COLOMBO ; Shameer Rasooldeen is the Group Director of the Capital Maharaja Group and heads operations at AF Jones Exporters Ceylon (Private) Limited. He is also the host of “Face the Nation ” a weekly current affairs show that covers issues of social and political relevance in Sri Lanka. Prior to this, Shameer was a journalist with News First for 26+ years, becoming the youngest director of English news at the Largest private media organization. He was adjudged Sri Lanka’s Outstanding Young.Personallty of the year In 2014 and was a Asia21 young Leader In 2017.He is a CNN Fellow (2007) and was awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Fellowship In 2012. Shameer has also won the best feature report of the year award at the CNN WR Awards in 2008 and on the Silver Medal at the United Nations Correspondents Awards in 2013 for his reporting. He is a qualified HR professional (POHRM: 2012) and holds a MBA (UK), Shameer is a visiting lecturer at the Charted institute of Personal Management and the Maharaja Institute of Management. He is also a CRISP fellow (2019) and followed the program at St Cross College, University of Oxford.
We are delighted to witness your continued success. Please share your success story with us.?
“ Embarking on my professional journey with News First , subsidiary of the Capital Maharaja Group. I assumed the role- of a news reporter immediately after completing my G.C.E. AL s_ The challenges were daunting, given my raw skills and Limited proficiency in English. Recognizing the need to perform, I adopted a goal-oriented and result-driven mindset at 18. I firmly believed that persistence was the sole path to realizing my ambitions.
During my first year at News 1st. I undertook a rigorous schedule. working the 4:30 am -1:30 pm shift for Yes fm News and subsequently transitioning to the MTV News bulletin between 2 pm and 10 pm. This demanding routine left me with just three hours of sleep, get I wouLd be back in the saddle by 4 am the following day_ This arduous cycle persIsted for a year, compelling me to understand the industry Intricately and perform with commitment, integrity, and loyalty, Identifying my strengths and weakneses. I strived daily to elevate the benchmarks I set for myself.
As time progressed, I started working for Channel News Asia and CNN and filed 50 stories, I went on to become the youngest Director of News at a media network In Sri Lanka at the age of 25. and went on to win two international. awards for my reporting and was selected as a CNN, Dag Hammarsjkold, a CRISP fellow at the University of Oxford and was part of the ASIA 21 Future Leaders Alumni_
The turning point in 2016 saw me entrusted witii overseeing the export operations of the group at the age of 31 Despite lacking a background in tea, I immersed myself in Learning , applying my newfound knowledge diligently.
Within eighteen months, the export cluster emerged as the fastest-growing company within the Capital Maharaja Group. transforming us Into a formidable force in the Sri Lanka tea industriy. Today, at the age of 37. I proudly hold the title of the youngest sitting member on the Board of Directors al the Capital. Maharaja Group. My gratitude extends to the Late Chairman, Mr R. Rajamahendran, and the current Chairman, Mr, Sashi Rajamahendran, for opening doors for me In the Group, I would also Re to thank Mr. Chevaan Daniel and Mr Jayantha Monnekulame, my mentors in News and Exports, respectively.
2. As a past student of CIPM, we wouLd like to understand how has your education at CIPM helped you to reach where you are today
Completing POHRM in 2012 provided me with a unique perspective on managing people and understanding the IntrIcacks of HR, Recognizing that people are the driving force behind organizational growth, I grasped the importance of innovation, the role of people in driving business, and the significant Impact of teamwork, In an era dominated by ArtifrciaL Intelligence, the Human Touch should never be overlooked.
Having held Leadership positions at News 1st and AF Jones, my background in HR played a crucial role In formulating effective company strategies.. In 2016. the success of AF Jones hinged on a cultural shift„ aligning staff with company goals, and ensuring their growth paralleled that of the company. Armed with POHRM1 navigated tile challenges that Investing
people requires thoLightful Warming, ensuring a meaningful Return on I ilvestment. and aligning withi the short-term and Long-term strategies of the organization.
How do you view CIPM staying updated with the latest trends and developments in the HR industry.
Over my ten years with the CIPM Faculty I’ve witnessed a Commitment to staying current with the evolving nuances of the HR sphere. The continuous evolution of the course, particularly in response to post-Covid changes and the advent of AI in HR, reflects the dedication to keeping the curriculum relevant and up-to-date.. This commitment not only prepares students for significant roles but also prepares them to become CEOs capable of contributing in boardrooms.
Lastly, what advice would you offer to aspiring HR professionals who are looking to make an impact in the field?
“Reach for the stars; At Least you will end up on n treetop’ Is saying I disagree with. One should never settle for anything less than reaching the stars. If you can aim for the stars, persist until you achieve it, for sittina on a treetop should never be an option.
When selecting a company, do so not merely for a Jobs but with the intention of building a career.
Success doesn’t come effortlessly, ambition is crucial, but remember that only persistence will propel you towards achieving your goals. In conclusion, always keep In mind, “Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive ln.”
If I could do it, Certainly you can. All opportunities are out there, go and get them.!! “
