In March we celebrate the incredible strength and resilience of women everywhere, who continue to shatter barriers, break stereotypes, and make their mark in every industry and field. Despite the challenges and discrimination, they may face, women have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with.
As we reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality, let us introduce a true trailblazer in the tech industry, a fearless female leader who is breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of innovators in IT. Ayomi Gunawardena is an exceptional leader and a true innovator in the business world. As the co-founder and COO of Inivos Consulting Pvt Ltd, she is at the forefront of a movement to create a more resilient future for businesses through the implementation of cutting-edge technology and ERP solutions.
Ayomi’s journey to success is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence. After completing her Advanced Level studies in the commerce stream at the Museus College Colombo, she embarked on a journey of professional growth and development that would shape her career in the years to come. Initially, Ayomi started her career as an audit trainee, but her passion for teamwork and her curiosity about different industries eventually led her to ERP implementations. Her exceptional skills and dedication soon caught the attention of IFS, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions, where she joined as a Finance Consultant in 2003. Over the next 17 years, Ayomi played multiple roles at IFS, including Project Manager, Consulting Manager, Training Manager and Presales Consultant. Her wealth of experience in ERP implementation across various industries equipped her with invaluable insights to enhance businesses and provide business transformation solutions. It also helped her to understand her capabilities to lead and guide a team, while inspiring and nurturing individuals to achieve their full potential. In this article, Ayomi shares her inspiring journey and offers valuable insights into empowering women in the workplace.
Ayomi Gunawardena’s persistent entrepreneurial spirit and steadfast dedication to enabling business success led her to co-found Inivos Consulting Pvt Ltd with two other accomplished professionals in the industry. Through their collaboration, she has played a vital role in transforming companies across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and food and beverage. In addition, Inivos has extended its technological expertise by welcoming two other established professionals in the field, expanding their services from ERP implementation and solution provision to encompass software development. Presently, the team is engaged in several projects across various regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the UK, and Ireland. As the Chief Operating Officer at Inivos, Ayomi brings her extensive expertise and passion for innovation to the forefront, spearheading the Consulting division with
a focus on delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that empower businesses to stay ahead in today’s digital landscape. Through her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of success, Ayomi is driving Inivos Consulting towards new heights of achievement and helping clients to achieve their full potential.
Ayomi’s leadership style is fueled by her fervent desire to empower and mentor individuals, which is evident in the work environment at Inivos Consulting. Inivos has had a significant growth since the beginning and now has a workforce of 150+ employees along with regional offices in Singapore and USA. The workforce comprises 40% women, and Ayomi is the only female entrepreneur and board director. Female leaders also manage and guide critical departments such as ERP Implementation and Support, Software QA Engineering, Finance,
and HR. Ayomi is resolute in cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that appreciates and acknowledges the contributions of all team members. The organization prides itself on cultivating a culture of open communication and mentorship opportunities that help women develop their skills and talents. Inivos believes that having empowered women in the organisation brings numerous benefits, such as diverse perspectives, better decision-making, and increased innovation and creativity.
She also emphasized on the importance of avoiding self-imposed limitations and maintaining ambition to pursue their goals. She encourages women to carve out their unique paths and persistently work towards their dream destiny. Ayomi firmly believes that there are no obstacles that women cannot overcome, and they have the capability to accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ayomi is a dedicated family-oriented individual and an engaged member of her local community. She generously volunteers her time and expertise to various organizations, sharing her passion for helping others and driving positive change. As a mentor to young women, Ayomi inspires and guides them on their journey to successful careers in technology, helping to pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her commitment to empowering women extends far beyond the walls of her workplace, and her contributions to her community have earned her deep respect and admiration.
Ayomi’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of education, experience, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Through her diverse background in finance, ERP implementation, project management, and training, she has acquired a deep understanding of the complex dynamics of the business world. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Inivos, Ayomi brings her extensive skills and expertise to the table, with the goal of taking the company
to new heights of global success. Her consistent dedication to continuous improvement and excellence inspires those around her, making her a true leader in her field.
In conclusion, Ayomi Gunawardena’s journey and achievements demonstrate that women can excel in any field they choose to pursue. Empowering women is not only a moral obligation but also a crucial factor in driving business success. Companies that value and support their female employees benefit from a diverse and motivated workforce that fosters innovation and growth. As we strive for a more inclusive and diverse society, it is vital to create work environments that encourage and recognize women’s contributions. By doing so, we can unleash the full potential of women and build a more prosperous and equitable future for everyone.