Gehan Mendis: A journey of resilience and leadership in HR

For some, the pinnacle of achievement is marked by a shiny trophy raised in triumph after a challenging race. Others find fulfillment in knowing they have made a constructive impact on the world through their actions. 

“Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about lifting others as you climb,”

_{says Gehan Mendis,}

A distinguished HR leader whose career is a living testament to this belief. In a world where personal accolades often define success, Gehan offers a refreshing perspective. Forget the typical corner office and the mahogany desk—for Gehan, true leadership is about collaboration, where his success is reflected in the collective achievements of his team. 

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Gehan Mendis, exploring his path from the challenging environments of Sri Lankan plantations to leading diverse teams across continents.

Reminiscing the past

Gehan’s career began in the challenging environment of Sri Lankan plantations when he was just 18. He recalls, “Starting my career surrounded by colleagues twice my age presented unique challenges, both geographical and cultural.” Learning Tamil and navigating the complexities of politically led trade unions were essential skills he acquired during this time. “It was a formative period,” he says. “I learned the importance of understanding and supporting diverse workforces—a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career.”

After gaining invaluable experience in the plantations, Gehan transitioned into sales with AIG Insurance Group. He immersed himself in training, development, and business development, balancing business acumen with people management. His exceptional ability helped his team achieve breakeven in sales—a remarkable feat for both him and the company,  marking the shortest period of making profits in any part of the world where the product was launched. However, at a crossroads, Gehan faced a pivotal decision: to continue excelling in sales or pursue his true passion for HR.

Choosing HR

Gehan chose to build a career in HR. His transition was marked by his success in establishing HR departments from scratch for two pharmaceutical companies. His dedication and innovative approach earned him national recognition, including awards for improving company efficiency and contributions to the National Productivity Awards.

At Aitken Spence and Hatton National Bank (HNB), Gehan took on leadership roles managing industry relations and handling white-collar trade unions. His hands-on approach and ability to make decisions without office barriers earned him respect and credibility. “Working with trade unions and managing industry relations taught me the importance of transparency and trust in leadership,” he notes.

His journey continued at Ceylon Biscuits, where he led the HR department through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the company maintained continuous production, earning multiple awards for social dialogue recognized by the labor department. Gehan Mendis proudly states, “We didn’t stop a single day of production during the pandemic, and our efforts were recognized with multiple awards for our commitment to social dialogue.”

Gehan’s career also took him beyond Sri Lanka to Ghana and India, where he managed diverse teams and demonstrated innovative approaches to HR in different cultural contexts through Ceylon Biscuits. His success in West Africa underscored his adaptability and ability to manage people from varied backgrounds.

Managing diverse teams

With a turnover rate of less than 1%, Gehan’s approach to managing teams across generations, from Gen X to Gen Z, reflects his understanding of their differing needs and values. He emphasizes flexibility, knowledge transfer, and creating a learning and working environment that resonates with everyone. “Flexibility and understanding are key to managing a multigenerational workforce,” he explains. His method of giving recognition, defending the team, and assigning tasks fairly has proven effective in building strong, cohesive teams.

Gehan Mendis is a firm believer in continuous improvement and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. His focus on developing a human bond within teams and empowering individuals through training and recognition has been central to his success. “Continuous development and innovation are crucial,” he states. “We must be adaptive to the newest trends and creative in our approach.”

Philosophy and approach to HR

Gehan’s genuine love for working with people is evident in his approach to HR. He believes in the importance of understanding the unsaid things that employees bring to work and building genuine connections. “There’s an inner love to work with people, irrespective of whatever, and you will develop a better connection with them,” he emphasizes. His philosophy centers on being a team player, genuinely caring for team members, and avoiding micromanagement. He advocates for the 70-20-10 rule in leadership, ensuring continuous development and appropriate exposure for team members.

Gehan’s leadership journey is marked by his ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and create environments where everyone can thrive. His advice to leaders is clear: “Be genuinely caring, avoid hijacking others’ successes, and always stand up for your team.” This approach, combined with his commitment to continuous development and innovation, makes him a standout leader in HR.

As Gehan Mendis continues to inspire and lead, his legacy in HR is characterized by a deep-seated love for people, an unwavering commitment to team development, and a persistent focus on creating inclusive and high-performing workplaces. His journey is a powerful reminder that genuine care, resilience, and adaptability are the cornerstones of effective leadership in the ever-evolving world of HR.

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