Next-gen leaders in South Asia step up

“After completing this program, I feel like I know myself a lot better than before! I learned about different cultures, norms and values, and how to work as a team in a diverse environment. I felt like I was in a new era of a global organisation.”

“After completing this program, I feel like I know myself a lot better than before! I learned about different cultures, norms and values, and how to work as a team in a diverse environment. I felt like I was in a new era of a global organisation.”

“The Young Leaders Program has been a wonderful experience in self-belief, trust and team work. I’m seeing a lot of enthusiasm, energy and optimism about the difference we can make for ourselves, the people around us and our organisation as well.”

These are just some of the comments from participants in the 2019 South Asia Young Leaders Program, which kicked off in Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2019.

Inaugurated in 2018, the South Asia Young Leaders Programme aims to support and fast-track young professionals from across the region into leadership positions.

In Phase 1 of the program, a training course facilitated by the Colombo School of Business, participants learn about self-awareness, leading teams and what it takes to be a leader in a global organization. Phase 2 is an overseas placement opportunity where the top performers from Phase 1 relocate to a different country in the region and work directly with a key business leader for a period of two years.

Having seen the 2018 participants making significant contributions to our business, an excited new team of six individuals selected from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India came together in Colombo, Sri Lanka in March to start Phase 1 of the 2019 program. During this time, participants had the opportunity to present to senior executives on key topics and to participate in divisional management meetings as part of their training. Within the next month, two or three of these individuals will be given the opportunity for an overseas assignment.

We are fortunate to be working together with energetic, passionate and effective young leaders, and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish!