Sri Lanka to Saskatoon

Chris Fossenier
May 30, 2023

In this article, I speak to a recent interview that my friend and colleague Shakya Abeywickrama did for a business podcast.

Shakya's journey from the picturesque shores of Sri Lanka to the vibrant landscapes of Canada is a colourful tale of courage, adaptation, and triumph. Leaving behind the deep blue oceans, she embarked on a new chapter of her life, guided by the golden prairies of Saskatoon. At the young age of 19, armed with determination and a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, she embraced the challenge of starting anew in a foreign land, along with her family.

Little did Shakya know that this big adventure mirrored one of the most important leadership principles at Vendasta. From the start of the adventure to present day, Shakya has exemplified the principle of Think Big.

Think BIG

Shakya discusses Vendasta's mission to democratize software and provide local businesses with the tools to compete with larger players. She looks forward to the future growth and impact of Vendasta and settlement agencies in transforming the business landscape. Her excitement for being part of this movement reflects the Think BIG principle, emphasizing the importance of ambitious thinking and impactful solutions.

The transition was not without its trials and tribulations. Shakya vividly recalls the profound change, bidding farewell to her familiar world and embarking on a voyage across the globe with her family. From the safety and comfort of her home country, they embarked on a courageous adventure, carrying their hopes and dreams in just four bags.

Building a community from the ground up became Shakya's paramount pursuit. Immersed in a foreign culture and language, she invested precious time in forging connections and understanding the diverse paths of those she encountered. Saskatoon, initially seen as a temporary stop on her journey, gradually revealed its welcoming embrace, transforming into a place she lovingly called home. The city's warm community and her closest friends, akin to family, became her support system.

Learn and Be Curious

Shakya acknowledges the significance of continuous learning and the power of diverse teams in fostering innovation and problem-solving. Shakya took learning beyond the walls of Vendasta and extended it into the community around her to help others moving to Canada. She attributes her own growth and success to the guidance and support of mentors and leaders who encouraged her to learn from her experiences. This demonstrates the Learn and Be Curious principle, emphasizing a commitment to ongoing learning and embracing diverse perspectives. 

Shakya's pursuit of a career in commerce mirrored her father's entrepreneurial spirit, driving her to excel in a field that intrigued her. Despite cultural expectations favoring medicine or engineering, she fearlessly chose her own path, guided by the inspiring legacy of her father's community-building empire. This decision met with resistance from her grandmother, proved to be a pivotal moment, one that set her on a trajectory of success and fulfillment.

Vendasta, a digital agency, became the stage for Shakya's remarkable ascent. Starting in its nascent stages, she witnessed its growth from a small startup to a powerhouse in the industry. The company's core values resonated deeply with her, as she embraced the mission of helping local businesses thrive in the digital world. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Shakya witnessed the profound impact of Vendasta's support, providing a lifeline to struggling businesses and transforming their online presence.

Customer Obsession

Throughout her conversation, Shakya emphasizes Vendasta's dedication to helping local businesses and supporting their growth. She shares a personal example of how Vendasta assisted small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic by quickly transitioning them online. Shakya expresses her passion for supporting local economies and communities, aligning with Vendasta's customer obsession principle. 

As Shakya climbed the ranks at Vendasta, her leadership journey unfolded. Guided by her personal experiences, she championed the power of diverse teams and the value of learning from mistakes. She embraced the principles of customer obsession, thinking big, diving deep, and ownership, aligning herself with Vendasta's ethos. With unwavering determination and a commitment to being her authentic self, Shakya emerged as an inspiring leader, dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact. 

Shakya's colourful journey from Sri Lanka to Canada encapsulates a tale of resilience, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. It is a testament to the transformative power of embracing new horizons, forging connections, and fearlessly carving one's own path. Through her remarkable journey, Shakya shines as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the vibrant tapestry of human experiences.

Original podcast: http://ow.ly/KtbM50OpzB