Turning the ‘what if’ into what is!
Sometimes, pursuing the unknown and exploring the “what if’s” lead to the most rewarding experiences. Looking back at the past 12 months, I can say for sure, that applying for the JKHMT programme has been one of the best experiences. It was 12 months of seeing the world through the eyes of giving supermarket shoppers the best through Keells brands, analysing and dissecting data at OCTAVE, optimising standards and processes at Cinnamon hotels, standardising the logistical services of JKLL, and even ways of showing your brands to supermarket shoppers in the best way possible with Elephant House! It has been the ride of a lifetime. But the unique aspect of this experience has been that alongside of the varying job roles, I was able to navigate through a series of recreational and sports activities that kept the momentum going!
Now I know 12 months is not such a long time, so sometimes I wonder, how I have gotten to know so many wonderful people from within the Group. Could it be from the late-night practices for “Tidings and Tinsel” the Group’s Christmas carols? Or no, the John Keells team for the 2023 Mercantile Swimming meet? Or could it be our staff volunteers at John Keells Foundation (JKF) projects? The possibilities are endless! And in my opinion, this is one of the best opportunities that the John Keells Group has offered me! Its not just to satisfy the sportspersons, but also giving, comperes, singers and dancers a stage, people with a passion for community service to wholeheartedly serve the country! The list goes on and on…
Lucky for me, my family has always encouraged me to take part in anything I wanted, be it singing, swimming, basketball, etc. Out of all the places I could have had my first job, I was fortunate enough for it to be at the John Keells Group, to find the exact environment that I was unconsciously craving! 12 months of the JKHMT programme? I have been able to work closely with over 7 of the Group businesses so far, work on several JKF projects, take part in the John Keells Group Inter-company and Mercantile Swimming meets, John Keells Group Christmas Carols, “Spotlight” the John Keells Group Talent Show , have a blast at the Corporate Centre Year End party, take part in women empowerment sessions and practice with the Group/JKH basketball team.
Walking into the head office on 1st September 2023, never did I imagine that I would be given the chance to navigate so many different paths. The first giveaway was when the MTs had to support at the 2023 Inter-Company Swimming Meet on our second day at the group! The notification of any Corporate Communications email has now turned into a spark of excitement, to see what new and interesting thing that is coming up next in the Group’s event calendar. This is only a fraction of all the explorations possible at the John Keells Group. I am looking forward to diversifying my networks and sign up for any exciting challenges or experiences that comes my way! The most adventures seem to lie within the most unassuming people and places so keep exploring!
