"The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks”

In January, at the RESET 2024 conference organized by Kalyana , amidst discussions of passion and purpose by Dr. Mihirini de Zoysa , I stumbled upon a card titled "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks." While the title may evoke thoughts of cocktails, for me, it became more than a mere metaphor for the past three and a half months—it embodies a philosophy I wish to hold close as I navigate life's journey. Rather than setting specific goals for the beginning of 2024, I embraced the notion of mixing – experimenting, and finding balance in various aspects of my life.

One significant change was closing my year-long coaching session, a transformative experience that helped me navigate the transition into my role as Chief People Officer. My coach Bev Paulin guided me to see beyond the minutiae, urging me to stir the metaphorical pot rather than be engulfed by it. Additionally, throughout this period of mixing, I made a concerted effort to stay connected with my coaches Andrea Jayatilleka-PCC and mentors, bouncing ideas off them and seeking guidance along the way.

Reflecting on these months, I find a tapestry of wins and growth. At Fortude, we unveiled our culture canvas after two years of meticulous crafting, marking a milestone in our organizational journey. Angelo T. De Silva Anjalie Jasenthuliyana Jezla Mohamed Latiff (SHRM-CP) Kavitha Gunesekera (She/Her) We also undertook projects like revamping competencies Pattabiraman MP Sithira Gunasekara Nishith Upadhyaya and introducing online calendars fused with sound therapy for holistic wellness @ Cassandra Mascarenhas Shiranthi Jayatilake . Moreover, expanding into new territories Jennie Samuel Amanda Liyanage Amandra Bandara Hozni Feroz and celebrating Women's Day with enthusiasm added vibrancy to our workplace culture. Fortude Sri Lanka also moved from being a 100% remote to a Hybrid Workplace Dilina Gunathilake

Professionally, collaborating with SHRM SHRM APAC and AHRP Association of HR Professionals Sri Lanka on initiatives like the Gen AI program was intellectually enriching. Enrolling in the Gen AI program provided me with a new perspective, enhancing my skills and confidence. This piece of writing itself has been reviewed by Gen AI, also the picture for this article was generated by AI. Sriram Iyer Furthermore, being a part of the team that launched “GLO” (Guiding Leadership and Outreach) in collaboration with the Global Leadership Academy's training in Sri Lanka was a gratifying experience, reinforcing the importance of global collaboration in youth talent development. Global Learning Lab . In the last 2 weeks, I have also been supporting a team that is going to have the biggest-ever HR Think Tank in Sri Lanka! I am excited to see it grow and generate excitement among HR professionals in Sri Lanka, making a significant impact in the industry Shehara De Silva . Additionally, I've been working on re-credentialing for my ICF coaching certification. During this process, I stumbled across some intriguing videos and content on coaching and AI, expanding my knowledge and perspectives in this area.

Looking beyond work, I indulged in my passion for culinary arts, attending events like the Galle Literary Festival for gin tasting and culinary insights. Exploring the intricacies of menu design and savoring gourmet delights at a master chef's dinner fueled my creativity and love for gastronomy.

As I pause to reflect, I am reminded of three key takeaways from these months:

1. Embrace Diversity: Just as a well-crafted cocktail requires a mix of ingredients, life too thrives on diversity. Embrace varied experiences and perspectives to enrich your journey.

2. Prioritize Self-Care and Support: Amidst the mixing, it's essential to make time for self-care and to stay connected with mentors and coaches. Their guidance and support can provide valuable insights and help navigate the complexities of life.

3. Embrace Change and Openness: Keeping an open mind and being willing to embrace change are essential components of personal and professional growth. Being open to trying new things fosters adaptability and resilience, enabling us to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

With eight and a half months left in 2024, I am committed to continuing this journey of mixing, learning, and growth. As I blend experiences and aspirations, I am excited to see the unique concoctions that unfold, both personally and professionally. Cheers to the art of mixing – may it bring forth flavorsome adventures and profound discoveries in the months ahead.