SYSCO LABS
Q: How does one become an emotionally intelligent leader?
A: There are two key attributes to becoming an emotionally intelligent leader – possessing deep empathy and constantly exercising self-awareness. The more aware you are of your own strengths and limitations, the more respect, space and empathy you have for others and what they bring to the table.
Always trust in your team’s abilities but also listen, and step in to offer guidance and feedback if needed. I have a natural tendency to get along well with people, which has helped me build a good rapport with my team and other colleagues.
Building rapport is more than merely being on good terms with teammates; it also involves accepting that the people you manage are beyond specific skill sets – they’re real people with their own challenges, not robots on autopilot.
I also believe that as a leader, cultivating a strong inner drive, and exhibiting judgement and control in the way you express your emotions, is an essential part of emotionally intelligent leadership.
Q: How do you lead a team with a continuous focus on success?
A: The best teams thrive when given full autonomy and the space to be creative. Know your team well, provide the necessary guidance when required – but step out of the way and let them do their thing.Collaboration is also key to our team’s success and as a result, I focus more on what we can achieve as a collective and discourage unhealthy competition.
We’re a learning organisation and emphasise knowledge sharing, and continuously working on building and expanding our skill sets. As a result, the team is encouraged to focus on professional and personal growth, and we support this by providing the resources and necessary training they need to be successful in their roles.
Another main ingredient of our culture – which we practice at a team level and is vital to our success – is fostering transparency and celebrating team successes.
Q: You played a key role in fostering the corporate culture that Sysco LABS is known for. How does one become a culture catalyst – and ensure that culture is enriched with time?
A: Culture is one of the most powerful sources of competitive advantage because it’s hard for competitors to replicate; it sends strong messages about your character, which attracts and retains employees.
Leaders are vital in shaping employee perceptions and engagement because people tend to focus on them, and draw conclusions about company culture based on their positions and choices.
As a culture catalyst, you don’t really manage culture but rather, the behaviours shaping it – encouraging and discouraging, and fostering those that demonstrate the values and norms you want to reinforce.
Culture has always been one of our most powerful differentiators but the need to manage it intentionally is especially critical now. It’s important to be open about your company’s values, and create a strong fabric of information and connections.
The pandemic may significantly shift how companies respond but it is surely an opportunity to strengthen the culture.
Q: What is your advice for women leaders on opportunities for growth in the tech space?
A: Look out for emerging technologies such as blockchain, machine learning and big data. They will require new talent not only at a technical level but in the business field as well, and provide opportunities to grow and lead in some of the most exciting and emerging industries.
Moreover, there are endless initiatives to engage in that will enable you to learn and expand your network. Involvement in industry bodies such as the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM) and Diversity Collective (DCLK) not only allowed me to give back to society, but also helped me grow professionally and personally.
Having said that, cultivating a support system is equally as important as nurturing your network.
I have been fortunate to encounter and be mentored by inspiring and wonderful individuals over my 10-year tenure at Sysco LABS. Their guidance provided me with a better perspective; this helped me immensely in my work, shaping the culture of the company, and playing a key role in rebranding and positioning it as one of the best tech companies in Sri Lanka.
As the Head of Marketing, I try to give back by mentoring others and providing the guidance they need. In this role, there is always someone who can benefit from your knowledge and expertise. Consider mentoring and inspiring other women in tech to blaze their own trail.
Finally, find out what your values are and purpose is, and where your talents lie. Life in the tech field is incredibly rewarding but it can also be challenging, pushing you to show your most creative self every day.
Give yourself the space and time to recharge in whatever way that works for you – and always show up as yourself.
