The Team That Conquered Mountains
By Venuri Udawatta
I never imagined that climbing mountains would be part of my career journey. But, it did—both metaphorically and literally. And here’s how it all unfolded.
When I first stepped into the Brand and Communications team at Union Assurance, a John Keells Company, I was stepping into a new area within a field I had already grown to love. Having started my corporate journey in life insurance—where I worked in customer value management, product strategy, and marketing—I was able to draw on that foundation to navigate this next chapter. Still, I knew this wouldn’t be an easy mountain to scale. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was just how much I would grow along the way.
One of the most significant milestones in my journey was being part of the team that introduced a new brand vision and purpose for Union Assurance. As Sri Lanka’s first private life insurer, Union Assurance had already built a strong legacy of trust—standing strong through the test of time. So, when the decision was made to elevate our presence by reshaping our brand identity, it marked a moment of both excitement and responsibility.
Being part of a close-knit team leading this transformation—especially so early in my career in brand and communications—was something I never expected. But it’s a milestone any marketer would be proud to be part of. Together, we introduced a bold new brand vision: “Empowering Human Progress by Protecting What Matters,” along with a new brand purpose that now guides everything we do: “Protecting Lives and Enriching Well-being.”
The next challenge was to bring our new brand identity to life in a way that was both meaningful and impactful. Like any team preparing to climb a mountain, we rallied together, and executed a large-scale, integrated ATL and BTL campaign. The work was intense—designing fresh brand assets, developing the strategy, and coordinating efforts across multiple teams. But it was also incredibly rewarding to see our vision come to life in such a tangible way—and watch it resonate with audiences.
Another unexpected summit came when I transitioned into public relations—an area I hadn’t formally worked in before. What initially seemed like an overwhelming challenge quickly evolved into a gratifying experience. Through trial and error, cultivating meaningful relationships, and refining our strategy, we were able to elevate Union Assurance’s presence and establish the brand as a thought leader in the industry.
The cherry on top of this journey was being recognised as a ‘Great Manager for Aligning with Organisational Vision’ by the Colombo Leadership Academy. Knowing that I had contributed to the best of my ability to the company made the entire journey feel even more worthwhile—much like standing at the peak after an unforgettable ascent.
And what’s more, I actually climbed mountains during this time—literally! The Marketing team scaled not one, but two majestic peaks: Hanthana and Pidurangala. What better way to bond with the team than by facing these giants together—gasping for breath, laughing through the challenge, and praying for strength with every step? Reaching the summit wasn’t just a physical triumph; it was a powerful reminder that, much like in our work, the hardest climbs bring the most mesmerising views.
The mountains I’ve climbed during my time at Union Assurance have never been mine alone. They’ve been part of a shared journey—one undertaken by a remarkable group of people, especially the Marketing team at Union Assurance. And this journey has taught me that no mountain is impossible to scale—for we all carry the strength to rise within. And the climb? It’s always worth it.
With the right tools, supportive leadership, and a culture that champions ownership, every team member is given the space to grow and thrive at Union Assurance. This experience has reinforced a belief I now hold firmly: “when people are trusted and supported, growth and success aren’t just possible—they’re inevitable.”
