Navigating dynamic landscapes

The little-known story of Dinusha Jayamanne’s transformative journey in HR and talent management

A lawyer, businesswoman and executive coach, Dinusha Jayamanne has been in many roles but is best known for spearheading talent transformation and human resources management. She is a distinct voice in implementing transformation and change, purposeful performance management systems, equity diversity inclusion, employee experience and Learning & Development initiatives.

In this month’s Women in Leadership series, Dinusha reflects on her professional journey as Head of Talent Nurturing at Brandix.

A short biography

Born with an innate passion for change and improvement, Dinusha shifted gears from the legal field, where she shared professional aspirations with her lawyer husband-to-be. Seeking a life beyond legal confines and craving diversity, she joined Brandix as a management trainer. Her introduction to Brandix was nothing short of "superb," as she became deeply involved in a process improvement initiative in collaboration with Thomas Group.

With time, she found herself engrossed in implementing total cycle time initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain systems, KPIs in marketing and a robust governance framework while also diving into the intricacies of apparel manufacturing.

Her career trajectory took her to Fonterra, where she assumed the role as Head of Talent Transformation and later rose to Director, HR for Sri Lanka and the Indian subcontinent. Following a successful tenure at Fonterra, Dinusha felt a calling to return to Brandix, particularly due to the company’s transformation.

“The apparel industry is dynamic, constantly changing, challenging and exciting. We implement new strategies and do lots of experimenting before perfecting what we do; this work excites me.” She explained that “leadership support, inspiration and care brought me back to the apparel industry."

What her day looks like

The overarching HR strategy at play centres around a targeted customer base significantly emphasizes execution excellence. Delving into the intricacies of this approach, Dinusha sheds light on the crucial role of HR in enabling and propelling the company's strategic vision.

In pursuit of aligning employees with the futuristic demands of the world and industry, she highlights the implementation of cutting-edge capability-building programs. These initiatives equip the company's talent pool with the skills and knowledge essential for realising Brandix's critical strategies. Collaborating closely with customers, Dinusha navigates the landscape of sustainability, equity and diversion practices, ensuring the company remains attuned to evolving global standards. In addition to her role as Head of Talent Nurturing, Dinusha also heads the HR function for the Brandix VS&Co. team.

Within performance management, Dinusha has spearheaded the establishment of a robust set of goals, providing a clear roadmap for organizational achievements. Recognizing past limitations regarding

system clarity, the focus is on promoting cohesion through cross-functional teams. This collaborative approach ensures the seamless delivery of various strategic imperatives, propelling the company towards new heights of success. Dinusha's visionary leadership serves as a driving force, steering the apparel company towards a future where HR practices seamlessly intertwine with strategic objectives.

Based on the industry's expertise, she stated that the apparel industry's future is characterized by agility. In her perspective, survival hinges on one's ability to match the pace of this dynamic landscape within the country. She points out that clinging to traditional methodologies, whether in cost management, procedural approaches, or system implementations is not sustainable for organizations.

For those eager to navigate these uncharted waters, Dinusha poses a critical question: How can you simplify and streamline operations while fostering a heightened focus on adaptability? “The emphasis,” she suggests, “should be on a radical shift in perspective and approach. It's not merely about adjusting the focus but a complete overhaul of how we view and undertake tasks.”

To thrive in this ever-evolving environment, Dinusha advocates a mindset that embraces change and cultivates skillfulness. This shift involves adapting to new strategies, actively seeking ways to remain inquisitive and curious, finding inspiration in one's work, and adopting a willingness to embrace systemic shifts.

Her message to the world

Dinusha, as an HR professional, advocates a refreshingly straightforward approach to unlocking potential through coaching. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing insightful answers over ready-made solutions, asserting that leaders should empower individuals to think, learn and develop at their own pace. Her commitment lies in fostering personal growth within the team through effective coaching and mentoring.

In addition, Dinusha underscores the significance of team leaders exhibiting understanding and empathy, creating a culture that allows room for trial and error among team members. Expressing concern, she notes a deficiency in leadership practices as many current leaders do not have an empathetic mindset. “This hinders the development of a coaching culture.”

For those aspiring personal and professional growth, Dinusha says: “Maintain your authenticity and stay true to yourself, as external influences may attempt to dictate what you should change, improve, or conform to. In heeding such advice, we risk losing sight of our true selves and neglecting our inherent strengths. This can take a toll on individuals as they pursue areas where they may not excel, overshadowing their unique strengths. I consistently emphasize recognizing and leveraging one's strengths in my coaching sessions. It's crucial to ask yourself: What are your strengths, and how can you incorporate your personality into your pursuits and create a distinct and authentic personal brand?”