Gayani Punchihewa, the Front Office Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, is a role model for women who aspire to achieve their dreams in the hospitality industry. Her journey from a Management Trainee to a Front Office Manager is a testament to the importance of education, hard work, and self-empowerment.
Gayani’s educational background is rooted in her early years at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, where she completed her primary and secondary education. After completing her A-Levels, Gayani pursued her passion for hospitality and joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) in Colombo to further her education. After graduating from SLITHM in 2014, she joined Cinnamon Lakeside as a Management Trainee, specializing in Front Office Operations. Through her hard work and dedication, Gayani had the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in all operational and administrative departments of the hotel.
During the Management Trainee programme, Gayani was promoted to the position of Guest Service Manager, followed by Executive Floor Manager, and Assistant Front Office Manager. Currently, she serves as the Front Office Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, where she oversees a team of dedicated individuals, ensuring a seamless experience for all guests.
Gayani’s success story is not only about her career progression, but also about how she empowers herself and the women around her. For Gayani, empowering oneself means first getting to know your strengths and weaknesses, setting short-term and long-term goals, getting out of your comfort zone, being an example to others, boosting your self-esteem, and being open and honest. Through her actions, Gayani inspires other women to strive for excellence and supports them in their career journeys.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is a company that is committed to advancing women’s careers, enabling more women to achieve higher leadership roles. The company has taken several steps to bolster women’s leadership and full and equal participation in decision-making, such as the EmpowHer Networking Forum, mentorship and training opportunities, a women-friendly culture, and work-life balance. These initiatives benefit the company by bringing diversity and fresh perspectives to the table, resulting in better decision-making and improved performance.
To expand women’s links to each other, such as mentorship, coaching, and networking, there needs to be a greater awareness of the importance of these initiatives. Breaking down barriers and involving more women in leadership roles can help promote gender equality in the workplace. By creating a culture of inclusion and diversity, companies can harness the full potential of their female employees, leading to more creativity, innovation, and profitability.
However, institutional and societal changes are needed to empower women on a broader scale. Women must be given equal opportunities to education and employment, and their achievements need to be appreciated and celebrated. Parents and husbands need to be educated that women are not only housewives, and societal norms and biases need to be challenged.
In conclusion, Gayani Punchihewa’s journey is a shining example of how education, hard work, and self-empowerment can lead to a successful career. Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s commitment to empowering women in the workplace has resulted in a diverse and inclusive culture, resulting in better decision-making and improved performance. By breaking down barriers, involving more women in leadership roles, and promoting gender equality, we can create a better and more inclusive world for all.