DESHAMANYA INDRANI FERNANDO (MBMA, UK)

She is the Chairperson and Managing Director of New Philip Hospitals (PVT) Ltd, Philip Health Care (PVT) Ltd, and is a Director of Ayu Health Ceylon (PVT) Ltd. An alumna of St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo, she started her career at Hatton National Bank. Having completed a successful stint at the bank, she moved to London to pursue her tertiary education in Banking and Finance. She subsequently, married Dr. Christo Fernando and was blessed with a daughter, (Dr.) Isshani and a son, Chris, shortly after. She briefly paused her career in order to raise her two children. However, in 1994 she decided to step forward and take over the reins of the family company, Philip Memorial Nursing Home, in order to further grow the business. With financial institutions not in favor of funding her ambitious plans she developed new strategies and business verticals that subsequently resulted in the Nursing Home growing in to a Board of Investment (BOI) approved, multi-specialty hospital with over four hundred team members. 

She is the recipient of two National Honors for contributions made to the country; Deshamanya and Lanka Maatha. In 2004, she was awarded the Zonta International Award for Women Entrepreneur. In 2005, she received the Women Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sri Lanka.  She was also the recipient of the Business Excellence Award for 2007 and the Best Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, by the Kalutara District Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. She was the recipient of the award for the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2009, by the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce. In 2010, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, awarded her the Western Province Bronze Award, and the National Bronze Award. The Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs awarded her the LIYA-ABHIMANEE Award in 2011, for the contributions made to the Health Sector. She was also the recipient of the Priyadarshani Award in 2015 for Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur at the 5th International Summit on Indo-African-Arab Women Entrepreneurs. In 2017, Singapore headquartered Business Excellence and Research Group (BERG) awarded her the Women Icon Award, recognizing her work in the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. In 2018, Women in Management (WIM), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank group, awarded her the Business Role Model - Gold award, in recognition of her outstanding leadership.

She is the current Chairperson of the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sri Lanka and is a Board Member of the Private Health Services Regulatory Council, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. She is the Vice President of the Private Hospitals Association, Sri Lanka, and is a Member of the Kalutara District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She is also a Member of Sri Lanka Institute of Directors and Women in Management, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

She is an iconic Sri Lankan business leader and her work has changed the healthcare sector in Sri Lanka. She continues to be a trailblazer reaffirming the fact that - She Can, Women Can and Sri Lanka Can. She is ambitious and tenacious; she treats obstacles as stepping stones and marches forward shattering all glass-ceilings. She is down-to-earth, kind, empathetic and authentic with an easy-vibe and positive energy; Deshamanya Indrani Fernando. 

What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today? A successful leader should lead by example, be empathetic and compassionate towards the employees and their needs, treating everyone with respect and dignity, as well as treating each employee equally. Help the employees understand their value and true potential and make them feel appreciated and help them to achieve their full potential.

How will the world be different post Covid-19? Businesses will use more digitalization, and the work-from-home culture may continue. Life will not be the same as we knew it to be and people will realise the value and uncertainty of life. Certain trends will be accelerated in the global economy as a direct result of the pandemic.

Do you ever think - "Am I crazy?" Many many times!!!

How do you differentiate yourself? As someone who likes to take risks and face challenges.

Who do you look up to for inspiration and mentorship? I am blessed to have a few very special people in my life that I draw inspiration from and get advice.

Your biggest regret? Not being able to spend more time with my two children as they were growing up.

What is your biggest fear? Losing the people I love and care about, especially with this ongoing pandemic.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles? Always be impartial and be a good listener. Help team members to realize their value and potential and make them feel appreciated. This can always mitigate unpleasant situations.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? Building the largest and fully-equipped, BOI approved private hospital out of Colombo with all the facilities.

What do you want to achieve next? I have always wanted to get more involved in charitable initiatives.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be? Nothing is impossible, and nothing in life comes easy. Stay strong and be brave. Overcome all obstacles and have pride in what you do.

What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out? Trusting people.

Have you been harassed or discriminated against? Yes, I was initially discriminated as I was the first woman to head a private healthcare institution in Sri Lanka. Things have rapidly changed overtime and women are now leading hospitals very successfully.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now? Spending quality time with my grandchildren.

Share with us a secret no-one else knows. I can't sleep alone! I had to drag my daughter each time I was invited to deliver a speech overseas, and this one time I forced her to come with me to China and we both didn't know she was pregnant, and I wanted to visit this temple on a mountain and she had to climb a very daunting flight of stairs as I insisted I had to ring the bell at the peak!

What is the best and worst decision you have ever made? The best would be getting into healthcare and expanding the services in the Kalutara district. The worst would be too many to mention as I have made a few regrettable decisions over time.

What woman inspires you and why? My mother was a very strong role model whilst growing up, and she was one of the few people who believed in me and supported me when I made certain challenging decisions with regard to my career, especially when I gave up banking and ventured into healthcare.

How do you want to be remembered one day? As a simple woman who enjoys helping people in whichever way I can.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership? Institutional mindsets and the society stereotyping women in the role they play as leaders.