Shehara Varia is a distinguished Attorney at Law, having served the legal community in Sri Lanka for over 30 years. Currently, she is a Partner at F.J. & G. de Saram, one of the leading commercial law firms in the country. Shehara heads the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) and Employment Practice Group of the firm, while also playing an integral role in both management and policy of the firm. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Shehara Varia as one of the Market Disruptor: Women Leaders to Watch 2024.
Beyond her work at the firm, Shehara is deeply involved in initiatives that contribute to the development of commercial law in Sri Lanka. She is a director at the Institute for the Development of Commercial Law and Practice (ICLP), a pro bono project initiated by her firm in 1996. She also serves as a director of the International ADR Center Sri Lanka, a joint venture between ICLP and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Both institutions aim to enhance the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework in Sri Lanka, and Shehara dedicates a significant portion of her time to these endeavors. Additionally, she holds the position of Deputy Chair of the Sri Lankan branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB), UK. She is also an accredited mediator from the London School of Mediation and the Singapore International Mediation Institute.
Shehara’s journey in the legal profession began with a strong foundation. She started her career working closely with a family friend who was a well-respected lawyer, which allowed her to gain valuable insights and experience in various legal matters. This early exposure helped her develop a solid understanding of the law, which has continued to serve her well throughout her career. She later joined the ICLP, where she assisted in setting up an arbitration center, parallely fueling her passion for M&A. Her transition into leadership roles within her firm was driven by her interest in combining management with legal practice. Recognizing her potential, the firm’s head at the time involved her in the management aspects of the firm. This experience allowed her to grow both as a lawyer and a leader, a path she has followed with passion ever since.
“Success as a professional is important, but giving back to the community is what truly defines a legacy.”
Shehara brings a unique blend of practicality and business acumen to her work, particularly in the M&A field. She understands the importance of aligning legal strategies with business needs, recognizing that sometimes, businesses must take calculated risks to achieve their goals. This approach has allowed her to successfully navigate the complexities of M&A transactions across various industries, each offering a new perspective and learning opportunity. When faced with challenges, Shehara believes in taking a step back to reassess and refine her strategies, all while staying true to her core values. Her ability to remain grounded in her principles has been key to her continued success.
To stay ahead in a competitive industry, Shehara emphasizes the importance of staying relevant and continuously learning. Her commitment to providing timely, practical, and sustainable solutions to her clients, along with her unwavering availability, has been a cornerstone of her practice. Shehara Varia recognizes the immense value that diversity brings to any organization or industry. She is a strong advocate for formulating teams with diverse perspectives, believing that this approach leads to more innovative and effective solutions. In her leadership roles, Shehara ensures that diversity and inclusion are at the forefront, fostering an environment where different viewpoints are encouraged and respected.
For aspiring women leaders looking to make their mark, Shehara offers straightforward advice: there is no substitute for hard work. She emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself, whether through personal well-being or professional development. By dedicating time and effort to growth, both personally and professionally, women can distinguish themselves and make a significant impact in their respective fields.
“Technology should assist the mind, not replace it—there is nothing more powerful than the mind.”
Balancing professional success with personal well-being is a challenge that Shehara addresses with a realistic mindset. She acknowledges that it may not always be possible to have everything perfectly balanced, but believes that with the right mindset, it is possible to achieve most of what one desires. Shehara stresses the importance of prioritizing, understanding that there will be times when personal needs must take precedence over work, and vice versa. With experience, she has learned to make these decisions more effectively, allowing her to maintain both a fulfilling career and personal life.
In driving her business forward, Shehara leverages technology as a tool for efficiency rather than a crutch. She firmly believes that there is nothing more powerful than the human mind, and that technology should be used to enhance, not replace, the mind’s capabilities. This approach has allowed her to harness the benefits of technological advancements while ensuring that critical thinking and creativity remain central to her work.
A recent accomplishment that Shehara is particularly proud of is receiving the award for ‘Leadership in the Field of Legal Sector’ at the Top50 Professional & Career Women Global Awards in 2023, presented by Women in Management. This recognition is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and impact in the legal industry.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in Shehara’s approach to fostering the next generation of women leaders. She believes that mentoring is not just about giving advice, but also about leading by example. By demonstrating integrity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence, Shehara hopes to inspire and guide future leaders. In an ever-changing market landscape, Shehara stays agile and adaptable by remaining open to learning new things and staying informed about global developments. She also believes in investing in oneself as a brand, continually refining her skills and knowledge to stay relevant and effective.
As she looks to the future, Shehara hopes to leave a legacy as a hardworking, competent professional with unwavering integrity. Through her work with the ICLP and the International ADR Center, Shehara is committed to using her skills to give back to the community, ensuring that her contribution extends beyond her professional achievements.
“There is no shortcut to working hard; investing in yourself and relying on your core values is what can make you different.”