About Dush

A Journey of Adaptability, Lifelong Learning, Visionary Leadership, and a People-First Approach In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and thrive is the key to long-term success. My journey is a testament to this principle. At the age of 18, I left Sri Lanka with a basic understanding of the English language to pursue higher education in Cardiff, UK. It was my first time in a foreign country, where I faced unfamiliar cultures and academic challenges. Despite these hurdles, I successfully completed a four-year honors degree in engineering at the University of Wales, College of Cardiff, which included a one-year industry placement with Epitaxial Products International, a semiconductor manufacturing company. This hands-on experience enriched my academic journey and provided invaluable exposure to cutting-edge technology, ultimately earning me a prestigious scholarship to pursue a PhD at Oxford University. My time at Oxford further deepened my commitment to lifelong learning and reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education. This adaptability continued to shape my career as I transitioned from academia to industry—notably contributing to the success of Hutchison 3G (H3G), the world’s first third-generation mobile phone company. I joined H3G when it was still a startup and played a critical role in rolling out a nationwide 3G network within three years. In this fast-paced, high-stakes environment, I honed my leadership skills and learned to navigate complex technological and organizational challenges. My professional journey eventually led me to Canada, where I became an ITIL instructor and consultant. In this role, I worked with Fortune 500 companies, helping them implement and refine service management best practices to improve efficiency, scalability, and operational excellence. This experience gave me deep insights into diverse business environments, honed my ability to drive organizational change, and strengthened my leadership skills in dynamic and evolving industries. A passion for education and a commitment to lifelong learning have been guiding forces throughout my career. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, "Live like you are going to die tomorrow and learn like you are going to live forever," I have consistently sought opportunities to grow and share knowledge. From earning an undergraduate degree, a PhD, and an MBA to serving as a teaching assistant, instructor, adjunct professor, and guest lecturer, my dedication to education is unwavering. These experiences have deepened my expertise and fueled my desire to empower others through education and mentorship. With over 20 years of leadership experience in technology and digital transformation, I have developed a clear vision, mission, and strategy for driving innovation. I have successfully led large-scale digital transformation projects across various industries, navigating the complexities of both union and non-union environments and bridging the gap between the private and public sectors. My ability to foster relationships across teams and organizations has been instrumental in delivering innovative solutions and driving operational success. At the core of my leadership philosophy is a people-first approach. I firmly believe that great IT leadership is not just about technology—it is about empowering people, fostering innovation, and aligning IT strategy with business objectives. This philosophy is reflected in tangible outcomes: I led a comprehensive restructuring and reclassification of positions, creating clear career pathways and promotion opportunities. I have built inclusive, high-performing teams grounded in psychological safety and a culture of continuous learning. My efforts extend to establishing learning teams, providing executive coaching, and mentoring future leaders. By fostering an environment where people can grow and thrive, I ensure that our technology initiatives are not only successful but also meaningful and sustainable. My story is one of resilience, growth, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference—through adaptability, lifelong learning, strategic vision, and a people-first approach.