Launching a startup is an exhilarating journey, but in the early stages, founders may overlook the critical task of intentionally building company culture. Allowing culture to develop organically can undermine a startup’s success and longevity.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam, CEO of ManoLead NFP, underscores the importance of crafting a strong startup culture from the very beginning. He asserts that the foundation of any thriving company culture lies in establishing clear values and practices. In his words:

“Design a culture from the ground up by establishing clear values and practices that promote harmony and collaboration. It is important to have a plan to cultivate your culture intentionally, as it ensures alignment with the company’s vision and fosters a cohesive and motivated team. Allowing culture to develop on its own can lead to inconsistencies and conflicts, undermining overall effectiveness.” – Gamini Hewawasam, PhD, ManoLead NFP

Click here to view the full Forbes Expert Panel article.

Dr. Gamini Hewawasam, the CEO of ManoLead, FineFinish Engineering, and INT Terminal Travel Group, has been featured in Forbes for his latest article, “Embracing Mindfulness In Leadership In The Age Of AI And Corporate Complexity.”

In today’s fast-paced environment, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies has elevated leaders’ capacity for analytical thinking and problem-solving to unprecedented levels. Despite these advancements, the human element—encompassing emotions, biases, and psychological intricacies—continues to play a crucial role in effective leadership. In this article, Dr. Hewawasam emphasizes the increasing importance of integrating original mindfulness practices into leadership to navigate the complex risks associated with AI.

Key Takeaways from the Article:

1. Human Element in Leadership: Despite advancements in AI and technology, emotions, biases, and psychological factors remain crucial to leadership effectiveness.
2. AI and Ethical Considerations: The introduction of the Risk Management Profile for AI emphasizes the importance of integrating emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making to handle AI’s complex risks.
3. Mindfulness and Leadership: Mindfulness helps harmonize the emotional and thinking minds, enabling leaders to make balanced decisions and manage stress, while fostering ethical behavior and resilience.
4. Practical Benefits of Mindfulness:
   • Improved Decision-Making: Mindfulness allows leaders to integrate analytical and emotional insights, leading to better decision-making.
   • Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Awareness of emotions improves empathy and organizational culture.
   • Resilience and Adaptability: Mindfulness aids in stress management and adaptability amidst rapid changes.
   • Ethical Leadership: A mindful approach aligns actions with values and mitigates burnout, supporting ethical decision-making.

Click here to read the full article on Forbes.