GILLIAN EDWARDS

She is a Non-Executive Independent Director of Commercial Credit and Finance PLC. She was the Former Senior Vice President, DFCC Bank PLC. She was the Former Assistant General Manager, Seylan Bank PLC, and Former Head of Personal Financial Services, DFCC Vardhana Bank PLC. She is a banker with over thirty-five years of experience, of which nine years was at a Corporate Management level. She commenced her career at Duestche Bank AG, Colombo. An alumna of Holy Family Convent, Colombo, and St. Lawrence Convent, Colombo, she is also armed with a MBA from the prestigious University of Southern Queensland, Australia, and a Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers, Sri Lanka. She is also a Member of the Certified Management Accountants, Australia, and she is the Former President of the Leasing Council of Bankers, Sri Lanka. She is a Member of Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, and was the recipient of the 2020 award for Women in Banking, presented by Women in Management, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

She Can and she is an ambitious corporate power house, who successfully shattered the glass ceiling in the Banking and Financial Services sector in Sri Lanka. An iron lady with a strong work ethic, she is a passionate advocate for gender equality in the workplace. She is courageous, she is diligent, she is an empowered, diplomatic leader; Gillian Edwards.

What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?

A leader has many traits of which the most important would be, Honesty, Vision and Passion, Empathy and Motivation. Every leader has his or her own natural leadership style. Whatever style one chooses honesty is paramount. Leadership is not only about generating numbers to boost the bottom line. To be a good leader one has to be an even better team player. A leader should be able to step into any role in his or her team. Do not ask of your team what you are not willing to do. Walk the talk as we call it. Respect and trust are earned and actions speak a thousand words. Lead with confidence and follow through on your promises which in turn, inspires trust. Be that rock and pillar the team leans on, the foundation of the structure. The very essence of leadership is accomplishments of goals through combined efforts

How did you move forward when everyone kept telling you that your suggestions or ideas won't work?

In the corporate world you will encounter numerous challengers. One should never give up on what one believes in. I was always determined and would convince the decision-makers otherwise. Fight my case so to say. Once you have received the green light you have to deliver on your promise. This is where your team plays a vital role. Your team has to be supportive, dedicated and committed. I live by the motto “Never Give Up”. I have also been fortunate to work for leaders who have inspired and encouraged me to keep on trying. You may fail, but always remain persistent however hard the journey is and you will succeed.

Do you ever think – “Am I crazy?"

Plenty of times. But then that’s me being myself. Crazy, yes, but most of all different and bold enough to be so.

How do you differentiate yourself?

By being the woman I am. I believe in myself and have the confidence to go after what I want. In the early days, Banking was more or less a man’s world. Women were considered fragile and given the less stressful jobs. However, I was determined to succeed and yes, different. I never allowed my gender to be a barrier, accepted responsibilities and delivered without excuse. I always believed in gender equality and have held strong to my beliefs which has got me to where I am today. I live by my values and principles, my “own brand” and will not be intimidated otherwise. I tend to be referred to as an “Iron Lady” which amuses me.

What is your 'why?’ Quite a few in fact. Justice and equal rights for women stand paramount. Does justice prevail for women in Sri Lanka? Do women who are subjected to sexual harassment in work places stand up for their rights? Why don’t they want to take action? Do we think that we have done enough to stop the discrimination and gender stereotyping? No!! We have a long way to go.

Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?

Inspiration: Mother Theresa, Angela Merkel and Jacinda Arden to name a few. I have been privileged to have worked for a number of CEOs such as Mrs. Rohini Nanayakkara and Mr. Nihal Fonseka, who have inspired me. But most of all it has been my family. My husband who has been an amazing partner, my rock and soulmate, my parents, especially my father.

Mentor: Mrs. Rohini Nanayakkara. During my career at Seylan Bank, I had the opportunity of working for her. At our very first meeting, I realized that she is an institution by herself. Known as the Iron lady of Banking she achieved many firsts in her career. She was the first lady to be appointed as the General Manager of the Bank of Ceylon, a position held by males for decades prior. She was a courageous leader paving the way for women in the banking industry. She was my role model and I still, do keep in touch with her.

Your biggest regret?

None. I would not change a thing. The many experiences both good and not so, as well as the numerous challengers have made me who I am today. Should I ever be given the opportunity to re-live my life over I would not have it any other way.

What is your biggest fear and how do you manage it?

We all have our share of fear. But do we allow it to get the better of us? I do not. I believe that we should face it, go through the experience and you will immerge a stronger person. One could always say that its easier said than done, but if you don’t are you going to live life in a box? Throughout my journey I have encountered many situations where I was tested. You will be scared, but then you reach deep within yourself and find that inner strength and will to do what you have to do. One should never give into fear.

How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?

As much as we focus on results, we have to manage relationships, which could be challenging. Leadership is not only about generating numbers that impact the bottom line. One has to strike the right balance which makes the wheel turn. A good leader has to be an even better team player. No five fingers are alike and we can expect challengers and disputes that need to be resolved. Once again, it boils down to your style of leadership. Respect and trust are paramount in a team and should be earned. Your actions should inspire confidence in your team motivating, building trust and mutual respect. Once these fundamentals are in place you build on it. A house with a strong foundation can withstand any stormy weather. A team standing together can overcome any hurdles and accomplish goals through combined efforts.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Quite a few. I have had the privilege of being the first woman to sit in seats never been occupied by women. Being awarded a Gold Medal by the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. Honored for my achievements in the Banking Sector at the 2020 Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards, hosted by Women in Management, Sri Lanka and Maldives. But the most significant would be my recent appointment as a Director in a Public Quoted Company on completion of my tenure at DFCC.

How do you keep generating new ideas for your business?

Well, in todays’ ever-changing world, one is constantly challenged by the competition and staying ahead is paramount. The Covid19 pandemic has impacted the way we do business. Working in the new normal, financial institutions focused on connecting with their customers, working in partnership with more social responsibility. We had to embrace continued reinvention, improving technology and productivity and manage risks. COVID 19 has been an eye opener as we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Who would have ever thought that our lives would be impacted to this extent? A smart organization would view this experience as an opportunity to be maximized. Convenience is the key requirement and we witnessed an uptake on digital offerings. As customers searched for cost effective solutions, financial institutions were compelled to improve their processes and efficiencies to manage transaction costs. Therefore, we have to be agile, geared for change and able to deliver on customer expectations, whilst never taking tomorrow for granted.

What do you want to achieve next?

I would like to continue on phase two of my career as a Director, providing strategic leadership and guidance to the companies where I serve, ensuring the highest returns to all stakeholders. It’s a whole new exciting challenge. Being a member of the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, there is much to look forward to.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?

Banking was my chosen career from my school days. I obtained the required academic qualifications to further my career. Looking back, with no regrets what-so-ever, I take pride in my achievements. However, I would have liked to have completed my higher education upon leaving school and not having to do so at a later stage in my career. On completing school, it was most unfortunate that the turmoil prevailing in our country at that time prevented my entrance to university. But on the other hand, my work experience definitely contributed, giving me better insights specially when doing my Masters.

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

As a fresher I have had my share of mistakes. Most important is the learning and experience you take away. The best teacher in life is experience itself. We have to learn from our mistakes and move forward.

Have you been harassed or discriminated against?

No. During the early days of my career the glass ceiling was a challenge. Key positions were held by men. However, I did not allow it to stand in my way as I believe we women can deliver just as good or even better than a man. I stood up for myself, speaking out when required. Today, its more or less an equal playing field. For instance, let’s take a closer look at the banking industry which was a male dominated arena not so long ago. However, with many women entering the industry we also witnessed women taking up key leadership positions. Today Banks and Financial Institutions are led by women and going forward we are confident of seeing more women in key positions.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Retired enjoying life with my husband. Travelling and doing all the things I wanted to do and most of all having three dogs.

Share with us a secret no-one else knows?

My love for music. I play two instruments which I have been doing so from my early childhood, but never for an audience.

What is the best and worst decision you've ever made?

Looking back over three decades there has been a combination of both. You ride the highs and clock up the lows to experience. What is most imperative is the experience you take from the bad, move forward with resolve never to repeat. As a leader you have to take decisions and there will be occasions with no time to ponder. For me the most important trait is to be able to take that decision be it right or wrong. Having to deal with indecisive people is a nightmare.

What woman inspires you and why?

Angela Merkel is my choice. Why? Her spirit, courage and leadership style says it all. Angela is Germany’s first woman Chancellor who has spent sixteen years at the helm. She will be remembered for projecting humility, balance, stability and simple common sense. Born in Hamburg, she is the daughter of a Pastor and a Teacher. She grew up in East Germany, in the days of the Communist government. And for her, family was a source of immense comfort. Despite, all hardships she once said that “no shadow had darkened her childhood.” Of the many firsts, she became the first female German Chancellor, and the first to have grown up in East Germany. She became the youngest German Chancellor since the Second World War, and the first born after 1945. She was also the first female leader of a German political party, and the first German Chancellor with a background in natural sciences. Featured in the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Forbes Magazine fifteen times, she takes the top position as a Power Woman. Of her many admirable traits, she can be described as a servant leader. As she once stated, “let us not ask what is wrong or what has always been. Let us first ask what is possible and look for something that has never been done before.” Angela is an example to the politicians of today leading a life of a normal German citizen. She lives modestly in an apartment with her husband, and is often seen doing her own shopping.

In her signature black pants paired with a jacket and sensible walking shoes we do not see hairdressers or makeup artists in the picture. Over the past thirty years, Angela Merkel has embodied the spirit of courage and leadership.

How would you like to be remembered one day?

I would like to be remembered as a person who reached out, touched the lives of others and made a difference.