Business
Cut through the BS and focus on What’s Real
by Sarinda Unamboowe
My corporate career now enters its 33rd year. Apart from the fact that many of you reading this were not even born, my career began at a time when mobile phones didn’t exist, neither did e-mail; most communication took place either by ‘snail mail,’ telephone or via what was then a miraculous new technology, the fax machine.
During this time, I have had the privilege of working in some great organizations under some inspirational leaders. On this journey, the greatest privilege I have had is to have been given the responsibility of ‘starting up’ two companies — one as a green field project and one a brown, both of which I am proud to say are considered global leaders in their space.
I hope to document the experience of setting up such organizations at a later date; however, this note is a reflection on some of the conversations I have had with many of the very smart people I have worked with and a common thread that has weaved its way through many of their thought processes.
I like to set up times to have chats with small groups of my colleagues. In one organization, it was to welcome them as new recruits, and in the other, to clarify the path the ‘new’ organization was heading down, and in both, to answer any questions they may have.
One of the common questions I would ask both groups was, “why did you want to work in this organization?” And the answer almost always something on the lines of “working for this group has been a dream of mine,” and “I want to be a part of the success of this company,” etc. I probe further, “what’s the real reason?” and usually I get a bewildered look back, but the truth is, we all have a deeper reason as to why we pick jobs. So when they persist with their answers of love for group, company or wanting to be part of a winning team, I look at them and say “that’s a lot of Bull Shit” and laugh, the looks I get are pretty comical.
This is not done with the intention of humiliating or belittling anyone, but it has been a method of ‘shock value’ that was used primarily to bring the focus on the true meaning of why we work.
We work for the betterment of our own lives. The fact is, we all have a deeper need that drives us to seek suitable employment and most times we lose focus on that. While it’s important to enjoy your job and to find fulfilment in that role you play, the true success of our effort is in achieving our personal goals.
Granted for some, this could be linked closely to the organization’s goals, but for most, it would link to a milestone they hope to reach in their life. Building your own home, being able to give your children a good education, traveling, buying a vehicle, or even ensuring health & safety needs are taken care of, are all priorities that we place in our lives. Therefore, while I perform to the best of my ability at my chosen job and ensure my contribution is relevant, meaningful and of value to the organization, I ensure I don’t lose focus on what’s truly my measure of success.
The career we chose is the vehicle we travel on to achieve our life goals. Our effort, commitment, skill, etc. in how we execute those roles, will, in a fair and structured organization, help us succeed and progress in our career, thus giving us the opportunity to stay on track with our life plans. If not, don’t hesitate to switch job roles or organizations.
Have a dream, have a plan, commit yourself to working smart and achieve success in your career, but never lose focus on the factors that true success is measured by — your life’s journey. Make that the ultimate barometer for all you do.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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