From Labs to Startups: Oshadie Korale’s Journey of Unconventional Choices and Career Milestones

Success isn’t just about ticking off traditional achievements; it’s also about the impact you make and the challenges you overcome. Oshadie Korale’s journey, from earning a PhD in Pharmacology to leading XpressJobs, is a prime example of this. Her story shows how embracing unexpected turns, following your passion, and juggling multiple roles can lead to amazing accomplishments.

Oshadie’s career path is far from the norm. Growing up in a privileged environment, she was set on making her own way. She initially wanted to be a vet, but that plan changed dramatically when her father sent her to Singapore to study Biomedical Science. This unplanned shift eventually led her to earn a PhD in Pharmacology at the University of Central Lancashire.

Her journey wasn’t smooth sailing. From working odd jobs to support herself to landing a lecturing position, Oshadie’s determination and commitment shone through. These tough experiences were essential in shaping her future success.

Discovering a New Passion

During her PhD, Oshadie’s dedication to animal welfare inspired her to start Adopt a Dog, a successful charity in Sri Lanka. This venture highlighted her skills in people management and fundraising, catching the eye of friends launching XpressJobs, a recruitment tech startup. What began as a casual involvement soon turned into a deep passion.

Despite her background in pharmacology, Oshadie found her niche in recruitment technology. But here’s a fun twist: she got the investment that helped propel XpressJobs to new heights from a coffee meetup with a competitor. Yeah, you heard that right. It’s not every day you get to casually call up a rival and have them agree to a coffee chat, but that’s exactly what happened. And guess what? That coffee meeting turned into a deal where XpressJobs sold a 25% stake for a cool 100 million after just five years. Today, XpressJobs boasts over 650,000 registered job seekers and partnerships with more than 8,000 local and international companies, staying true to its mission of driving transformative change in the recruitment industry.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life

One of the coolest things about Oshadie’s journey is how she’s blended her role as a mom with her professional life. Since her little guy Ganaka was just two months old, he’s been right there with her at work. It’s like he grew up in the office! This setup isn’t just unique; it’s inspiring. It shows how more moms could potentially bring their kids along if their work allows for it. It’s all about creating a space where they can excel in their careers while also being present for their children”

Support from her team and open communication with her family were vital in managing this balance. Oshadie’s experience underscores the importance of a supportive work environment and effective communication in achieving a harmonious work-life balance.

“Embrace change with a big, welcoming hug—being flexible can lead to awesome and surprising opportunities. I’ve learned that mixing your passions with your career can make work way more fulfilling. Don’t shy away from taking bold risks; grabbing chances, even when they’re a bit uncertain, can spark incredible growth. Strive for both financial and personal independence—it’s the secret sauce to a rewarding career. And yeah, breaking the mold, like having your kid at work, can actually lead to a more balanced and satisfying life. And remember, keeping communication crystal clear with your team and family is key to juggling everything smoothly,” Oshadie shared.