In this discussion with leaders at Sandbox Consulting, Menaka Mayadunne, Head of Operations & Administration, Lavindi De Silva, Lead – Operations & Administration, Mandeera Karawita, Lead – Academics & Consulting, and Maheshani Rathnayake, Software Engineer – People Analytics, we explore the transformative impact of an all-female core operational team on the firm’s success. Read on as we uncover how these women leaders drive innovation, collaboration, and excellence, setting new standards in the consulting industry.
What strategies do you employ to ensure excellence and meticulousness in your work, and how do you instil these values within your team?
Menaka: Sandbox, Sri Lanka’s leading high-performance consulting firm, is truly proud to be able to attribute a large part of its success to our all-female core operational team, which offers diverse talents and perspectives. Recognizing the inherent unique strengths of women, such as emotional intelligence and empathy, we establish strong connections with clients, understanding their challenges deeply to deliver comprehensive solutions that go beyond.
The team’s thorough approach, fueled by a commitment to detail, sets us apart in addressing client requirements and performance issues. Internally, our transparent and collaborative culture fosters innovation and autonomy, enabling efficient operations and driving collective success.
A desire for excellence and self-satisfaction drives us. I instil this mindset within my team by emphasizing the importance of striving for excellence in every detail.
In team discussions, we stress the need to go beyond mere execution and strive for excellence in every interaction. Drawing on relatable experiences, I underscore the importance of taking ownership and demonstrating genuine care for our clients, even in challenging situations, because after all, we are here to solve problems!
How does the culture within your all-female team at Sandbox drive exceptional operational excellence?
Lavindi: Our team’s success stems from our unique culture, centred on collaboration, high trust and leveraging cutting-edge technology to optimize efficiency and productivity.
We have transitioned from traditional paperwork to digital tools and automated applications, streamlining our processes and allowing for more strategic thinking. This shift is crucial in our line of work, where time and of course, relevance is of the essence.
One of our key strengths lies in our collaborative approach to teamwork. Within our all-female team, we cultivate a very supportive environment where every member is valued and supported. This collaborative spirit ensures that no detail goes unnoticed and that every task is executed precisely.
Moreover, our commitment to continuous improvement drives us to explore new technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of the curve. In essence, our secret to success lies in simplicity. We harness technology to work efficiently, foster a supportive team dynamic, and prioritize ongoing excellence.
What methods and approaches does Sandbox employ to uncover the root causes of client issues and facilitate sustainable, long-term solutions?
Mandeera: At Sandbox, we go beyond simply acknowledging surface-level problems. Instead, we delve deeper to identify the root causes of issues. For instance, if a client presents a communication problem, we recognize this as just a broad label. Communication breakdowns can manifest in various ways, serving as symptoms rather than the core issue.
To truly understand the dynamics at play, we focus on organizational culture and accepted norms within teams, considering the perspectives of leaders, team members, and subordinates. This data allows us to assess the personalities and dynamics within the team, pinpointing the exact areas requiring attention.
Once we’ve gained insight into the underlying issues, we implement proven behavioural techniques, drawing from practices commonly used in psychology, teaching and training. Our approach includes clear strategies tailored for new and existing employees, facilitating a smooth transition and fostering long-term success.
We provide clients with comprehensive reports detailing actionable steps to address deficiencies and enhance organizational effectiveness. These reports are meticulously updated to reflect the latest insights, ensuring that the changes we facilitate are sustainable over the long term.
What technological advancements has Sandbox implemented to enhance consulting services and promote data-driven decision-making for both internal operations and client engagements?
Maheshani: One of the most exciting advancements has been the design and implementation of our very own consulting ERP system. As consulting is a very niche area of expertise, we found that standard project management systems simply couldn’t keep up with the multi-faceted demands that arise from the work we do. So, at Sandbox, as I quickly learned, if it doesn’t exist, we build it!
Through cutting-edge technologies and people analytics, we revolutionize consulting services and empower clients to make informed, unbiased decisions and also visualize data in ways that allow never-before-seen insights about their organization. Enabling data-driven decision-making for clients is a key driver for us as well as a key attribute of our success with our clients. We are a team that leverages Advanced Machine Learning and AI to the max to support what humans do best; have human interactions, be creative, think of new ideas and make strategic decisions.