Embracing the pandemic to unleash your untapped potential with Gayantha Niyangoda

We had the incredible opportunity of speaking with Mr Gayantha Niyangoda, a public speaker, lecturer and mentoring enthusiast, on “embracing the pandemic to unleash your untapped potential”. Here are the key factors Mr Gayantha listed out in our IGTV discussion. 

1) In what ways has your career impacted your life? 

“At present my full-time profession is related to the maritime industry, and I am also involved in lecturing and mentoring undergraduates and graduates when time permits. By serving the corporate sector in the banking and maritime industry for over 10 years, I got the opportunity to garner skills and abilities such as adaptability, contingency planning and risk judgement intently. Working with budding youngsters going through pressing life issues brought on by addiction, poverty and mental illness which was earlier done to keep myself occupied has now become my passion.” 

2) How do you think you were able to achieve your goals at such a young age?

“Starting my professional career just after few weeks upon completion of my G.C.E Advanced Level exam was a major driving factor. This gave me a sense of independence and more confidence to steer my career decisions with more responsibility and energy at a very young age. This was also a time where I was never convinced to “take NO as an answer”, which helped I believe.”

3) Are there any healthy habits and behaviours you maintain while studying and working, which help you focus on your objectives? 

“At the time I was engaged in higher studies, I always enjoyed doing my assignments and studies outdoors. Working on your laptop or reading under the sun in fresh air, makes an impactful difference. 

Most importantly, self-awareness on how much you can cope with is of paramount importance. This would enable you to develop a razor-sharp focus on your prioritized objectives. 

When faced with long tasks such as an assignment or an office project, imposing short and regular breaks on yourself is vital. I have realized this has immense power to boost your creativity whilst staying focused.”

4) Would you recommend any other such habits and behaviors to students and interns?  

“Sleep plays a pivotal role in academic and corporate success. Sleep deprivation is commonly seen amongst many qualification-seekers which is further fueled by late night Netflix episodes which gradually and unknowingly lead them towards burnout scenarios. This is a fundamental habit to focus on.”

5) What were a few “key factors” that helped motivate you to reach your goals, even during difficult times?

“Failing subjects as a student, made me embrace failure to attempt even harder. I can still recall the first ever CIM subject I happen to lecture was a subject I failed when I was a student, which became a global record with a 100% pass rate afterwards. 

Reflecting back on previous accomplishments achieved during challenging times.”

6) What was something important in your career that you wished you had known about prior to? 

“You can still make an impact without enticing corporate or academic titles. At the end of the day, it’s about how bad you want something and the amount of effort you put in.”

7) What type of leadership do you have? And is there a specific type of leadership you admire? 

“May it be with my students or office colleagues, I usually follow a flexible and easy-going approach where I share my insights and feedback first and provide them a high level of freedom to make decisions. In management an approach of this nature is termed “Laissez-Faire” I believe. 

I have come across what is termed “Blue Ocean Leadership” and have experienced many corporate leaders following this approach, where you constantly strive to unleash the hidden potential of your juniors. I am a firm admirer and believer of this leadership style.”

8) Could you please briefly describe a few vital characteristics a successful and impactful leader should have? 

“Being self-motivated, people oriented, visionary, an impactful communicator and inspirational are few quintessential characteristics.”

9) Is there any advice you would like to give young business students and interns? 

“The skill and knowledge gap between what certain universities deliver and what organizations require to succeed in any fast-paced business environment, is a commonly discussed dilemma. Students and interns should always strive their level best to continuously improve their soft skills. It is equally pivotal to focus on applying the theoretical frameworks and concepts they have learned, to their specific job roles.”

The points Mr Gayantha mentioned are of utmost importance to young students and leaders as we’re still riding out the pandemic.