Career insights in tech: Four key lessons for navigating success with Sashieka Seneviratne

Sashieka Seneviratne, Director of Sustainable Technologies, Ericsson North America, recently joined us on Ericsson Simplified, a webinar series focused on demystifying Ericsson’s technical landscape and showcasing innovators across the company.

During the discussion with the webinar’s co-host Sheila McElroy, Ericsson Improvement and Performance Specialist, Seneviratne shared insights from her impressive 18-year career in the tech industry. Her journey from a newcomer to a leader in sustainability and 6G technology provides a compelling roadmap for aspiring professionals. Take a look at her career milestones and the key lessons she has learned along the way.

Lesson one: Set ambitious goals

As a young girl growing up in Sri Lanka, Seneviratne dreamed of studying engineering abroad. With the support of her parents and their life savings, she moved to Canada to study at the University of Ottawa. It was here that she discovered a passion for electromagnetics.

Her early decision to pursue her ambitions despite financial and logistical challenges exemplifies the notion that daring to dream big, combined with perseverance and grit, can lead to truly rewarding opportunities.

“Set a goal that is so big that in the process of achieving it, you become someone beyond your wildest dreams,” said Seneviratne. “If I think about where I started—living on a small island in Asia—to my life now, I dreamed big.”

Lesson two: Develop resilience against bias early on

After obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in electromagnetics and photonics, Seneviratne began her career journey. She spent the first decade of her career honing her skills as a power amplifier designer. She also earned a master’s degree and secured two patents as well as one trade secret through innovation in the field during that time.

Seneviratne at a lab bench working as a Power Amplifier designer.

However, Seneviratne’s early successes were not without obstacles. During these formative years of her career, she encountered the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field. She often faced subtle biases, such as assumptions about her technical competence.

“I'm five foot nothing, so I always wore heels to work, even when I was working in the lab,” noted Seneviratne. “I’d arrive in heels and change into my lab shoes. I remember a senior designer once saying to me that ‘hardware designers don’t wear shoes like that’.”

In moments like this, Seneviratne questioned her place in the engineering field. Despite these moments, she persevered and is happy that she did. “When you come across those moments of doubt about whether you belong in engineering, just remember that no one can define your potential or who you can become. In those moments, the story you tell yourself matters so much.”

Lesson three: Be curious, continue learning, and don’t be afraid to fail

Despite facing numerous challenges, Seneviratne always remained curious and eager to learn. It was this curiosity that led her to explore different areas of technology. She led teams in digital design within research and development (R&D), in radio access network (RAN) solutions within a customer unit, and in energy efficiency within networks across portfolios while working with multiple customers. This was all outside her initial specialization.

“Embracing new areas and stepping out of my comfort zone was crucial for my growth,” she said. “It helped me build a well-rounded skill set and prepared me for the next level of responsibilities.”

Her leadership journey also involved a commitment to learning—a key driver in her career progression. Seneviratne emphasizes the importance of embracing bravery, showing up, and changing her perspective on failure. The moment she shifted her focus from worrying about others' opinions to concentrating on her contributions and learning from her so-called failures, new opportunities emerged.

Seneviratne speaking on a ‘Sustainability in Telecom’ panel at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto.

“Learn to cultivate a growth mindset and challenge yourself,” she said. “While natural aptitudes do exist, they are not fixed. Also, don’t be afraid to try and fail. Failure is crucial for growth and innovation.”

Lesson four: Embrace networking, mentorship, and sponsorship

Today, Seneviratne works with technologies, including 5G and beyond, looking at 6G and its energy efficiency possibilities. In this role, she has had the valuable opportunity to be a mentor and be mentored by leaders in the field of sustainability and advanced technology, greatly enriching her career

"I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having mentors and sponsors and being open to sharing experiences with other professionals," she said.

From early on in her career, she recognized the importance of mentorship, seeking mentors who could offer guidance on navigating leadership complexities and understanding industry dynamics. They helped her build confidence in her technical abilities and provided practical advice on overcoming initial obstacles. She also highlighted the critical role of sponsorship, noting, “A sponsor is someone who will advocate for you behind closed doors.” She also stressed the importance of leveraging Ericsson’s programs to connect with mentors and sponsors, encouraging individuals to reach out to leaders and start their mentorship journeys.

As Seneviratne transitioned from technical roles to leadership positions, having mentors and sponsors became even more critical. During this period, her mentors helped her navigate the complexities of leadership, offering insights into effective management practices and strategic thinking. They also supported her in handling gender-specific challenges, such as subtle biases and leadership expectations, and helped her develop strategies to address these issues effectively. Navigating the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated environment also required having sponsors who could advocate on her behalf, helping to open doors and secure growth opportunities.

Seneviratne speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, discussing strategies for decarbonizing the supply chain alongside fellow panelist from Nokia.

Join us in celebrating Sashieka Seneviratne's remarkable journey, and let her story inspire and guide you as you navigate your career in the technology industry.

 

The Ericsson Simplified webinar series is presented by Ericsson GenNext, an employee resource group dedicated to growing and shaping the next generation of Ericsson, as well as equipping the current generations with the tools they need to succeed in their career. To learn more about GenNext, click here.