Dayani Algama: Transforming HR Practices and Inspiring Growth as Assistant Vice President at the National Development Bank

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the essence of effective leadership extends beyond traditional metrics of success. Leaders are no longer just taskmasters or decision-makers; they are increasingly viewed as visionaries who inspire, connect, and uplift those around them. 

This article will explore how Dayani Algama sets new standards for effective leadership by embracing authenticity and empathy. By connecting deeply with her team and fostering trust, Dayani demonstrates how leading with sincerity can transform people and organisations.  Through her journey, we’ll see how genuine leadership can create lasting impact and drive success.

From classroom to boardroom

Dayani started her educational journey at Visakha Vidyalaya Colombo and went to the University of Colombo. But then Sri Lanka hit a rough patch, and state universities closed for what seemed like forever. Not one to sit idle, Dayani Algama secured a scholarship to the University of New Delhi, where she finished her undergrad. Returning home, she dove into research at the Marga Institute, tackling real-world issues with a zest for finding solutions.

Her career took a significant turn when she landed a spot as a management trainee at Unilever Sri Lanka, beating out fierce competition. Although she set her sights on market research, her first gig in the Personnel Department (now HR) saw her roll out university career guidance, policy development, and the 5S concept. Her knack for getting things done secured her a permanent role as Manager of Recruitment and Remuneration.

A few years later, Dayani’s HR magic flourished at the National Development Bank (NDB). As a young executive, she took on all things HR—talent acquisition, learning and development, performance management, employee relations, business partnerships, HR services, and employee engagement.  Her strategic HR initiatives have transformed NDB from a development bank to Sri Lanka’s fourth-largest commercial bank.  Today, she is the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources at NDB. 

Nonetheless, driven by her love for research and people-first HR management, Dayani Algama earned a research-based Master’s in Development Studies from the University of Colombo. She’s also done voluntary HR consulting and served on various boards.

The secret sauce of success

Dayani’s philosophy? Embrace mistakes—they’re the best teachers. Channelling George Bernard Shaw, she says learning the right lessons from mistakes is the biggest learning in life, and these lessons will be instilled in you for the rest of your life. 

Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time. This is why I strongly believe one can make mistakes but needs to learn from them to avoid repeating them. Hence, failure learnt the hardest way is a gift to life, she added.  

Furthermore, balancing her roles as a wife and mother of three with a high-flying career, Dayani Algama shares her wealth of experiences with her team. She combines empathy with honest communication, understanding that true motivation stems from recognising “what’s in it for me.” “Nobody in the corporate world is selfless enough to ignore ‘what’s in it for me,'” she notes.

Dayani’s leadership style is rooted in a deep understanding of her team’s needs and aspirations. She believes that empathy is the cornerstone of effective leadership, enabling her to connect with her colleagues personally. This connection fosters a supportive work environment where team members feel valued and understood. “When you communicate openly, you eliminate misunderstandings and build a stronger, more cohesive team,” she explains.

By genuinely caring about her employees’ well-being and professional growth, Dayani builds strong, trust-based relationships. Her approach to leadership is holistic, considering the individual as a whole rather than just an employee. “Empathy and transparency are not just leadership strategies; they are the foundation of a thriving workplace,” she asserts.

Leading with authenticity

Her commitment to authenticity defines Dayani’s leadership. She believes the key to effective leadership is being genuine with oneself, a philosophy she lives by daily. “Authenticity means showing up as your true self, with no pretences,” she emphasises. 

From her early career to her current role, Dayani has always prioritised honesty and transparency. She understands that authentic leaders inspire their teams by being relatable and approachable. “When leaders are authentic, it creates a culture of openness and trust,” she says. This culture is essential for fostering innovation and collaboration, as team members feel safe to express their ideas and take risks.

Moreover, Dayani’s authentic leadership style empowers her team to bring their whole selves to work. She encourages her colleagues to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. By championing authenticity, Dayani Algama drives her team’s success and cultivates a supportive and dynamic work environment where everyone can thrive.

In conclusion, for those diving into HR, Dayani’s golden advice is: “Understand the business you’re in. HR is valuable when it’s tied to the business, not when it’s isolated.” Supporting the business with HR initiatives is the key to success.