Kanchana Fernando, Cluster Director of HR, and Amali Wedamulla, Cluster Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Strategy for the trio of Radisson Hotels in Sri Lanka – Radisson Hotel Colombo, Kandy, and Radisson Blu Resort Galle, managed by La Vie Hotels & Resorts, navigate a hospitality industry facing economic pressure, shifting consumer expectations, and workforce challenges. As senior leaders in a traditionally male-dominated field, they shape business strategy, develop talent, and implement policies that drive performance. They began the discussion by describing their roles and what excites them about occupying leadership positions in the hospitality industry:
Kanchana Fernando: As the Cluster Director of HR at Radisson, I lead HR strategy across the three properties, ensuring we attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a positive workplace culture. I align HR initiatives with business goals, drive employee engagement, and implement policies that enhance productivity and growth.
What excites me most about hospitality HR is the ability to make a real impact—creating a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The industry’s dynamic nature keeps my role both challenging and rewarding, and my goal is to keep Radisson at the forefront of hospitality excellence by nurturing talent, championing diversity, and building strong, motivated teams, which enables us to uphold our brand promise – “Every Moment Matters”.
Amali Wedamulla: As the Cluster Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Strategy for a trio of Radisson Hotels in Sri Lanka, the focus is on driving brand positioning, strategic marketing, and digital engagement to enhance guest experiences and loyalty. Hospitality is a dynamic industry where storytelling, culture, and innovation come together to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.
Leadership in this space involves inspiring teams, fostering creativity, and implementing impactful strategies that elevate the brand. A commitment to staying ahead of trends, embracing technology, and continuously setting new benchmarks ensures that Radisson delivers exceptional hospitality experiences.
How would you describe your leadership approach, and how do you inspire those around you to achieve their full potential?
Amali: A leadership approach rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and innovation fosters a culture of trust and inclusivity, where every team member feels valued and inspired to contribute their best. Open communication and creative thinking are encouraged to create an environment where ideas flourish and individuals feel motivated to push boundaries.
Inspiration comes through leading by example—demonstrating passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Prioritizing mentorship and professional development helps teams grow both personally and professionally. By recognizing strengths and providing growth opportunities, individuals are empowered to reach their full potential and drive meaningful impact within the organization.
What advice do you have for young professionals aspiring to build a successful career in hospitality?
Kanchana: The hospitality industry is a vibrant, fast-paced, and ever-evolving field that presents numerous opportunities for career growth, personal development, and global exposure. While guests often experience the luxury and glamour associated with this industry, much of the work happens behind the scenes, requiring dedication, efficiency, and a strong service mindset.
Kanchana Fernando – Cluster Director of HR
A proactive, service-focused attitude is essential, as exceptional service and exceeding guest expectations are at the heart of hospitality. The industry operates 24/7, often requiring irregular hours, so adaptability and professionalism are key. Handling challenges, guest concerns, and high-pressure situations positively is crucial.
Practical experience is invaluable—aspiring young professionals should gain hands-on exposure through internships or part-time roles to understand operations. Hospitality is rewarding and demanding, offering limitless growth to those who embrace its challenges with the right mindset, commitment, and eagerness to learn.
How do you mentor and empower other women in your organization or industry, and what steps do you take to create a more inclusive and supportive environment?”
Amali: Mentorship and empowerment play vital roles in fostering the next generation of female industry leaders. Providing guidance, career development opportunities, and platforms to amplify women’s voices helps build confidence, resilience, and strategic thinking while encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths.
Creating an inclusive and supportive environment requires advocating for equal opportunities, championing diverse leadership, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Implementing mentorship programmes, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and promoting workplaces where women feel valued and heard are essential steps in inspiring and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
Leadership in hospitality can be demanding. How do you manage the work-life balance, and what advice would you give to women looking to thrive in their personal and professional lives?
Kanchana: Leadership in hospitality demands long hours, high energy, and constant problem-solving. Maintaining a work-life balance requires intentional effort, and my approach has always centred on efficiency and boundaries. I focus on high-impact tasks and delegate effectively, ensuring that priorities are clear and manageable without overextending myself. Setting firm limits between work and personal life allows me to recharge and stay at my best. A strong support system is essential, and I rely on mentors, colleagues, and loved ones to navigate challenges. Digital tools and trust in my team help streamline workloads, making it easier to manage responsibilities without unnecessary stress.
For women aspiring to thrive in the hospitality industry, confidence and self-advocacy are crucial in a fast-paced and often male-dominated environment. Building strong connections opens doors for guidance and career growth while maintaining energy through rest, exercise, and healthy habits, which ensures long-term success. Adaptability is key—embracing change with resilience and a proactive mindset helps navigate the industry’s evolving landscape. Hospitality is ultimately about creating experiences, and aligning work with passion makes the journey more fulfilling.
The industry presents challenges and opportunities, but with intentionality and self-awareness, women can excel while leading meaningful and balanced lives. Achieving the proper equilibrium is ongoing, but thriving with the right mindset is possible.
Amali Wedamulla – Cluster Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Strategy
Amali: Achieving work-life balance in a leadership role within the hospitality industry requires strategic time management, clear priorities, and effective delegation. In a fast-paced sector, a results-driven approach ensures productivity and impact without compromising well-being. Establishing boundaries and fostering a supportive, empowered team contribute to professional excellence and personal fulfilment.
Balance should be viewed as a dynamic process for women seeking to thrive in their careers and personal lives. Prioritizing self-care, seeking mentorship, and cultivating a strong professional network are essential. Success is not about doing everything at once but making intentional choices that align with long-term goals and values.
How do you use empathy and emotional intelligence as a woman leader to connect with your team, drive engagement, and navigate complex situations?
Kanchana: Empathy and emotional intelligence are at the core of my leadership approach. In a people-driven industry like hospitality, understanding and valuing employees’ emotions, perspectives, and motivations is essential to fostering a positive and engaged workforce.
I prioritize open conversations, active listening, and tailored support, which allows me to connect with my team effectively and create an inclusive, supportive workplace where employees feel valued.
Understanding team dynamics and motivational drivers allows me to implement initiatives that enhance engagement, morale, recognition, and professional growth.
HR often involves handling sensitive and high-stakes situations, from conflict resolution to organizational changes. Emotional intelligence helps me remain calm, objectively assess situations, and make fair, compassionate decisions.
Amali: Effective hospitality leadership requires a strong foundation of empathy and emotional intelligence to foster collaboration, drive engagement, and navigate complex challenges. Understanding team members’ diverse perspectives, strengths, and motivations cultivates a culture of trust, inclusion, and innovation.
Active listening, transparent communication, and thoughtful decision-making create an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute their best work. Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing challenges with composure and adaptability and prioritizing people and business objectives. Leading with empathy strengthens team dynamics, enhances performance, and drives long-term organizational success.
Empathy is a powerful leadership tool that fosters a motivated workforce and contributes to Radisson’s success.