In a world where organizations strive to balance innovation with inclusivity, Dr. Anuradha Wickramasinghe has emerged as a trailblazer in human resource leadership and women’s empowerment. With a career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Wickramasinghe’s unique blend of expertise in HR, law, and leadership coaching has shaped organizations and empowered individuals, making her one of Sri Lanka’s most inspiring leaders.
A Passion for People
Dr. Wickramasinghe’s journey into HR was fueled by her fascination with the human element in organizations. “Companies succeed or fail based on how well they leverage their people,” she explains. Her passion for creating environments where individuals can thrive stems from witnessing the transformative power of a supportive workplace. It’s this vision that has guided her throughout her career, inspiring countless professionals to realize their potential.
Adapting to Industry Shifts
The HR landscape has evolved significantly during Dr. Wickramasinghe’s career, shifting from a compliance-focused role to a strategic partner in shaping organizational culture. She highlights the growing emphasis on employee mental health, diversity, and remote work as the most significant changes. By embracing technology and fostering agile workplaces, she has stayed ahead of the curve, ensuring her organizations are equipped to navigate these transformations.
Empowerment in Action
For Dr. Wickramasinghe, empowerment is more than a buzzword—it’s a practice deeply embedded in organizational culture. “Empowerment starts with trust and accountability,” she asserts. By creating clear feedback channels, celebrating successes, and promoting ownership, she ensures employees feel valued and empowered. This philosophy extends beyond her organizations to her role as a mentor and life coach, where she has helped women overcome barriers to success.
One of her most notable mentorship stories involves a young executive who was marginalized by a toxic work culture. Through coaching, Dr. Wickramasinghe helped her identify strengths and build confidence, resulting in her rapid promotion to a leadership role. This mentee now mentors others, exemplifying the ripple effect of empowerment.
Driving Innovation in Fashion and Beauty
As a leader in the fashion and beauty industry, Dr. Wickramasinghe has balanced innovation with ethical practices. Under her leadership, AYÃT has prioritized transparency, quality, and fair pricing while partnering with ethical suppliers. The upcoming launch of Lush Youth, a fully organic cosmetics line, exemplifies her commitment to excellence and sustainability. Regular audits and stakeholder engagement ensure that the company’s values remain intact, even as it pushes creative boundaries.
The Role of Law in Leadership
Dr. Wickramasinghe’s legal background has been a cornerstone of her HR and leadership strategies. This expertise has enabled her to navigate complex compliance issues with integrity. For example, during a corporate restructuring, she ensured fair treatment of employees while adhering to legal obligations, reinforcing trust and minimizing organizational risks.
The Future of Leadership
Dr. Wickramasinghe champions authentic leadership as the future of effective management. “Authentic leaders lead with empathy. They inspire, empower, and align people with a shared vision,” she says. Transparency, open communication, and leading by example are central to her leadership style. By fostering an environment of trust, she ensures that team members understand how their roles contribute to broader organizational goals.
Diversity and Inclusion in HR
As an HR leader, Dr. Wickramasinghe believes in embedding diversity and inclusion into every facet of an organization. She has implemented unbiased hiring practices, mentorship programs for underrepresented groups, and a diversity council to track progress. By ensuring these values are upheld, she has created workplaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and respected.
Women’s Empowerment Through GLOW
Dr. Wickramasinghe’s dedication to women’s empowerment is most evident in the GLOW Program (Global Organization of Women Leaders), an initiative designed to help women break barriers and achieve their potential. Built on the pillars of mentorship, skill development, and community building, GLOW has provided hundreds of women with leadership training, financial literacy workshops, and networking opportunities.
One standout success story involves a group of women artisans who transformed their craft into thriving businesses. With GLOW’s support, they not only developed technical and entrepreneurial skills but also gained the confidence to lead in their communities. Many now mentor others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
“GLOW embodies the essence of empowerment—helping women step into their power and inspiring them to uplift others,” Dr. Wickramasinghe says. “When you succeed, you must turn around and help another woman step up.”
Challenges in Empowering Women
Dr. Wickramasinghe identifies systemic biases and the confidence gap as the biggest challenges in empowering women leaders. To address these, she has implemented leadership training, mentorship programs, and initiatives that ensure equal opportunities and representation in decision-making roles. Her unwavering commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces has made a lasting impact on the community.
Advice for Future Leaders
For young professionals aspiring to careers in HR, leadership, or entrepreneurship, Dr. Wickramasinghe offers sage advice: “Authenticity is your greatest asset. Stay true to your values, build meaningful connections, and embrace change with an open mind.” She also emphasizes the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and people-focused in industries as dynamic as beauty and fashion.
Closing Reflections
Dr. Wickramasinghe’s career is a testament to the power of leadership grounded in authenticity and empowerment. Through her work in HR, beauty, and women’s empowerment, she continues to inspire individuals and drive meaningful change. Her vision of a world where people thrive, both personally and professionally, serves as a beacon of hope in an ever-evolving landscape.