By Dr. Sulochana Segera
With over a decade of experience in the shipping and logistics industry, Bhagya Wettasinghe has risen through the ranks to become a dynamic and results-driven leader in a field still largely dominated by men. Currently the Senior Manager of Business Development at Rubteco International, formerly known as C.H. Robinson Sri Lanka, Bhagya is a force to be reckoned with in the world of third-party logistics (3PL). Backed by a Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Birmingham City University and a B.Sc. in International Marketing from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, she brings a rare combination of strategic insight, multidisciplinary skills, and unshakable passion to her work. From winning national sales awards to pioneering new ventures in the pharmaceutical industry, Bhagya’s journey reflects grit, adaptability, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. In this candid interview, she shares her story, in her own words, of how she built a thriving career and a balanced life.
Q You have over a decade of experience in sales, logistics, and supply chain management. What initially drew you to this industry, and how has your journey evolved over the years?
To be honest, logistics wasn’t something I planned. As a child, I wanted to become a Japanese language translator. I studied the language right through my O/Ls and A/Ls, taught both Japanese and English during my early academic years, and even tried to get into the Japanese Embassy. But after many attempts, I realised I needed to pivot. I explored different fields, from banking at HSBC to healthcare at GlaxoSmithKline and cloud HR solutions at hSenid. Each of these roles gave me exposure and confidence, but when I stepped into the logistics industry, something clicked. I felt a sense of purpose. Pursuing my MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management helped formalise that passion, and over the last decade, I’ve refined my skills, led major accounts, and grown into my role at Rubteco International. It’s been an evolution of learning, resilience, and finding joy in a field I now truly love.
Q C.H. Robinson is a Fortune 250 multinational. How different was the experience of working in a global 3PL compared to your earlier roles?
It was a whole different world. My earlier jobs taught me valuable skills, especially in marketing, sales, and client handling, but working in a global 3PL like C.H. Robinson took everything up a notch. The pace was intense. You’re juggling time zones, customs clearances, client deadlines, and pricing strategies; all at once. There’s very little room for error. What challenged me initially was the perception that logistics sales is a man’s domain. I had to break through those assumptions and let my performance do the talking. I learned to thrive under pressure, work smarter, and bring strategic thinking to every client relationship. More than anything, it turned me into a global business leader, not just a local salesperson.
Q As a Senior Business Development Manager, how do you approach building long-term relationships with global clients in such a competitive industry?
It starts with results. In logistics, people don’t just want a supplier, they want a reliable partner. My approach has always been to understand the client’s business deeply and then deliver consistently. I’m passionate about what I do, and I think clients can feel that. It’s not just about selling a service, it’s about helping them solve problems. I’ve also learned that leadership matters: guiding your team, creating a culture of accountability, and being there for the client every step of the way. That’s how I earned recognition as the “National Champion of the Year” in 2019 and “Best Sales Performer” in 2018. These awards mean a lot to me because they reflect the relationships I’ve built and the trust clients place in me.
Q Many professionals struggle to balance target-driven roles with team development. How do you manage being both a results-driven leader and an inspiring team builder?
I don’t see the two as separate. If you want to achieve results, you need a strong team behind you. For me, it starts with leading by example. When my team sees me meeting global RFQ deadlines, handling high-value accounts, and staying on top of industry changes, they feel motivated. But leadership isn’t just about performance, it’s about empowerment. I focus on mentoring my team, sharing knowledge, and making sure they feel confident and capable. At the end of the day, we all rise together. I take personal pride in seeing others succeed around me, because that’s how we create long-term, sustainable growth, not just for the company, but for Sri Lanka’s logistics sector as a whole.
Q From International Marketing to Logistics & Supply Chain, your academic journey is impressive. How has your multidisciplinary background shaped your career success?
It’s been a game-changer. My B.Sc. in International Marketing gave me a solid grounding in how customers think, what drives buying decisions, and how to position a service. That foundation is essential in business development. But as I got deeper into logistics, I knew I needed technical expertise too. That’s why I pursued my Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It helped me connect the dots between theory and practice, especially in areas like global procurement, inventory systems, and risk mitigation. I’m a big believer in blending academic insight with real-world experience. It gives me the confidence to lead major commercial projects and handle complex client portfolios with clarity and purpose.
Q You’ve also mastered Japanese and earned global qualifications in IT and HR. How do these diverse skills complement your work in business development in logistics?
These skills give me an edge. My Japanese language proficiency isn’t just about communication—it’s about cultural intelligence. It helped me win a scholarship to Japan and gave me firsthand exposure to international business etiquette. My IT qualification from the British Computer Society helps me navigate digital systems, ERP platforms, and analytics tools that are critical in modern logistics. I can sit in a room with tech teams and understand both the business and the backend. On the HR side, my training from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management helps me with recruitment, team dynamics, and leadership.
Business development today isn’t just about selling, it’s about building teams, managing data, and adapting to global cultures. My multidisciplinary background allows me to do all three.
Q Beyond your corporate career, you’re venturing into the pharmaceutical industry with Nu-Life Bio Tech and surgical equipment distribution. What motivated you to take this entrepreneurial leap?
After spending years in the corporate world, I felt ready to create something of my own. My husband and I co-founded Nu-Life Bio Tech, focusing on high-strength injectable antibiotics for both the local and export markets. It’s a sector I’ve always been curious about, especially given my earlier exposure to healthcare at GSK. More recently, I also partnered with a surgical equipment distributor, an authorised agent for SpaceLabs Healthcare. These ventures allow me to apply everything I’ve learned in logistics, sales, and business development to a new and impactful space. It’s a big step, but one that excites me. I love the challenge of building something from the ground up.
Q How do you manage motherhood, marriage, and a demanding career?
It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to be intentional with my time. I don’t try to be perfect; I try to be present. When I’m at work, I give it 100%. When I’m with my children, I switch off from work and focus on them. I prioritise their education and well-being just as much as I do my client deadlines. My husband has been incredibly supportive, especially with our shared business. It’s truly a partnership. I’ve also become more efficient over the years. You learn how to plan, how to delegate, and how to be kind to yourself. I don’t see work and home as two competing worlds, I see them as parts of a whole life that I’m building with purpose.
Q What advice would you give young women aspiring to break into leadership roles in male-dominated industries like shipping and logistics?
First and foremost; let passion guide you. Without passion, it’s easy to burn out or give up when things get tough. Logistics isn’t easy, but if you love what you do, it fuels you. Secondly, build your skillset, don’t just rely on what you already know. Learn new systems, get certifications, understand the market from every angle. Multidisciplinary knowledge is your advantage. Third, let your results speak for themselves. In any industry, especially a male-dominated one, numbers matter. Finally, surround yourself with the right people. Seek mentors. Join networks like WIM. Learn from others who’ve walked the path. And once you’ve made it, help someone else do the same.
RAPID FIRE ROUND
Work or family - what comes first in your heart? For me, it’s not about choosing one over the other, but integrating both in a way that allows me to excel in each role.
Morning person or night owl? A night owl.
One word your colleagues would use to describe you? Passionate.
Your biggest strength at work? My self-confidence and genuine passion for what I do.
Coffee or tea? Coffee to kickstart the day with energy.
A book or movie that inspired you most? Several!
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki shifted my mindset from working for money to having money work for me.
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, taught me the value of defensive investing.
Atomic Habits by James Clear, reminded me that small, consistent actions shape who we become.
One habit that keeps you productive? Completing tasks accurately, even in fast-paced environments with conflicting deadlines.
Your favourite travel destination? Japan.
If not in logistics, what career would you have chosen?A Japanese translator.
One piece of advice you live by? The only way to do great work is to love what you do, and focus on controlling the controllables.
