Breaking through “glass celing”

by Zanita Careem

Krishanti Weerakoon, is an etiquette expert dedicated to enhancing individual and corporate images through refined etiquette skills. Her journey is unique, being both the daughter and wife of diplomats. Born in New Delhi, India. she holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, She has lived and studied in countries across the globe, including Australia, Brazil, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Norway, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Nepal. As a humanitarian, she has worked with the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Mine Action, United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs and also as Director / Foreign Affairs at the Presidential Secretariat. Her extensive travels and experiences have significantly shaped her approach to etiquette and diplomacy.

Q. Growing up as a career diplomat’s daughter and marrying a diplomat – how has it helped in your career and life?

A.Growing up in a diplomat’s household and later marrying a diplomat has profoundly influenced my career and personal life. It has given me an unique perspective on international relations, cultural nuances, and the importance of soft power in diplomacy. It is not only the entertainment and glamour, but show casing the country and networking with people. My engagement with the international community and diplomacy has allowed me to excel as an etiquette coach and trainer, especially in diverse and multicultural environments.

Q. Tell us about your time when your professional and family responsibilities came into conflict.

A.Balancing professional and family responsibilities, especially in a diplomatic context, can be challenging. One instance was when I was conducting a high-profile training program while simultaneously managing the transition of our family to a new diplomatic posting. It required meticulous time management and clear communication to ensure neither my professional commitments nor my family’s needs were compromised.

Q. Your biggest work-life challenge?

A.The biggest challenge has been maintaining a balance between my career aspirations and the demands of being a diplomat’s spouse. Frequent relocations often disrupt professional continuity, but I’ve turned this challenge into an opportunity by adapting and contributing to different cultural and professional settings.

Q. How did you ensure your voice was heard when others were all men?

A.In environments dominated by men, particularly in diplomacy and international relations, I’ve always relied on my expertise and confidence to make my voice heard. I focus on bringing unique insights to discussions and ensuring my contributions are backed by knowledge and experience, which has helped in gaining respect and recognition.

Q. Can you share a formative experience that helped shape your leadership vision or style?

A.One formative experience was conducting a professional training program at the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) for diplomats from various countries. This experience underscored the importance of cross-cultural understanding and effective communication in leadership, which has since been central to my leadership style.

Q. What has been the single biggest factor in your success? What was your most difficult obstacle?

A.The biggest factor in my success has been adaptability—being able to navigate different cultures and environments seamlessly. The most difficult obstacle was overcoming the perception that a diplomat’s spouse should have a secondary role. I’ve worked hard to establish my identity and career independently, and it’s something I’m proud of.

Q. Can you talk about a situation in your career where you met the proverbial glass ceiling and how diplomatic training helped you to resolve it?

A. I encountered the glass ceiling early in my career, particularly in environments where my role as a diplomat’s wife overshadowed my professional abilities. My diplomatic training taught me the importance of patience, strategic communication, and persistence, which helped me break through those barriers and establish myself as an expert in my field.

Q. What do you like about what you do?

A. I love the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and help them refine their etiquette and social skills. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the transformation in their confidence and the positive impact it has on their professional and personal lives.

Q. What do you dislike?

A. The most challenging aspect is the constant need to prove oneself, especially when working in new environments where my reputation hasn’t preceded me. It can be exhausting to continually establish credibility, but it’s a necessary part of the journey.

Esala Ruwan Weerakoon and Krishanti Menaka Weerakoon

Q. Challenges facing women overseas?

 Women overseas, especially in diplomatic circles, often face challenges related to cultural expectations and gender roles. Balancing professional ambitions with the demands of diplomatic life requires resilience and a strong support system. Additionally, there’s the challenge of maintaining one’s career continuity amidst frequent relocations.

Q. Do you think women are important in the future for effective diplomacy?

A.Absolutely. Women bring a unique perspective to diplomacy, one that is often more collaborative and empathetic. As the global landscape becomes more interconnected, the role of women in diplomacy is crucial in fostering understanding and building bridges between nations.

Q. How has your experience as a woman in politics and diplomacy shaped you?

 A. My experiences have made me resilient, adaptable, and deeply aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity. Being in environments where I had to assert my voice has strengthened my leadership abilities and my commitment to empowering others, particularly women, in similar roles.

Q. Throughout your career, you’ve met many influential people. Who intrigued you the most and why?

A. Throughout my career, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting many esteemed dignitaries, including His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan. His visionary leadership and commitment to his people,s well-being were truly inspiring. What struck me most was his humility and his ability to balance authority with approachability effortlessly. This experience left a profound impact on me and has significantly shaped my approach to leadership.

Q. What has been the most memorable day or event of your career to date?

A.One of the most memorable moments was conducting training for diplomats from multiple countries under the aegis of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The opportunity to share my knowledge and see the immediate impact on the participants was incredibly fulfilling and reaffirmed my passion for this work.