How emarketingeye is breaking barriers and helping women to thrive in tech
eMarketingEye (EME) celebrates the remarkable journeys of four women leaders who have broken barriers and thrived in their roles. Kusalika Basnayake’s evolution from a college graduate to a pivotal member of the EME Board epitomizes the company’s culture of growth and opportunity. Alongside her, Charithya Kandage’s passion for digital marketing fuels her role as Vice President of Account Management, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s opinions are valued. Maheshi Ranasinghe’s transition from HR to operational responsibilities underscores EME’s commitment to holistic growth, while Chandima Welagedara’s journey exemplifies the company’s dedication to providing career growth opportunities for all. Together, these women leaders are shaping the future of EME and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse workplace.
EME is a leading digital marketing agency headquartered in Sri Lanka, renowned internationally for its expertise. Specializing in serving the Travel & Hospitality Industry, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including website design, performance-driven search marketing, search engine optimization, social media and analytics solutions. With a track record of over 1,200 client engagements and 5,000 projects spanning 17 years, EME has established itself as a pioneer in the digital marketing landscape across Asia and boasts a client portfolio of renowned brands from over 45 countries, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Australia, and the Maldives.
Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women
Kusalika Basnayake: Senior Vice President – Digital Marketing and Board Member
In 2007, fresh out of college with a degree in Business and Information Technology, Kusalika Basnayake embarked on a journey into the burgeoning world of digital marketing. Little did she know that this decision would not only shape her career but also pave the way for a new generation of female leaders in the tech industry.
Joining EME, Kusalika was drawn to the company’s forward-thinking approach and its collaboration with major players in the hospitality sector. Over the years, she evolved alongside the company, deepening her expertise in digital marketing and taking the lead in representing EME in interactions with esteemed clients and executives.
Recently appointed to the EME Board, Kusalika’s journey is a testament to the company’s culture of growth and opportunity. “Since EME’s inception to its current maturity, I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the company,” says Kusalika. “It’s been an exhilarating journey filled with new challenges and opportunities for advancement.”
Despite her demanding professional responsibilities, Kusalika navigates the delicate balance between work and family, with the invaluable support of her family and the understanding of her loved ones, alongside the flexibility provided by EME’s hybrid working arrangements. “There’s a mutual trust within the team,” she explains. “We understand that while we may be occupied with other responsibilities at times, we’ll always fulfil our duties effectively, even if it’s outside traditional work hours.”
Beyond her career success, Kusalika is passionate about championing gender diversity and inclusion within the workplace. With over 50% female representation at EME, including many young millennial women in leadership roles, she actively supports the growing number of Gen Z women on the team.
“As a female leader, I aim to empower the next generation within the company,” says Kusalika. “I provide them with ample space to manage clients and make independent decisions, while also encouraging them to learn from their mistakes and push their boundaries.”
One way Kusalika fosters growth is by exposing her team members to international experiences, such as interacting with international clients and attending conferences. “These experiences provide a unique exposure that fosters accountability and responsibility,” she explains. “By offering mentorship and support, I strive to create an environment where everyone can flourish and progress to the next level.”
Thriving in a Dynamic Environment
Charithya Kandage: Vice President – Account Management
Charithya’s career at EME is a testament to her passion for digital marketing and her commitment to building strong relationships. Starting at the company fresh out of college 12 years ago, Charithya’s journey has been marked by dedication, growth, and a profound sense of fulfilment.
In her early days at EME, Charithya immersed herself in various aspects of digital marketing, fueled by her passion for the field. Recognizing her talent for client communication and relationship-building, her managers encouraged her to take on more client-facing responsibilities and participate in workshops to enhance her skills.
Today, as Vice President of Account Management, Charithya finds immense excitement in the opportunity to engage with people, both internally and externally. “What excites me most about my work is the dynamic interaction it entails,” she says. “Solving problems, addressing concerns, and contributing to collaborative decision-making gives me a profound sense of fulfilment.”
Being the face of EME, Charithya takes pride in upholding the company’s reputation in all her interactions. She values the supportive environment at EME, describing it as a family where everyone’s opinions are valued, and decisions are made collectively.
Despite the demands of her role, which often include international travel, Charithya emphasizes the importance of work-life balance. She expresses gratitude for the support she’s received from the company, especially during significant life changes like pregnancy and motherhood. The company’s flexibility and recognition of family support have been invaluable as she navigates the new responsibilities of motherhood alongside her career.
Reflecting on her experience at EME, Charithya highlights the company’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. “Inclusivity reigns supreme regardless of factors like gender, age, or religious background,” she says. “If you perform well and work hard to achieve set goals, you’ll be duly acknowledged.”
Charithya’s journey at EME is not just a story of personal success—it’s a testament to the company’s culture of growth, inclusivity, and recognition of hard work. As she continues to thrive in her role, Charithya is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone has equal opportunities to excel.
Higher Purpose Beyond HR
Maheshi Ranasinghe: Vice President – HRM and Operations
Maheshi Ranasinghe’s journey at EME is a testament to her dedication to personal growth and her ability to seize opportunities for professional development. Starting her career in Human Resources (HR) due to her inclination towards working with people, Maheshi found herself drawn to the dynamic environment of EME, where she has been able to expand her horizons beyond HR to make a greater impact on the company’s operations.
Reflecting on her journey, Maheshi acknowledges the pivotal role of EME in her growth and achievements. “The opportunities provided by the company, coupled with the unwavering trust and consistent constructive feedback, have significantly contributed to my development,” she says. Under the inspiring leadership of EME, Maheshi has felt empowered to excel in her role and contribute to the company’s success. It’s this combination of opportunities and guidance that has shaped her professional journey and fuelled her ambition to make a difference.
One of the most exciting aspects of Maheshi’s role at EME is the opportunity to bridge the gap between HR and Operations. With her background in HR and her gradual transition to operational responsibilities, Maheshi has gained a comprehensive understanding of the company’s overall functioning. This holistic view enables her to effectively navigate the balance between people-focused HR and Operational efficiency within the company, ultimately driving greater synergy and collaboration across teams.
Despite the demands of her professional responsibilities, Maheshi finds strength and support in her closely-knit family. Raised by a single mother who instilled in her the values of perseverance and determination, Maheshi has learned to overcome obstacles fearlessly and pursue her goals with confidence. Her strong support system empowers her to strike a balance between her professional commitments and family responsibilities, ensuring that she can thrive both personally and professionally.
Maheshi is also committed to championing gender diversity and inclusion within the workplace. However, at EME, gender does not serve as a deciding factor in talent recruitment; instead, the company prioritizes candidates based on their skill set, talent, and attitude. With a 50-50 gender balance and slightly higher female representation, EME exemplifies that everyone is equally talented and is committed to treating everyone equally based on merit. Maheshi and her team foster a culture where performance is valued over gender, embodying inclusivity in action and paving the way for a more diverse and equitable workplace.
Career Growth Opportunities
Chandima Welagedara: Vice President – Digital Marketing
Chandima’s journey into digital marketing began with a passion for merging business and technology. Upon completing her undergraduate studies in Business Information Technology (BIT), she found the perfect opportunity to blend her interests when she joined EME. However, it was the immersive experience at EME that truly ignited her passion for digital marketing.
From her early days at EME, Chandima was exposed to industry experts and insightful conferences that showcased the transformative power of digital marketing. This exposure opened her eyes to the dynamic nature of the field and its profound impact on brands, inspiring her to pursue a career dedicated to digital marketing excellence.
At EME, Chandima has been empowered to be the best she can be. The dynamic nature of digital marketing excites her the most, as it constantly evolves with new technologies, platforms, and strategies. This perpetual evolution keeps her on her toes, always striving to improve performance and stay ahead of industry trends. Moreover, the real-time aspect of digital marketing, with easy access to data and analytics, allows Chandima to make informed decisions and optimize campaigns for better results.
Beyond the technical aspects, EME has provided Chandima with invaluable networking opportunities within the industry. Through travel and interactions with clients, industry professionals and other like-minded people, she has been able to exchange knowledge, build connections, and further enrich her expertise in digital marketing.
Balancing professional responsibilities with family commitments is crucial for Chandima. Through proper planning and effective teamwork, she ensures that she can confidently fulfil her duties at work while also spending quality time with her family. This structured approach enables her to achieve a harmonious balance between her professional and personal life.
As a champion of gender diversity and inclusion within the workplace, Chandima emphasizes meritocracy in the recruitment process. Gender isn’t a determining factor; instead, potential and passion to learn are prioritized. With women comprising approximately 50% of the workforce at EME, Chandima advocates for flexibility, especially for women returning to work after maternity leave. A dedicated meeting space for women further promotes a supportive environment where they can thrive and succeed.
Source : https://www.echelon.lk/women-in-tech-the-dynamic-leaders-shaping-emarketingeyes-future/
