Fortude, a global enterprise technology solutions provider, celebrated key milestones achieved under the Guiding Leadership & 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 emphasized leadership development, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, equipping participants with the tools to drive impactful learning within their organizations.

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.

Commenting on the program, Fortude Manager – HR Business Partnering Kavindya Biyanwila stated, “GLO has been a turning point in my corporate career as well as my personal development. From the inception of the program in early 2024, we have come a long way and created a lot of impact on the young minds in Sri Lanka.” Fortude Associate Business Analyst Surindu Goonawardene added: “It has been a steep learning curve in not only community and project sustainability but molding and guiding youth with varying aspirations. Knowing they carry on the knowledge and experiences to their communities is rewarding by itself and makes me proud to have been a part of it through the GLO program.”

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 & 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 recognize 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.”

“This was a revelation for me in many ways not just on leadership, but on how I can improve myself as a person. The time we got to spend training youth leaders was an amazing experience and it felt great to share the knowledge we obtained during the program. I could see the lasting impact we were able to create in the youth's minds and the contributions we got to make to the communities via CSR projects were important,” noted Fortude Senior Team Lead Thilina Wisenthige. Fortude Assistant Manager – HR Operations Dilith Perera affirmed this, stating, “Being a part of the GLO program has been an incredible journey! It has helped me grow as a leader, see things from new perspectives, and make a real difference in the lives of young people in Sri Lanka. We got to run exciting GLO training sessions for youth from different kinds of backgrounds, sparking leadership and personal growth.”

The GLO program continues to be a transformative journey for Fortude, strengthening its dedication to leadership development, mentorship, and community impact. These milestones reflect Fortude’s vision to create sustainable opportunities for young leaders, empowering them to drive innovation and social change in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Fortude remains committed to advancing leadership excellence through programs like GLO, reinforcing its role in building a dynamic and socially responsible workforce. As the company continues its journey in leadership development, it looks forward to expanding its reach and impact in the years ahead.