Melisa Fernando
Connecting people
Q: Can you share your journey from Sri Lanka to Ireland and how you landed a role at Google?
A: My story began in Sri Lanka, where my passion for technology took root. Following a decade in the tech industry – including six years with various Microsoft partners – I secured a role as the Southeast Asia New Markets (SEANM) Specialist for Business Applications at Microsoft.
The thought of working at Google felt like a distant dream – a dream that I held but never actively pursued through applications. So you can imagine my surprise and disbelief when a Google recruiter reached out to me. I vividly remember receiving the email and even questioning its legitimacy!
As the conversations progressed, and following a whirlwind of interviews and excitement, I joined Google in November 2022. What makes this experience even more special is that Google Ireland serves as the EU headquarters – a truly significant hub for the company.
On a personal note, it fills me with immense joy and pride to be the only Sri Lankan currently working at the Google EU headquarters, representing my country on a global platform.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a Sri Lankan professional working for a global tech company – and how have you overcome them?
A: Coming from Sri Lanka, one of the initial adjustments was navigating the subtle nuances of communication within a large and diverse team at Google. The experience exposes you to an incredible tapestry of cultures daily.
Within our own teams, we’re a melting pot of nationalities, each bringing unique perspectives and working styles. This diversity extends to our interactions with clients, who represent an array of business verticals and come from all over the world.
Navigating this diverse landscape requires a heightened sense of cultural mindfulness – understanding and respecting different communication styles, business etiquettes and worldviews. It involves being adaptable in your approach, and continuously learning about the different cultural nuances by being open, curious and respectful.
Q: How has your experience as a Sri Lankan professional shaped your perspective in the international corporate environment?
A: Growing up in Sri Lanka – a nation rich in cultural diversity – instilled in me a profound appreciation for varied perspectives and a natural ease in connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
This upbringing cultivated crucial skills like empathy and adaptability, which are invaluable in a global setting like Google.
Sri Lanka’s history of resilience has shaped my professional attitude, encouraging persistence and creative problem solving.
Coming from a smaller nation has also reinforced the importance of inclusivity, representation and the need for diverse voices to be valued and integrated within global organisations. My Sri Lankan heritage is a source of pride that influences my approach on the world stage.
Q: How does Google’s approach to business development differ from other tech companies?
A: Google’s approach is deeply intertwined with its core vision and mission, focussing on identifying and solving user problems at scale. Its business development efforts frequently stem from creating innovative products and services that address unmet needs.
This ‘build it and they will come’ philosophy, while not the sole driver, plays a major role.
For example, Google’s initial foray into search was driven by the need for a better way to source information online and its subsequent business model evolved around that core utility.
There is also a strong emphasis on organic growth and internal innovation. Google’s former 20 percent time policy fostered employee driven innovation; and although it has since evolved, the spirit of encouraging internal creativity remains part of its corporate culture.
Sri Lanka’s history of resilience has shaped my professional attitude, encouraging persistence and creative problem solving
Q: How do you see the digital landscape evolving in the next five to 10 years?
A: The digital landscape will be characterised by increasing sophistication, integration and personalisation driven by AI.
AI will become more deeply embedded in daily life and business, powering hyper-personalised experiences and automating complex tasks.
Data will remain central with a greater emphasis on privacy and ethical use. Seamless omni-channel experiences will be the norm, as consumers expect fluid transitions between online and offline interactions. We’ll likely see new interfaces and ways of interacting with technology beyond traditional screens.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received about working in a multicultural environment?
A: Become a connector of people, not merely information.
Actively seek opportunities to connect individuals within your network who could benefit from knowing each other – even without direct personal gain. This will strengthen your overall network in unexpected ways.