At Global CEO Magazine, we bring you insightful conversations with visionary leaders across industries.

Today, we are privileged to speak with a remarkable entrepreneur, Ayomi Gunawardena, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of INIVOS Consulting (Pvt) Ltd. She was recently recognised as the Digital Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Prathibhabhisheka Awards of Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC).
In this exclusive interview, Ayomi shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she has faced, her leadership philosophy, and how INIVOS is making an impact in the global IT sector.

What inspired you to embark on your journey as an entrepreneur? Was there a defining moment that ignited your decision?

Ayomi Gunawardena ( AG): I have always had a strong desire to start my own business, but it took time to transform that aspiration into action. The defining moment came while I was working at IFS. A significant shift in the global ecosystem of IFS made me realise there was a market vacuum—an opportunity to provide more customer-centric business solutions.

Recognising this gap, I co-founded INIVOS with two colleagues. Our goal was to bridge the divide by delivering tailored business solutions, and that decision has led us on an incredible journey of success.

Under the Inivos Consulting umbrella, there is a subsidiary focused on software development, along with joint ventures with companies in the USA and Singapore.

What were the key milestones that led to your recognition as the Digital Woman Entrepreneur of the Year?

AG: Since we founded INIVOS in 2019, we have achieved significant progress in a short period. We started with just five team members and gradually expanded. Some of our key milestones include:
• Global Expansion: We established a joint venture in the UK to extend our presence beyond Sri Lanka.
• Diversification: We launched our own technology company, focusing on software development, allowing us to tap into markets in Australia and the UK.
• International Offices: We expanded further by opening branches in Singapore and North America, solidifying our global footprint.
• Employee Growth: From five employees at the start, we have now grown to nearly 200 team members.

Each of these milestones has contributed to INIVOS becoming a globally recognised IT solutions provider.

Women entrepreneurs often face unique challenges in the business world. What obstacles did you encounter, and how did you navigate them?

AG: Challenges are inevitable, but I have always viewed them as opportunities to prove myself. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, I embraced them as chances to grow and innovate.

A key lesson I have learned is that challenges are not exclusive to women; every entrepreneur faces hurdles. The difference lies in how we perceive and tackle them. By adopting a positive mindset and turning difficulties into opportunities, success becomes a byproduct of resilience and strategic thinking.

Strong leadership is crucial for sustaining and growing a business. What are the leadership principles that guide you?

AG: Leadership, to me, is about being closely engaged with my team. I firmly believe in:
1. Providing Opportunities: Just as I was given opportunities early in my career, I ensure that my team members get similar chances to learn and grow.
2. Skills Development: INIVOS places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and training, keeping our workforce up to date with the latest industry trends.
3. Empowering Individuals: We encourage employees to identify their strengths, address their weaknesses, and refine their skills, benefitting both the individual and the organisation.

By fostering a supportive and growth-oriented culture, we create a thriving work environment where innovation flourishes.

The IT industry is highly competitive. How does INIVOS stay ahead of the competition?

AG: Rather than simply providing technology or software, we differentiate ourselves by delivering comprehensive business solutions that enhance efficiency.
A core strategy we implement is making our customers referenceable—ensuring they become our strongest advocates. Two examples illustrate this:
• A leading Nordic company selected INIVOS as its sole business partner and has since expanded its Sri Lankan team significantly.
• A major Dutch automotive company entrusted us as their exclusive partner for European vehicle solutions.
These successes reflect our commitment to building long-term, value-driven partnerships that go beyond just software implementation.

You have a strong focus on employee development. Could you share more about your scholarship programme?

AG: At INIVOS, we believe in nurturing future talent. Our scholarship programme provides Sri Lankan students with:
• A fully-funded degree programme
• Hands-on internship experience at INIVOS
• Equal opportunities for interns, ensuring they gain real-world skills rather than being treated as temporary trainees.

Many of our interns have had the chance to work on global projects and travel abroad for international assignments. By investing in young talent, we are shaping the next generation of IT professionals and contributing to Sri Lanka’s digital economy.

How do you see INIVOS making an impact on society, the economy, and the next generation of women entrepreneurs?

AG: The IT sector plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by bringing in foreign revenue through service exports. However, beyond financial contributions, I believe in investing in people.
• We not only help our employees build careers but also support their personal and family lives.
• Through our scholarship programme, we are developing skilled IT professionals for the country.

By fostering both economic and human capital development, INIVOS is playing a pivotal role in shaping a stronger, tech-driven Sri Lanka.

Finally, what advice would you give to young women who aspire to become entrepreneurs?

AG: If you have a desire to become an entrepreneur, it will remain just a dream until you take bold action.
• Take the leap – Entrepreneurship is a risk, but calculated risks lead to success.
• Surround yourself with the right people – Your support system is critical. My husband, daughters, co-founders, and employees have all been pillars of strength for me.
• Stay resilient – The journey will have challenges, but having a strong circle of encouragement will help you navigate them.

Women entrepreneurs should focus on turning challenges into opportunities and building a network that empowers and uplifts them.

Conclusion
Through visionary leadership, resilience, and innovation, Ayomi Gunawardena has established AG. Her commitment to developing talent, empowering women, and driving digital transformation makes her a true inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

At Global CEO Magazine, we are honoured to have had this insightful conversation with her. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, leadership, and purpose-driven business strategy.