“Success is being able to give back to my country” –
Manique Mendis, is a Communications Specialist and Social Entrepreneur. Starting her career as a journalist, she has served as the head of Communication and Media of many organizations including the European Union Embassy, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and MTV. She has been the founder CEO of the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka and the Business for Peace Alliance and Deputy Country Director of Internews, an international media development organization.
In 2010, driven by her passion towards social development, she started her own consultancy company, Rainbow Resources Lanka Pvt Ltd. and Training Institute, Rainbow Institute of Communication and English in Colombo. The institute has now expanded to seven districts in Sri Lanka.
EXPLAIN 3 UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES ABOUT YOU?
“First I should say that I am extremely confident about my areas of expertise and am a perfectionist who pays attention to minute detail. Although I have rich experience, I never take anything for granted. Second, I realize the importance of being humble, conscious that the journey of life can end at any moment. I try to do my best for others, especially those from marginalized segments, as I know that only the good we do for others will truly pay off. Third, I am a very adaptable person who can fit into the highest or lowest social environment in society.”
WHAT GIVES YOU TRUE SATISFACTION?
“A- Seeing the fruits of my labour in making a positive difference in the lives of others. That is what motivated me to start a social enterprise, committed to empowering children, youth and adults in Sri Lanka with Communication, English and soft skills to equip them to be on par with global standards.”
HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR LEISURE TIME?
“As a social entrepreneur, leisure time is a luxury. I am a very simple person. So, when I do indulge in this luxury, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, playing the piano or playing with my pet cat, Cookita. I have been a voracious reader from my childhood. I do not have television in my home, although I was the first ever Public Relations Manager of MTV and have also taken part in many TV shows. There is nothing like a good book for me!”
IF YOU COULD PIN-POINT YOUR SUCCESS TO THREE FACTORS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
“Firstly, the work of God in my life. Second, the incredible support of my family. Third, the guidance and help of some of my former bosses and my staff, in all the organizations I worked for. I must mention the “Rainbow family”, as my current staff call themselves. They are an amazing group of dynamic young professionals and senior experts. All are passionately committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients and students, which is a hall mark of our company.
I must also mention my school, Bishop’s College, which gave me a wonderful foundation, on which I built through my undergraduate and post graduate education at University.”
WHEN RECRUITING EMPLOYEES WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN THROUGHOUT THE YEARS?
“I am a firm believer in the potential of youth. Having been in the world of work for nearly three decades, I see that
FIRST I SHOULD SAY THAT I AM EXTREMELY CONFIDENT ABOUT MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND AM A PERFECTIONIST WHO PAYS ATTENTION TO MINUTE DETAIL. ALTHOUGH I HAVE RICH EXPERIENCE, I NEVER TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED
young people are getting more and more capable, as they are exposed to modern technology. They are also able to multi task. I also see how effectively they take on leadership roles.
However, on the flip side, I also see that some are obsessed with social media and interest in current affairs and general knowledge has dwindled. As a result, many young people do not have a vision for their lives or careers, in line with their personal interests and talents. They plod along, without any selfdrive.”
WHAT AREAS DO YOU THINK SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY LEAVERS SHOULD DEVELOP BEFORE APPLYING FOR A JOB?
“Soft skills including communication skills and leadership. Fluency in English, is also critical for the modern business world. They should also develop good values and ethics. Unfortunately, in the current educational environment which is exam driven and highly competitive, these areas are not given due importance. The Rainbow Institute of Communication and English is offering several training courses with international benchmarks to fill this void.”
TO AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS STRUGGLING TO BALANCE THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
“Work is not an end in itself. It a means to an end. If you work smart, you can shine in your career. You will also have time to balance your work with other elements of life. .
A word of advice especially to working mothers. The quality of time you spend with your children is much more important than the quantity of time. This is something I have proved over the years, even as I have worked for long hours and been out of home for long periods.”
ANY ADVICE TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE STRIVING TO CLIMB THE CORPORATE LADDER?
“There are no short cuts to success. You have to be extra smart and work extra hard and prove yourself through results.Remember that “deadlines are deadlines” and maintain high quality. Take initiative. Be creative and think out of the box. Don’t ever undercut others, but always do your best to help. The relationships I have built with people from all walks of life over the long years, are still very valuable to me.” Devuni Goonewardene