“Starting from the bottom again helped me understand what people go through."

Lushantha Rodrigo’s leadership journey has taken him across four continents, but it is the experience of starting again that has shaped him most.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Lushantha began his career there before taking a leap of faith that would define his path. His journey has since spanned Botswana, the United States and Australia, exposing him to diverse industries, cultures and ways of working.

Arriving in Australia in 2009, however, came with its own challenges. Despite his qualifications and years of experience, he found himself starting again from the ground up. While difficult, it gave him a perspective he now brings into his role as Finance Manager at KLINGER Australia, particularly when leading diverse teams.

Leading with perspective

Working across cultures and starting over has shaped Lushantha’s approach to leadership. It is grounded in empathy, honesty, accountability and self-awareness.

“It hasn’t been a straight line,” he reflects. “Starting from the bottom again helped me understand what people go through, and that’s something I carry with me as a leader.”

That experience became a defining strength. Today, Lushantha leads diverse teams with empathy and cultural awareness, recognising that each individual brings unique circumstances and perspectives.

“We have people from all different backgrounds,” he says. “You can’t treat everyone the same, you need to understand where they’re coming from.”

“I try to walk in other people’s shoes,” he explains. “If I expect honesty and accountability, I need to show that myself.”

Growth through challenge and reflection

Lushantha’s values were shaped not only by positive role models, but also by challenging experiences. Early in his career, encountering poor leadership showed him exactly what not to do, reinforcing his commitment to backing his team, owning mistakes, and creating a supportive environment.

He understands the pressures people face, particularly when adjusting to new environments, and believes leaders have a responsibility to support their teams through that.

Lushantha credits mentors and leaders who demonstrated humility and care as key influences. One memory stands out: a manager who led by example, doing everyday tasks without hesitation and taking time to listen.

“That showed me leadership isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about how you treat people.”

Today, he brings that same mindset into his own leadership, fostering a sense of belonging within his team.

“When people feel valued, they contribute more. It becomes more than just work, it feels like a team, more like a family.”

Lessons from the Rising Leadership Program

A pivotal moment in Lushantha’s leadership journey came in 2022, when he completed Leadership WA’s Rising Leadership Program after missing out on a promotion at work.

“I knew I had more to learn,” he says. “I also struggled with imposter syndrome, you start to wonder if you belong.”

Through the Program, he discovered that many others shared similar doubts. Learning alongside a diverse cohort and hearing from experienced leaders helped him reframe setbacks as opportunities.

“Setbacks aren’t the end. They are stepping stones and part of the journey. What matters is not how you fall, it’s how you get up.”

The Program helped build his confidence and reinforced the value of learning through experience, reflection and shared perspectives.

“I still have moments of doubt,” he admits. “But now I believe in myself a bit more, and that makes a difference.”

Letting go of having all the answers

One of Lushantha’s biggest leadership shifts has also been letting go of the idea that leaders need to know everything.

“You don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know’. That’s how you learn and bring in different perspectives.”

For him, leadership is less about certainty and more about curiosity: asking questions, listening and learning from others.

Leadership starts with you

At its core, Lushantha believes leadership begins with self-awareness.

“If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others,” he says. “You need to look after your own wellbeing first, then you can support your team.”

It’s a simple but powerful philosophy, one that underpins sustainable leadership.

Taking time to step away from work allows him to reset, stay grounded and return as a more present and effective leader. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about what you do at work, but how you sustain yourself over time.

A lifelong journey

From starting over in a new country to leading with empathy and authenticity, Lushantha Rodrigo’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness and lifelong learning.

His advice to emerging leaders is simple: be resilient, stay true to your values, back your team, and never stop the journey of learning.

You can reach out to Lushantha on LinkedIn. 

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Inspired by Lushantha’s journey?
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