Fortude celebrates key milestones in leadership development and community impact through GLO program

Fortude, a global enterprise technology solutions provider, celebrated key milestones achieved under the Guiding Leadership and Outreach (GLO) program, a pioneering leadership development initiative by the Association of HR Professionals (AHRP) and Global Learning Labs. Through a series of transformative learning experiences, Fortude has empowered aspiring leaders while extending its impact beyond corporate boundaries to drive social change.

An initiative of Global Learning Lab, in collaboration with AHRP and AIESEC Sri Lanka, GLO was a pioneering platform to empower young Sri Lankans who aspire to become future leaders with knowledge, skills, and community-based learning experiences. Fortude and four other leading corporations in the country – Brandix, IFS, JKH and Sysco Labs – supported this initiative, showcasing its commitment to empowering the country’s future talent pool. 

As the first step, Fortude participated in the GLO Train-the-Trainer Leadership Workshop in February 2024, an intensive learning experience facilitated by global trainers from Global Learning Labs. This workshop emphasised leadership development, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, equipping participants with the tools to drive impactful learning within their organisations. 

The young leaders from Fortude that participated in the Train-the-Trainer Workshop and spearheaded subsequent activities to empower other young leaders are: Manager – HR Business Partnering Kavindya Biyanwila, Associate Business Analyst Surindu Goonawardene, Assistant Manager – HR Operations Dilith Perera and Senior Team Lead Thilina Wisenthige.

Building on the momentum of the workshop, Fortude expanded its outreach by conducting multiple training sessions and CSR initiatives. In March 2024, the company held its first GLO training session for AIESEC students, equipping them with essential leadership skills to prepare them for professional success. This was followed by the first Sustainable Impact Project in July, where Fortude launched a Career Guidance Workshop at Our Lady of Victories Convent, Moratuwa. The initiative provided students with valuable career insights and mentorship, reinforcing the company’s dedication to youth development.

Continuing its efforts, Fortude hosted a second GLO Workshop in August within the Ignite Internship Program for Women. This initiative aimed to empower female leaders, fostering an inclusive learning environment that strengthened career readiness among young women. Shortly after, Fortude, alongside its Ignite Women interns, led a Laptop Donation Project and an IT Industry and Career Opportunities Awareness Session at Nambapana and Handapangoda Central College in Horana. This CSR initiative sought to bridge the digital divide and empower students with essential technology and industry knowledge. Three interns from the two-week Ignite Internship for Women continue to work at Fortude, fuelled by the learnings from the hyper-learning internship and GLO programs.

Furthering its commitment to leadership and community engagement, Fortude conducted its third GLO Workshop in October at the Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya. This session provided HR undergraduates with valuable industry insights and leadership training while fostering collaboration for future CSR projects with university students. Through these initiatives, Fortude continues to champion the development of future leaders and create meaningful opportunities for young professionals.

Speaking on the impact of GLO, Fortude Managing Director Arjuna Sirinanda stated, “At Fortude, we recognise the immense value of leadership development in shaping the future. Through the GLO program, we have empowered our employees to coach youth across Sri Lanka to become future-ready leaders. Investing in initiatives like GLO ensures that young leaders are mentored and upskilled to drive meaningful impact in their careers and communities.”