Prof Nisha Jayasuriya serves as the Head of the Department of Business Management at the SLIT Business School, bringing with her a wealth of academic expertise and industry insight. With a strong foundation in marketing and business development, she is an accomplished lecturer known for her impactful contributions to higher education. Holding a Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management from the University of Colombo, Prof Jayasuriya is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders.

Global CEO Magazine recently had the privilege of engaging in an insightful conversation with her.

Can you share a defining moment in your career that helped shape your leadership journey as a woman in the corporate world?

I began my career as an undergraduate and, despite lacking experience, was able to secure an executive position. Shortly after, I joined a UK-based educational institution as a lecturer. That was where I stepped into my first leadership role. Coming from a Sinhala language background, it was quite a challenge to work in an international setting and teach foreign students. However, overcoming these obstacles, I eventually became the team leader of the lecturer group.

In that role, I learned my first lessons in leadership—particularly how to lead a team to achieve goals within limited timeframes. We worked collaboratively, always supporting each other. Our team was young, energetic, and focused on shared success rather than individual achievements.

Later, I joined SLIIT, which offered me immense opportunities for growth. I started as a lecturer and gradually advanced through the ranks—Senior Lecturer, Senior Lecturer (Higher Grade), Assistant Professor, and eventually Associate Professor. In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when our normal routines were disrupted—I was offered the leadership position of Head of the Department, Business Management. This was a major turning point in my career.

Leading during the pandemic presented numerous challenges. One of the biggest was maintaining educational continuity in a remote environment. It required immense dedication from both staff and students. I’m proud to say that I was able to lead my team through that period and ensure uninterrupted learning for our students. We implemented innovative methods such as online teaching, hybrid delivery, immersive synchronised learning, and even conducted exams in secure virtual environments. The success of these efforts was largely due to SLIIT’s quick response and the incredible energy and commitment of my team.

Once the crisis phase was over, transitioning students and staff back to in-person activities was another challenge. Many had grown accustomed to the online environment. But with patience and careful planning, we were able to ease back into normal university life.
Since then, navigating volatility and leading teams to achieve both common and individual goals has become a continuous learning experience. As Head of Department, I engage with multiple stakeholders, and each interaction enriches my understanding of leadership and resilience.

What barriers or biases have you encountered as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them?

In many cases, women’s participation in leadership roles is still limited. As a result, many decisions are made from a male perspective, often overlooking the unique challenges women face. For example, women typically bear a larger share of household and childcare responsibilities, making it more difficult to work beyond standard office hours. Unfortunately, these realities are not always acknowledged in corporate settings.
Moreover, maternity leave is sometimes spoken of negatively, and outdated assumptions persist—such as the belief that certain responsibilities, especially those involving external stakeholders, are too demanding for women. This bias can result in opportunities being given to newly joined male employees over experienced and committed women.
In academia, the role of a lecturer doesn’t end at 5 p.m. It continues into the night—marking assignments, writing research papers, and communicating with students. Balancing these duties with household responsibilities is no easy task for women. These challenges are common to many women who juggle work and family responsibilities. Sometimes, I wonder whether women in leadership positions even get time to enjoy life.
The solution lies in increasing the number of women in decision-making roles. Women leaders can better understand and advocate for policies that support work-life balance, particularly around childbirth and childcare.

What advice would you give to aspiring young women looking to break into leadership roles in your industry?

My first piece of advice to young women is to choose a career path they are truly passionate about. When your work aligns with your passion, it brings fulfilment—even during long, tireless hours.

It’s also important to challenge the outdated belief that successful women must sacrifice personal relationships. Leadership and family life are not mutually exclusive. Women can lead with strength and purpose while nurturing their families with equal dedication.
In academia, leadership goes far beyond holding a title—it’s about influence, vision, and integrity. Building your voice with confidence and clarity is crucial. Speak up in meetings, contribute to academic discussions, and engage in knowledge sharing. These are key ways to establish your presence and earn respect

Having a role model or mentor can be incredibly empowering. It gives you the courage to navigate challenges and envision your own potential. But leadership isn’t just about your own progress—it’s also about lifting others as you rise. Support your colleagues, celebrate their achievements, and create opportunities for your team to grow. Collective success is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership.

As you rise, remember that efficiency matters. Sometimes, small changes—like delegating tasks or investing in the right tools or technology—can significantly ease your workload and improve your day-to-day life.

Finally, be prepared for scrutiny. Unfortunately, women in leadership often face more criticism than their male counterparts. My advice: don’t waste energy on voices that aim to tear down rather than build up. If you lead with integrity and stay true to your values, that’s more than enough. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t let unfair judgments derail your journey.