Introducing Kavi Rajapaksha, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sunshine Holdings, a dynamic leader whose journey from Museus College and Visaka Vidyalaya to her current prominent position embodies resilience, determination, and innovation.

With a background in chemistry and degrees from the University of Colombo and the Institute of Chemistry, Kavi’s career trajectory exemplifies her willingness to embrace challenges and excel in diverse fields.

From her early days at Unilever, where she navigated supply chain management and marketing, to her transformative role at Softlogic Life, where she redefined life insurance marketing, Kavi has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive growth and spearhead change. Recognised for her strategic vision and leadership prowess, Kavi’s achievements include orchestrating the revival of Astra’s supply chain and propelling Softlogic Life to market leadership.

Now, as the Chief Marketing Officer at Sunshine Holdings, Kavi brings her wealth of experience and passion for innovation to the FMCG sector, poised to lead her team to new heights of success.

Can you share with us your journey from your school days to your current position as a prominent business woman?

I am a product of Museus College and Visaka Vidyalaya, having spent six and a half years at each. Although I was in the bio science stream, I also explored various extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, and debating. Upon completing school, I pursued two degrees simultaneously: one at the University of Colombo, specialising in nano chemistry, and the other at the Institute of Chemistry. Despite initially planning to pursue a PhD, I chose to remain in Sri Lanka and entered a management training programme at Unilever. This opportunity led me to work in supply chain management and marketing, where I handled prominent brands such as Vaseline and Astra. Subsequently, I transitioned to Softlogic Life, where I spearheaded transformative marketing strategies, propelling the company to become a market leader. Now, I hold the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Sunshine Holdings, marking my return to the FMCG sector.

What were some of the major challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

Transitioning from a non-marketing background posed significant challenges.However, I embraced a steep learning curve, relying on hands-on experience to navigate unfamiliar territory. As a female leader, I encountered additional hurdles, particularly when transitioning to the insurance sector, where marketing held a secondary role. Overcoming these challenges required assertiveness and perseverance, as I advocated for the integration of marketing into strategic decision-making processes. This shift ultimately contributed to the company’s ascent from the fifth to the second position in the market, marking a significant triumph for female leadership in the corporate realm.

Could you highlight some of your key achievements throughout your career?

My career highlights include orchestrating the revival of Astra’s supply chain following a devastating factory fire, and spearheading Softlogic Life’s transformational marketing initiatives, propelling the company to market leadership. These accomplishments garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards such as the MMA and Effies awards. Additionally, I was honored as the Marketing Professional of the Year in 2022 and recognized as the young, inspiring corporate leader by CEO magazine.

How do you define success, and do you feel you’ve achieved your goals in life so far?

Success, to me, is synonymous with contentment derived from giving one’s best effort, irrespective of the outcome. While setbacks are inevitable, the ability to rest easy knowing that one has exerted their utmost effort signifies true success. Personally, I believe I have achieved success by maintaining a positive attitude and persevering through challenges, thereby achieving professional milestones while nurturing personal relationships.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received in your professional journey, and how has it impacted your approach to leadership?

The best advice I received emphasised the importance of sharing credit for successes and assuming responsibility for failures as a leader. This counsel has shaped my leadership style, fostering a collaborative environment where team members feel valued and supported. By acknowledging individual contributions and shouldering accountability, I aim to cultivate a culture of trust and empowerment within my teams.

Considering your experience, what advice would you offer to aspiring business women who are just starting their careers?

I urge aspiring business women to adopt a proactive mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Embracing adversity with resilience and reframing setbacks as learning experiences can empower women to navigate the corporate landscape with confidence. Additionally, seeking mentorship from individuals who offer constructive guidance tailored to specific career aspirations can provide invaluable support and insights along the journey.

In your opinion, what qualities make a great leader, and how do you embody these qualities in your own leadership style?

A great leader exhibits empathy, humility, and a genuine commitment to fostering the growth and well-being of their team members. By prioritizing open communication, mutual respect, and continuous learning, I strive to cultivate a positive work environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute their best efforts. Moreover, I recognise the importance of leading by example, consistently demonstrating integrity, accountability, and a collaborative spirit in all endeavours.

Can you share your thoughts on the importance of fostering a positive attitude towards employees within an organisation?

Fostering a positive attitude towards employees is indispensable for cultivating a thriving organisational culture. By prioritising employee well-being, recognising individual contributions, and providing opportunities for growth and development, organisations can nurture a motivated and engaged workforce. A positive workplace environment not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also fosters creativity, innovation, and ultimately, organisational success.

How do you prioritise work-life balance, and what strategies do you use to maintain it in your busy schedule?

Balancing work and personal life requires intentional planning and boundary-setting. As a female leader, I prioritise self-care and allocate time for both professional responsibilities and personal commitments. By leveraging effective time management techniques and delegating tasks when necessary, I strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, fostering open communication and mutual support within my teams enables us to collectively navigate challenges and achieve our objectives while prioritising overall well-being.

What do you believe is the role of mentorship in career development, and have you had any influential mentors throughout your journey?

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in career development, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights to mentees as they navigate their professional journeys. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive mentorship from individuals who have provided invaluable advice, encouragement, and perspective tailored to my specific aspirations and challenges. Whether from peers, superiors, or industry experts, mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my leadership approach, fostering personal growth, and facilitating career advancement.