At the forefront of Sri Lanka’s burgeoning technology sector stands Sharon Kern, Director – People & Culture at Mad Mobile LK, whose transformative leadership is reshaping workplace cultures and setting new standards for HR excellence across the island nation. She was honored as a Top Global HR Influencer 2025 by the World HRD Congress in Mumbai, India, and named one of the Best HR Leaders in Asia 2024 for her contributions to HR innovation and people leadership. Additionally, she was recognized at the SLASSCOM Annual General Meeting 2024 for her outstanding service and contributions to the knowledge and innovation sector.
A Journey of Transformation: From Customer Support to HR Trailblazer
Sharon’s remarkable journey from customer support specialist to influential HR leader exemplifies the power of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. Through early career experiences in customer service, she discovered her true calling in building meaningful connections and supporting others’ growth.
“Every interaction taught me that success in any field comes down to understanding people—their motivations, challenges, and aspirations,” Sharon reflects. This insight guided her transition into human resources, where she could more directly influence organizational culture and employee development.
In Sri Lanka’s competitive IT landscape, Sharon has distinguished herself by implementing innovative HR strategies that address the unique challenges of the local tech ecosystem while aligning with global best practices. Her approach has proven particularly effective in talent retention and development, critical concerns in a sector facing significant brain drain challenges.
Building Inclusive, High-Performing Teams in Sri Lanka’s Tech Sector
Sharon’s leadership philosophy centers on creating truly inclusive environments where diversity drives innovation. At Mad Mobile LK, she has pioneered initiatives that break down traditional barriers, creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive in the technology sector.
“In Sri Lanka’s evolving tech landscape, our greatest competitive advantage lies in leveraging our diversity of thought and experience,” she emphasizes. Her team-building approach focuses on three interconnected elements:
- Cultural Intelligence: Fostering awareness and appreciation of diverse perspectives
- Psychological Safety: Creating environments where team members feel empowered to take risks
- Continuous Learning: Embedding growth mindsets throughout the organization
These principles have transformed Mad Mobile LK into a talent magnet in Sri Lanka’s competitive tech market, with employee engagement scores consistently exceeding industry benchmarks and turnover rates significantly below the sector average.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Emotional Intelligence
Sharon’s leadership journey hasn’t been without obstacles. She has navigated significant challenges including economic uncertainties, organizational restructuring, and the inherent difficulties of building high-performing teams in a competitive market.
“Leading through uncertainty requires a delicate balance of empathy and decisiveness,” Sharon explains. Her approach to these challenges exemplifies her leadership mantra: “Adaptability is power. Empathy and emotional intelligence fuel success. Be a champion of change.”
This philosophy has proven particularly valuable in Sri Lanka’s dynamic business environment, where agility and cultural sensitivity are essential leadership qualities.
Empowering the Next Generation of Sri Lankan Leaders
Beyond her organizational impact, Sharon is deeply committed to developing future leaders. She actively mentors emerging HR professionals and contributes to leadership development initiatives across Sri Lanka’s technology sector.
“True leadership isn’t measured by personal achievement but by the leaders you help create,” she believes. This commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond her organization through her active participation in industry forums, speaking engagements, and thought leadership contributions.
For aspiring leaders, Sharon offers guidance that balances universal leadership principles with contextually relevant advice for Sri Lanka’s unique business environment:
“Lead with empathy but make decisions with clarity. Embrace continuous learning while honouring traditional wisdom. Take initiative but build consensus. Be resilient through challenges but know when to pivot. Communicate transparently but with cultural sensitivity. Empower others constantly. Above all, remain authentically yourself—your unique perspective is your greatest leadership asset.”
Driving Sustainable Change for Sri Lanka’s Future
Looking ahead, Sharon envisions expanding her impact on Sri Lanka’s business landscape through initiatives that connect organizational success with broader societal benefit. Her vision includes developing leadership programs specifically designed for Sri Lanka’s next generation of business leaders, creating more inclusive pathways into the technology sector, and establishing Sri Lanka as a global example of how people-centric leadership can drive sustainable business growth.
“When we commit to building truly inclusive, high-performing teams, we’re not just improving organizational outcomes—we’re creating ripple effects that transform communities and economies,” Sharon reflects. “That’s the true measure of transformative leadership.”
Through her pioneering work at Mad Mobile LK and broader influence across Sri Lanka’s business ecosystem, Sharon Kern continues to demonstrate how visionary, people-centered leadership can drive meaningful change—creating workplaces where innovation thrives, diverse talents flourish, and both businesses and people reach their fullest potential.
