NiApreneurs hosts Think Tank forum

The panel moderated by Dr. Nirmal De Silva (centre) comprised of well-respected business leaders representing different sectors and markets. From left: COYLE Chairman Aminda Rodrigo, Stax Inc. Managing Director Ruwindhu Peiris, Citibank Colombo CCO Ravin Basnayake JAT Holdings Managing Director Aelian Gunawardene, Abans Group CEO Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Jetwing Hotels Chairperson Shiromal Cooray

NiApreneurs, a social enterprise cofounded by Nilani Seneviratne and Archana Law,recently hosted a Think Tank Forum ‘Leading in a VUCA World – The Way Forward’.  Both cofounders understand that we are at an extremely critical point of human existence as technology, automation, global economic downturns and political – environmental factors are rapidly changing the future of our world and causing disruption on a scale that the World Economic Forum calls ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’. 

The panel moderated by Dr. Nirmal De Silva comprised of well-respected business leaders representing different sectors and markets: Jetwing HotelsChairperson Shiromal Cooray, Abans GroupCEO Sriyan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Aelian Gunawardene Managing Director Aelian Gunawardene, Citibank ColomboCCORavin Basnayake, Stax Inc. Managing Director Ruwindhu Peiris andCOYLEChairman Aminda Rodrigo.

The discussions were more on solutions and what leaders and companies need to do to successfully navigate in the current economic situation and in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous world. 

The panellists articulated key actions implemented in their industries to ensure organisational sustainability in order to steer during challenging times and elaborated the need to get the right skill set and mind set in place. They also shared valuable inputs on how to use resilience and positivism in the country to move forward. The thought provoking discussions also covered: How family businesses should adopt and react to changes in the environment, succession planning and transformational change; Board governance, need for induction and training of directors; Effectiveness of long standing board members – a hindrance or blessing for innovation etc.; The paradigm of continuous learning, relearning and unlearning in organisations; How do investors see local companies and the common challenges faced by them; The evolution of business leader roleover the last few years and predictions for the next decade; Countering the VUCA world with Vision, Understanding, Clarity and Agility etc. The eminent panel was in agreement that during times of challenge, seeing the world through fresh eyes is critical to be ahead of the competition. It is during times such as these the importance of adaptability, leadership agility, creativity, critical thinking and leading through collaboration and influence play a key role. The need to be willing to stretch out of the comfort zone will ensure success for the leaders of tomorrow.  The Moderator Dr. Nirmal De Silva got the participants engaged throughout the discussion that resulted in several questions being asked during the Q&A session and the panellists sharing their thoughts that could be implemented in other organisations as well.  The Think Tank event which was an ‘invitee only’ forum saw many well-known business leaders and ‘C Suite’ executives participating to discuss this important topic to build future ready teams in their organisations.  

NiApreneurs has lined up many such innovative events and programs in the future and hope to bring purpose in to the lives of others and create value to be the best version of them. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara