She has worked at the World Bank for over twenty-five years. As a Senior Technical Specialist, she has managed projects in both Education and Social Protection sectors. She was previously based in Afghanistan, where she functioned as Country Sector Coordinator covering Health, Education and Social Protection, and managing a portfolio of over USD ($) one billion. She has also lived and worked in Malawi as a Senior Technical Advisor for a USAID microfinance project. She has worked extensively on designing, implementing and evaluating safety net programs (cash transfers, public works) as well as social fund and community-driven development operations; she has also published extensively on these topics. Throughout her career, she has focused on a range of cross-sector issues including microfinance, community-driven development, gender, decentralization and local governance. She has provided technical support to over twenty country programs and has worked in several fragile state and post conflict countries, including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Liberia, Northern Uganda, Northern Sri Lanka, Sierra Leone, Somalia, etc.
Throughout her long career she has empowered and changed the lives of thousands of men, women and children across the globe. She has empowered communities and shifted their economic ecosystem granting some of the world’s poorest equal opportunities in education, healthcare and social protection. She is an astute, assertive, courageous, motivated Power Woman who now envisions bringing some of her knowledge back to Sri Lanka. With her magnetic personality and adventurous career, she is a true global local; Samantha de Silva.
Share with us in summary details of your corporate journey; from classroom to boardroom.
I grew up in Sri Lanka and had my primary education here at Ladies College, Colombo. In many ways, Ladies College contributed greatly to who I am today. We were taught to stand up for what we believed in, and to contribute to society. I still remember some of the great teachers we had at Ladies, many who took a special interest in guiding us, Mrs. Saro Nagendra, Mrs. Sirancee Gunewardene, Miss Sylvia Goonetilleke, etc. I left for the US on holiday with every intention of coming back, but given the tumultuous political situation here at the start of the civil war, I ended up attending university in the US and completing my Undergraduate Degree at University of Maryland. Subsequently, I went to Oxford University, UK to complete a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. My journey to the “boardroom” was a bit circuitous, and involved a stint living in Malawi, Southern Africa.
My first ‘real’ job was at FINCA International, one of the first microfinance agencies in the US. Whilst, FINCA had many programs in Latin America, they had none in Africa. After learning the business, FINCA methodology involved giving small loans to women and incentivizing them to invest in their businesses and save, I wrote my first proposal to USAID, asking for funding to set up FINCA’s first program in Africa. My time at FINCA came to an end, or so I thought, when I got accepted into Cambridge University, UK, to study for a Master’s Degree. I was preparing to start at Cambridge when I got the call. USAID had accepted our proposal and was willing to fund a FINCA program in Malawi. “Not bad for a rookie!” said Rupert Scofield, who headed FINCA, “but now, you need to move there and make your vision a reality.” The decision to leave Cambridge University and move to Africa was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Every single adult in my life advised me against moving to Africa. Yet, looking back, leaving Cambridge University, and moving to Malawi was one of the best decisions I made. Malawi, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and with some of the most amazing people, became my home very quickly.
I remember that first day walking out of the Mt. Soche Hotel in Blantyre with the mandate from Washington to find an office, hire a team and start the program, without knowing whether to turn left or right as I exited the gates of the hotel! With a ninety-eight percent repayment rate, the FINCA Malawi program, soon became a ‘star’ program for USAID. Many senior diplomats, senators, congressmen and the likes were brought to showcase the women who had started doing incredible things with the little capital they received. “Madam, come and see my shop,” “Madam, meet my daughter who is now in school,” “Madam, come and see the new health post we built,” they shouted every time I visited a village. FINCA women started running for public office in various capacities bringing a sea of change to the political establishment in Malawi. I was addicted. Not only was I young, but at the time I was the only South Asian woman leading a large US-funded program in the country. It gave me firsthand knowledge of how development works. It also gave me access to senior level policy-makers from both the US and Malawi as they visited the program to see firsthand how these micro loans, financed by the US taxpayer, impacted the lives of so many women in one of the poorest countries in the world.
When I left Malawi, I was invited to apply to the World Bank by their Resident Representative in Malawi. I didn’t. I was far too scared of the World Bank which always seemed to me a formidable institution. My intention was to go back to FINCA headquarters. However, soon after I returned to the US, I was called in for an interview at the World Bank. At my interview we talked a lot about my Malawi experience, and I was asked about how I would change the World Bank. My answer then and today remains, we must empower not just governments but also communities, and especially the women in those communities. After going through a set of gruelling interviews, I joined the World Bank in 1996. I struggled the first two years. I was in a completely unfamiliar and highly competitive environment.
The World Bank at the time was headed primarily by men who all seemed daunting to me. Daunting, not only because I encountered some of the most brilliant minds; Joseph Stieglitz, Larry Summers, Ismail Serageldin, Kaushik Basu, Shanta Devarajan, Nick Stern, etc., but because the job we were tasked with doing seemed formidable.
There were very few support systems for young people at the Bank at the time, and we were left to sink or swim. There were many a night I sat in my office late at night crying. My first mission travel was to Morocco. I was terrified. I stayed up late preparing and ended up falling asleep at my desk. The kind security guard woke me up well past midnight. A few years later, however, and with the guidance of some excellent Managers, I found my feet. My passion for empowering communities had transformed into how the World Bank could channel funds through governments to communities. One of my first books to be published by the World Bank, “Communities taking the Lead: Direct Financing of Communities,” was republished several times and translated into French, Spanish and Russian. It was my first high in the Bank!
At the same time, I started working in post conflict areas; one of my first trips was to Nebbi and Arua in Northern Uganda where the Minister of Peace and Reconciliation, was just starting talks with the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) rebels. It was incredibly exciting, the thought of a new beginning for Northern Uganda. I was also impressed with how skilled the negotiators were and how subtle the nuances of what they were discussing: indeed, peace depended upon it. Suddenly, I could see how the World Bank made a difference by helping governments in places where no one else even wanted to visit. I knew I had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people. And suddenly, just like that, I was in love with my job! Twenty-five years later, I still am.
Share with us some highlights from your personal journey.
My personal journey resembles many young women of my generation. When I left school, I was a woman with little confidence and with no real idea of who I was or what I wanted to do. In fact, growing up I didn’t think much about a career. I remember my father being asked by one of his buddies what Samantha was doing now, and my father replied dryly, “her nails, mostly!” Moving, to the US made me grow up very quickly. Even though for the first year I lived with my mother’s sister, a Professor of Obstetrics, I had to learn to be independent, manage my own finances, travel, and gradually make my own decisions. For part of that time, I worked as a waitress to supplement my income.
My exposure to the world came because of the line of work I chose, economic development. Nearly every job I did introduced me to a new country and a new culture. Of course, joining the World Bank gave me amazing opportunities.
I have worked in over twenty countries and provided Technical Advice to over forty, leading teams in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Northern Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Mongolia, Somalia, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Jamaica, and more. My personal growth was very much influenced by the countries I visited, the people I met and the type of work that I did. It made me realize that human beings everywhere are the same. There are good and bad in every culture and in every religion. No one culture or nationality is better than the other. I have seen courage, kindness, and incredible intellect in some of the places where I least expected it.
How did you move forward when everyone kept telling you that your suggestions or ideas wouldn’t work?
First, many of us don’t even put forward our ideas let alone wait for people to criticize them! We have so many hang ups; some of us hate to speak in public, others lose their confidence in front of seniors, some don’t feel their language skills are good enough, etc. It’s important to realize that these are all stumbling blocks that we set up in our own minds, and I am no different. I am very nervous to speak at large forums, but I believe there are tools we can use to get over some of these hang ups. Knowing a topic thoroughly builds your confidence and allows you to contribute in a way that adds value. But to know your topic, you must prepare. Even today, I do a lot of background research by reading up, meeting relevant specialists, and making detailed notes before I embark on a new venture. I also try not to take things personally if someone doesn’t like an idea I present. At the World Bank there is a strong culture of critiquing and peer review which often makes us better as a team. Finally, even if it is uncomfortable, you must have the courage to stand up for what you believe in and speak your truth.
What have been some of the biggest challenges in your life?
Hands down, my biggest challenge was losing my father in a car accident when I was young. He was the biggest force in my life. He believed in me and his death had a huge impact on my life. I was twenty years old with no anchor, and it took me a long time to get over it. However, his death also made me more resilient, and very much more responsible for my actions. At a more professional level, especially in my early career, not having the courage to speak up was a stumbling block. As for many women, discussions about salary, promotions, or indeed recognition were very uncomfortable. Unlike my male colleagues, I often accepted whatever I was offered because I was too embarrassed to negotiate. Later in my career, whenever I had to have a difficult discussion, I often turned for advice to a friend who is a professional coach. This helped me to figure out exactly what I want and how to articulate it. A good professional coach can make a significant difference in how you approach your challenges.
Do you ever think – “Am I crazy?"
I don’t think I am crazy, but I am sure many others do!
How did you secure a job at the World Bank, competing against some of the best brains globally?
Yes, the World Bank is a formidable institution and one that I am very proud to be part of. It also can be very intimidating. Jobs at the World Bank are highly competitive with some of the best minds from around the world competing. After I joined the World Bank, I remember being told that there was a long list of over sixty candidates who had applied for the same position. However, I think even at junior levels, which I was when I joined the Bank, true passion for your work comes through in interviews. I also know that my practical work experience in Malawi made a significant impact on the interview panel. At an age when many young people had only a Degree, I had taken a risk, moved to Malawi and managed a successful development program. This probably was my biggest advantage.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
Most definitely my friends. I have so many successful women (and men) in my life, and I rarely make any major decision without talking to them first. I must stress that it is not only professional women or career women who I have in my circle. My friends come from many different backgrounds, professionals, homemakers, retirees, artists, etc., and cut across generations. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a circle of good friends, especially for young women. Friends that you can trust, get advice, discuss issues, be proud of, and of course have a good laugh! If I must name one person who inspired me, however, it would be June Somasundaram. Had she been alive “Aunty June” as I called her, would be 92 years old. She was a surrogate mother to me after my mother passed away and was one of the smartest and most gracious people I knew. She inspires me to be a better person even today.
Your biggest regret?
This is a tough question. My biggest regret I believe is having left Sri Lanka when I was so young. I missed my parents, yearned to come back and always wondered what my life would have been if I had stayed. Moving to America gave me an enormously exciting life, but it also came at a cost. I lost touch with many of my friends, didn’t see my family as often as I would have liked and missed many important life events; births, deaths, weddings, etc., that I would have loved to have been part of.
What is your biggest fear and how do you manage it?
My cousins say I am a ‘worrier’ because I have many fears! But, one that haunted me for many years is financial insecurity. Even though I always had a stable job, I was worried about money. There was a period in my life when I was in college that I lived a hand-to-mouth existence. In fact, nearly all of us who went abroad to study in the 1980’s hardly had any money.
While going to school we worked two or three jobs to make ends meet. Quite often at the end of the month (and even after working many jobs), I had less than US $ 10 in my bank account! Why I wondered do I bounce so many checks in the US when it never happened in Sri Lanka. It took a while for me to realize that in Sri Lanka, I had a joint account with my father who kept filling it up. Being able to manage your fear is an important element of your growth as well as your success. Talking through your fears with someone helps, as does writing them down. I usually make a list of everything I am stressed about! Seeing them written down on a piece of paper (in the daylight!) somehow makes it easier to handle. Another trick I use when I am worried is to take ‘the fear’ to its logical conclusion. So, I become destitute, what then? How would I manage? Where would I live? - which makes you realize that even in a worst-case scenario you always have options.
Do you think you would have succeeded in your career if you were married and had kids?
Yes, of course. I have many friends who are mothers who have done fantastically well in their careers. Not only that, but I also have many friends who are single parents, who have done very well. The issue is not whether you are married or have children, it is what you prioritize and how you manage your time. A close friend of mine is married, has four children, a successful career and is now studying to be a lawyer! At the same time, I believe strongly that the decision to have children is a personal one and should not be made under pressure, and it certainly should not be made because that is what society expects of you. Too many of us progress from school, to job, to marriage, to children without really paying attention as to whether this is what we want. In these instances, there is often a high cost to pay both for the individual and for the children.
How did you keep your team motivated despite conflicts and obstacles?
I have always enjoyed leading teams as well as being part of a team. Leading a team at the World Bank can be quite an experience. Not only are World Bank teams made up of highly qualified specialists, but they also come from many different countries and cultures leading to some very interesting situations. As a team leader my priorities are to make sure everyone including the most junior person is heard and taken seriously. I also try to ensure that each person has the space to make their contribution without being micromanaged by anyone else, including by me. Indeed, I believe the job of a good team leader is to create the space to allow team members to be their most productive. I also believe that if you are genuinely interested in your teammates and colleagues and take the time to find out who they are and what motivates them, you end up building much better teams and more long-lasting relationships. I also encourage (and often pay for) informal gatherings for my teams, nothing can beat a fun, relaxed dinner when you are in the middle of a difficult problem in a strange country!
What have been some of your career highlights so far?
One of the main highlights of my career was the five years I lived and worked in Afghanistan managing a portfolio of over one billion dollars, covering Health, Education, and Social Protection. Education was the most politicized and securitized sector in Afghanistan and was often the primary focus of the struggle between the Government and the Taliban. As the leader of the education team for the World Bank and the largest donor for the sector, I was often at the forefront, meeting policy-makers, academics, teachers, and students, and having to navigate a fine line between promoting a secular education, including for girls which the Government wanted while also considering the more conservative attitudes of the Taliban and its supporters. Outside of Kabul, Afghanistan was still a very rural, conservative society.
I remember a complex negotiation we had to be a part of as the Government discussed with the representatives of fundamentalist groups how women should be depicted in primary school textbooks. The fundamentalists only wanted a traditional portrayal of women while the Government wanted to show women engaged in all spheres, as doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. The Government won only after a long arduous negotiation.
When I left Afghanistan, the Afghan senate presented me with an award written in Dari thanking me for my service to the country. I had visited 17 out of 34 provinces in the middle of a war and they truly appreciated my efforts. As far as I know, I am the only staff from a donor agency who received this honour. I am very proud of it. I was asked to work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2017, leading one of the largest social protection programs in the country. The program was primarily in the East where there was political instability as well as a looming Ebola crisis. My first response was to refuse the offer. Congo was considered a difficult country and Ebola was an unknown, but much scarier I would have to work entirely in French!
I had studied French many moons ago at Ladies College. It would need significant improvement if I was to work productively in Congo. I was torn. I wanted to take on the challenge but felt my language skills inadequate. Meetings, including in the Bank office in Kinshasa were held entirely in French. Despite having a translator, I knew I was not going to be successful if I didn’t improve my French. So, I began to study, in my old age, starting with a French immersion course in the South of France, then daily private French lessons in Washington DC. I listened to French radio, watched French news, and finally became quite addicted to French cartoons. By the time I left, I was able to converse with my counterparts, negotiate program design, and sometimes even joke in French!
When I had to leave the DRC portfolio in 2020, the Government team wrote a compelling letter to the Bank requesting that I remain in the position. I was delighted! The same leaders in Government who had been hesitant about a non-French speaker coming on board, was now writing to the World Bank management asking me to stay. This was one of my proudest achievements.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?
Relax and enjoy the ride!
What was the biggest rookie mistake you made when just starting out?
I still make rookie mistakes! I think one of the biggest mistakes I made was to assume that simply because people liked me and were nice to me that they would also support me. There are many people you will meet in your professional career who will be nice to you, and that’s important, but there are only very few who will genuinely go out to bat for you when there is a crisis. And it’s up to you to know the difference.
Have you been harassed or discriminated against?
In large organizations there are always situations which can make you uncomfortable, however I can say that I never felt either harassed or discriminated to the point where it affected my job or my performance. Today, unlike when I first starting working, there are many avenues for young people to get support, whether it is through grievance readdress systems, whistle blowing mechanisms, ethics officers, mediation counsellors, etc. All, important additions to make the workplace safer, more equitable and ultimately more productive.
What advice would you share with young Sri Lankan professionals?
I would say don’t underestimate the value of being prepared. Whether it be for a meeting with a client, negotiating a contract, or making a presentation, doing your background research and preparing yourself is critical. It’s a very small percentage of people who can ‘wing it.’ If you don’t prepare, if you haven’t read the pertinent documents, paid attention to the discussions, or done your homework, don’t be surprised if your ideas are dismissed. I have said this to many young professionals over the years including to Sri Lankans, be on time, go the extra mile, think of what your client may need before they ask, and always be one step ahead. Trust me your Manager will appreciate it.
What are your thoughts on fashion in Sri Lanka?
This is an interesting topic because I love fashion. I love seeing the catwalks and reading fashion magazines. Recently, I was very impressed by the young designers at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week here in Colombo. Yet, I believe that dressing simply and a little conservatively makes a louder statement than when we dress to impress. In the US, there is a trend now to deliberately dress down, the richest person in the room is usually the one dressed the most casually. We see this particularly in the tech world with people like Mark Zuckerberg who never display their wealth. For young people their fashion statement has also become their political statement. I admire this, and I believe it will revolutionize the fashion industry.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
I have just moved back to Sri Lanka after thirty-six years of being overseas. I hope to be able to give back to Sri Lanka in some meaningful way. Whether that is in the private sector or public sphere, I am not yet sure. I am open to ideas!
Share with us a secret no-one else knows.
I love music but I am a terrible singer! I can’t sing a note!!
What is the best and worst decision you've ever made?
The best decision I made, as I said earlier, was to take a chance, follow my heart and move to Malawi against everyone’s better judgement! I have made many poor decisions, but the decision to elope, when my father said no to my marriage, may be one of the top three!
How do you want to be remembered one day?
I would like to be remembered as a person who was courageous, did what she thought was right and always stood up for what she believed in.
