eggs we buy are free-range. We’re making changes and working towards a better future. And my job puts me in a place where we can make meaningful impacts, which I find very fulfilling.
Is there anything you wish you’d known earlier in your career – and if so, what is it?
Kumudika: My academics revolved around biology and psychology, which provided a solid foundation for my career in the manufacturing industry and to engage with diverse stakeholders.
While my education equipped me with invaluable skills, I found myself delving into other crucial aspects of business such as finance and marketing. Reflecting on my career trajectory, I recognised the value of higher education in finance and marketing, and expanded my knowledge in these areas.
In hindsight, pursuing education early in life coupled with an internship at a confectionery overseas provided invaluable insights into the practices and processes of the business. This experience led to a competitive advantage, which enriched my skillset and strategic acumen.
Shea: I wish that when I was younger, I’d have been more authentic and less concerned about what others think.
Now I don’t bother about what others want to say about me. I bother about what people close to me think of me. I meet very confident young women today, which is inspiring. And we see young women making their mark.
If money and resources aren’t obstacles, what business idea (or dream) would you pursue?
Kumudika: I’m fortunate to be counted among the individuals who have been able to turn their business aspirations into reality. Managing a business in the confectionery sector, particularly one that is recognised as a pioneer in biscuit manufacturing, and upholding my grandfather’s legacy has always been a cherished dream of mine.
Financial constraints notwithstanding, I’m deeply passionate about expanding the Maliban Group to explore additional business avenues and establish a stronger international presence.
Shea: I am genuinely happy with what I’m doing. For me, my current role brings me a lot of self-satisfaction. It’s something I’m genuinely interested in, and there’s nothing more to it – I’m content.
How would you describe the current landscape for women in leadership roles in Sri Lanka?
Kumudika: I see that a transformative journey is underway. While progress in narrowing the gender gap is evident, the pace remains gradual. However, encouragingly there’s a positive surge in women taking up leadership positions across diverse organisations. This shift is fuelled by a collective commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the business sector.
Moreover, a female predominant presence in higher education and noteworthy achievements in various fields from business to science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM), and IT, are promising signs. Despite these advancements, the journey towards genuine gender equality is ongoing.
Collaborative efforts, uniting both men and women across the public and private sectors, are essential to propel Sri Lanka towards a future where women are truly empowered and equality is a cornerstone of our society.
Shea: It’s a dynamic and important space. What I find frustrating is that we don’t have as many women in leadership positions as we’d like; and we also don’t have many women applying for such positions. Therefore, we need to expand the pool of women applying for top jobs.
This needs to change – while we’re witnessing some changes, we need to fast track the process. Starting a career can be challenging, particularly for women who have to work late nights and manage young families.
This is one of the toughest challenges for women and the current infrastructure doesn’t adequately support it. Having a supportive infrastructure like I did certainly makes it much easier – but I understand that not everyone has that luxury.
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Balancing a career and personal life can be challenging. How do you manage to find a balance?
Kumudika: Effectively managing this balance involves several key strategies – such as maintaining a clear separation between work and personal time, prioritising time management; and setting dedicated periods for professional commitments, and personal and family endeavours.
Delegation and fostering a collaborative work environment are crucial, while enhancing overall efficiency and providing flexibility to address personal commitments. Open communication within the workplace contributes to a supportive atmosphere.
Additionally, embracing technology helps us to stay connected and productive – regardless of location and self-care practices such as regular breaks and mindful habits; they’re paramount in maintaining energy and focus, in both professional and personal spheres.
Balancing the demands of a career with one’s personal life calls for a multifaceted approach.
Shea: This is a really tough issue, particularly for many women because there are still expectations regarding the roles of women. And I think that when you’re a mother, the bond you have with your children is very strong. There are really good fathers but there is a very strong maternal bond.
I’ve been very lucky as my husband has been very understanding and allows me to do whatever I need to do. And I think that’s a big plus for any woman as it can be tough at times. I come from a business family, so from a young age we have been encouraged to pursue our ambitions.
One thing I’ve learned is that you have to know what’s important to you
When I returned from university, the first thing my father encouraged me to do was to start my own business. At that time, CBL was importing a lot of packaging from Singapore. He introduced me to one supplier and suggested I enter into a joint venture with them.
We started small with just four workers, and now it’s a large packaging business in which my sister and I are involved. It’s not part of CBL’s business but to me, that was my MBA. I learned so much about running a business by being completely involved in every aspect of it.
When you join a family business, you enter as a somebody – whether you like it or not. But starting your own venture is a challenge you need to manage and come out of. You learn about managing people, finances, supply chains, crisis management and much more as small businesses face many challenges in this country.
On another note, I’m a hands-on mother. When I’m with my son I am fully engaged. I didn’t have maids around when I was home and I would spend quality time with him. We have a good relationship and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most to me.
Are there routines or habits that you find helpful in maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
Kumudika: Routines and habits provide the equilibrium for both personal and professional development. As a business leader, I adopt effective strategies to achieve this balance.
My approach involves prioritising tasks according to their importance and urgency, coupled with delegating responsibilities to capable team members. Through such practices, I manage my time and remain focussed on critical tasks, which is why I’m able to balance my work and personal life.
Shea: I’m not very good with routines and it would be better if I were. I meditate once or twice a week. It’s something my father introduced me to as he used to meditate and visit an Ashram in India as well. I used to get worked up very easily, and meditation has calmed and centred me.
It helps you not to become anxious and that has been an integral part of my journey even in making decisions; it’s been a big part of being centred.
My meditation is not a daily practice but I try to meditate whenever I can. Sometimes it’s just for a few minutes, sometimes I consciously set aside some time and sometimes it could be just sitting in the car.
One thing I’ve learned is that you have to know what’s important to you. We spend a lot of time doing things that are really unproductive or unnecessary; we need to identify what’s important to us.
I do yoga regularly and consistently. Especially as you get older, you understand that it’s really important to have flexibility. Throughout my life, physical activity has been important. I like the outdoors and there was even a time when I cycled a lot. I’m always active and I like being active.
How do you prioritise personal growth and self-improvement in your busy schedule?
Kumudika: Prioritising personal growth and self-improvement has been integral to my career. I’ve maintained a steadfast focus on achieving my goals and pursuing my passions, irrespective of any gender barriers that may have surfaced.
The unique values that Maliban embodies hold a special place in my heart, serving as a source of empowerment in various aspects of my professional life.
In guiding young women aspiring to succeed in business, I emphasise several key principles. Firstly, I encourage cultivating a strong sense of self-belief, recognising individual worth and unique perspectives as foundational elements of leadership.
Balancing the demands of a career with one’s personal life calls for a multifaceted approach
Additionally, I stress the importance of continuous learning, urging aspiring professionals to embrace growth opportunities and skill development to stay ahead in the dynamic business landscape.
Building a robust support network is another crucial aspect of success.
Surrounding oneself with mentors, peers and allies provides invaluable insights and encouragement, thereby fostering resilience.
And finally, I emphasise an unwavering commitment to integrity, urging adherence to ethical standards in all professional endeavours.
Trust and integrity are indispensable assets that contribute to long-term success and meaningful relationships. The most pertinent advice revolves around having confidence in oneself, prioritising ongoing learning and building a strong support network. These principles serve as the fundamental foundation for a successful career in the business world.
Shea: Meditation for me is a journey of personal growth. My spiritual journey is very much intertwined with my personal growth.
With the advent of the internet, there’s now an abundance of information out there. Sometimes when I have a little time, I browse articles on whatever interests me.
Again, I think it’s really important to have a diverse group of friends because they also contribute to my knowledge. I have a bunch of tech-savvy friends and through them, I learn a lot because they’re constantly sharing articles and talking about the next new thing.
There are multiple ways to interact with people; sometimes on WhatsApp, you’re exposed to unnecessary noise but you can also have very meaningful groups.
Prioritising personal growth and selfimprovement has been integral to my career
INSPIRATIONS
Could you name three influential women in Sri Lanka who have inspired you in your career to date?
Kumudika: The most influential woman who inspired me was the late Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. She stands as an icon of empowerment and inspiration for women across Sri Lanka. As the world’s first female prime minister, she shattered societal norms and paved the way for countless women to dream beyond traditional roles.
Her remarkable ascent to power in 1960 not only marked a historic milestone in Sri Lankan politics but also ignited a flame of hope and possibility among women throughout the nation.
Two remarkable female figures in the recent past include Otara Gunewardene and Dr. Asha de Vos.
Otara’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in business and a philanthropist serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience. She shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Her influence extends far beyond the business realm. Through her charity work and commitment towards building a better nation, she serves as a role model for women from all walks of life.
Meanwhile, Asha is a remarkable figure not only here in Sri Lanka but among the global community too. As the first Sri Lankan to obtain a PhD in a field related to marine mammal research, she pioneered groundbreaking work in the field of marine biology and conservation.
Her passion for protecting the oceans and its inhabitants has not only earned her international acclaim but also inspired countless individuals – especially women across Sri Lanka.
Shea: One person who is truly admirable is Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala – what she’s done is quite an amazing feat.
There are many women whom I find very impactful although they’re not necessarily influential.
Sumi Munasinghe is another individual who comes to mind as influential and she’s a superb role model for many women. If we’re talking about someone on the political front, it would be parliamentarian Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
But there are many other women.
I engage with different groups of women and they play a huge role in my life. From my school friends, my ‘naki vise’ group of very accomplished ladies, to women who have come into my life who are very diverse in their personalities and beliefs – but we have created amazing bonds of friendship.
Sometimes one needs to push boundaries and the confidence to go through with it
They support me in so many ways and the friendships I have are precious – I feel very blessed to have the friends I do. It’s a huge emotional and learning support. These are different groups of women who influence my life in many ways.
We understand each other and can share a good laugh, and explore so many conversations – some intellectual; others not so much. It’s important to have different people for different aspects of your life and in my case, many of them are women.
CHALLENGES
As a woman in a leadership role, have you encountered any gender-related challenges – and how did you address them?
Kumudika: In addressing gender-related challenges as a woman in leadership, I acknowledge the ongoing journey to achieve true gender equality in society – i.e. in workplaces, schools and homes.
It’s imperative for both men and women from various sectors to unite in collaborative efforts, fostering an environment that empowers women and accelerates progress in Sri Lanka.
At Maliban, we’ve actively embraced the commitment to gender diversity. From its origins as an all-male leadership, we’ve taken significant strides and currently boast a female participation of 30 percent.
Looking ahead, our goal is to target an overall representation of 50 percent with 46 percent in middle management and a substantial 80 percent in the front line workforce.
To actualise these objectives, we’ve implemented robust support mechanisms covering recruitment, selection, career progression, and grievance handling and employee well-being. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace for women.
Shea: Yes I have, when I was younger and I didn’t know how to handle such situations I’d keep quiet.
I remember walking into a room and sitting in for someone at a meeting, and I was told: “Oh we’ve got a new secretary.” At the time, I didn’t know how to respond. But today, if it were to happen to me, I would.
When I walk into a room, I don’t think of myself as just a woman. If I walk into a meeting, whether it’s in Sri Lanka or overseas, I walk in with a level of confidence. And during discussions, you have to know what you’re talking about.
I won’t let anyone bully me because I’m a female – and this has come with age. But I think it’s also confidence in yourself and self-worth. To me, the key word in being successful is confidence – and confidence comes with many other factors. You need to work at it.
There are people who can talk to anybody and that person isn’t me. But I’ve forced myself to venture outside comfort zones like walking into a roomful of people I don’t know and make conversation. Sometimes one needs to push boundaries and the confidence to go through with it.
It’s imperative for both men and women from various sectors to unite in collaborative efforts
