Nadeekha Leanage: Leading design thinking that is fearlessly innovative and fiercely unique

In our final story in the JAAF Women in Leadership series for 2022, we are proud to feature one of Sri Lanka’s most fearless champions of innovation, Nadeekha Leanage.

Over a trailblazing career spanning just under 20 years, she has been working on cutting-edge product innovation at South Asia’s largest apparel tech manufacturer, MAS Holdings, serving as Director - Product Development & Innovation at its innovative solutions providing hub, Silueta (Pvt) Ltd.

Joining MAS in 2003 as a designer, she began to specialise in technical design and product, steadily building up a reputation for creative problem solving, collaboration, and futuristic yet functional product development for well-known global fashion brands.?During her time with MAS, the firm has pivoted into highly specialised niches in apparel tech, leading to key developments of products.

Her success sparked a meteoric rise to the top of the organisation, heading up product innovation at MAS Intimates. Now, at Silueta, she is leading a passionate young team of upcoming innovators with dreams of making a global impact.? ? ?

At the core of her success? A constant sense of curiosity and a passion for constantly learning and innovating.?

The mindset for innovation

“There are many ways in which society and institutions impose unfair limitations on women, but especially today, with the access that we all have to information, innovation does not have a gender bias. If you can cultivate an intrinsic sense of curiosity and a sincere passion for exploring new ideas, innovation always follows.”

“Therefore, the only limitations you need to focus on are the ones you believe about yourself because anything is possible with the right mentality and attitude. Above all, you should never be afraid to fail. If you approach it with the right mindset, failure is what makes you stronger,”

Over the years, Nadeekha has turned this mindset into a system in which all ideas are passed through three clearly defined stage gates:

Building a culture of innovation?

However, according to Nadeekha, mindset is only one piece of the innovation puzzle. Equally important is the team and the culture that works to skillfully put those pieces together.?

“When driving innovation on a global scale like MAS is, it’s not enough for just one person to be innovative. You need a team that can also get on the same wavelength and work according to the same culture. That is why it is crucial to focus on building a team with strong technical expertise and encouraging them to always be passionate and curious about innovation.?

“Such a culture thrives when founded on inclusivity and led with humility and empathy. Inclusivity is needed to ensure that everyone in the team feels free to share their ideas. By showing humility, you demonstrate to your team that when it comes to innovation, it’s the ideas that matter, not the individual. And when you are empathetic, you can understand your team and the challenges they face and support them to reach their true potential.”??

Nadeekha’s message to aspiring innovators and to all young women who want to make their mark on the world is simple but powerful:

• Before trying to change the world, take the time to understand yourself and your passion and purpose. Be honest with yourself about what your calling is, and always follow your heart.
• It is always useful to benchmark yourself with others, but you should never try to duplicate others. Be unique, and bring your unique ideas to the table.
• Be open-minded, and make sure that you are always learning and improving.