In a world where leadership is being redefined, Deshika Rodrigo is helping people find their voice, purpose, and power. As a Leadership, Life, and Inter-Cultural Coach and Diversity Specialist, she brings over 25 years of corporate HR experience to her transformative coaching practice. Based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Seattle, USA, Deshika works across cultures and continents, with clients in the USA, England, Luxembourg, Dubai, and Sri Lanka.
Whether supporting a senior executive through a transition, coaching a young woman reclaiming her confidence, or helping organisations build inclusive cultures, Deshika’s work is deeply human and highly impactful.
From HR Boardrooms to Purpose-Driven Coaching
Deshika’s journey began with a dual passion: people and purpose. After completing her BA (Hons) in English and Psychology at the University of Washington, she held roles at Microsoft USA and later became Head of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Bank in Sri Lanka, a role she held for over a decade.
Her corporate career was marked by accolades, including “Most Outstanding Workplace for Women” (IFS, 2016), Sri Lanka’s Best Employer Brand (2017), and the Market Leaders in HR award. But in time, her path shifted.
“I realised, rather late in my career, that what truly gratifies me is seeing others reach their potential. That’s when I knew coaching was my purpose,” Deshika recalls. In 2018, she transitioned into coaching and leadership training, bringing strategic insight, cultural fluency, and emotional intelligence to a global audience.
What She Offers and Why It Matters
Today, Deshika’s work is diverse yet focused. She offers: leadership, life, and intercultural coaching; leadership development and women’s empowerment programmes; HR strategy and organisational transformation; career and transition coaching; and diversity-related training.
She uses globally recognised tools like MBTI, DiSC, Strengths Coaching, and IKIGAI. But it’s not just the tools; it’s how she uses them, and the relationships she builds.
What makes her approach unique is her ability to truly listen and understand her clients. “I don’t impose my own views,” she explains, “I help clients work towards their goal by leveraging their unique strengths, and that helps establish authenticity”.
Coaching That Changes Lives
Deshika has clocked more than 1,000 hours of coaching and helped countless professionals navigate personal and professional crossroads. She recalled an example of a lone female in an all-male engineering team in the USA, whose confidence was eroded by self-doubt and others’ biases. Through coaching, Deshika helped her rebuild her self-belief and find her voice and become the first Vice President in her organisation, mentoring other women in STEM along the way.
Another client, a Dubai-based executive, approached Deshika feeling disillusioned. “He didn’t know what came next,” she recalls. “Within months, he identified and reconnected with his values, found clarity, and stepped into a new leadership role that aligned with his purpose.”
Recognition and Reach
Over the years, Deshika’s work has earned her some of the highest recognitions in the region and beyond, including Asia’s Women Leader Award (2023); Sri Lanka Vanithabimana Award (2025); 100 Most Influential Global HR Professionals; Women in Management Gold Award (2015); 501 Fabulous Global HR Leaders (2020); and, Sri Lanka’s Top Women Leaders Award.
She is also a guest lecturer, keynote speaker at global forums, and author of thought-provoking articles in the press, on Medium and LinkedIn, covering topics such as workplace bias, purpose, and authentic leadership.
What Comes Next
Looking forward, Deshika’s vision is expansive. She plans to launch a YouTube series and podcast, and expand her signature EmpowHer programme, not just for working women, but also for teenage girls and senior professional women with much more to contribute.
“I believe everyone has something special within them, something valuable, unique, and deeply needed,” she says. “My role is to help them see it, believe it, and use it.”
At her core, Deshika Rodrigo describes herself as more than just a coach. She’s a catalyst. A connector. A leader who brings out the leader in others. “Coaching isn’t about giving answers. It is about helping someone unlock their own. Every person has a unique light. My purpose is to help them see it, own it, and lead with it.”
What Others Say
Deshika’s clients and sponsors consistently highlight her transformative impact:
“Deshika worked with each of our Management Committee members on an Executive Mentoring programme. Her inputs and expert coaching made a difference to our teams and their overall effectiveness. She also contributed valuable people-related insights that helped
shape our people strategy.”
— Romesh David, CEO, SAGT
“I had the pleasure of working with Deshika when I invited her to help structure a Middle Management Development programme. She is genuinely passionate about helping others grow. I’ve witnessed significant growth in my team’s performance.”
— Sandra De Zoysa, Group Chief
Customer Officer, Dialog Axiata
“Deshika possesses an exceptional ability to inspire growth and refine leadership skills. Her tailored guidance reshaped my approach to leadership.”
— Nibasanda Yapa Abeywardana,
Deputy GM, Union Assurance | AVP,
John Keells Holdings
“Deshika is very approachable as a coach and holds people accountable through their development process. She’s an important part of our extended enterprise.”
— Sam Thevanayagam, President,
Parts Life Inc., USA