Biography of Deeshana Basnayake: Founder and CEO of Luhn- Entrepreneur
Biography of Deeshana Basnayake:
Academic Foundation: A Journey in Finance
Deeshana Basnayake’s professional journey began with a solid
academic foundation. She pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in
Finance at the University of Staffordshire from 2013 to 2016. This education
laid the groundwork for her future ventures, equipping her with the financial
expertise that would play a pivotal role in her career. Her deep understanding
of finance would prove valuable in the leadership positions she would soon take
on.
Early Experience at
HSBC: Building Customer Relationships
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Deeshana honed her
skills at HSBC, where she worked for over eight years, from 2007 to 2015. In
this role, she was responsible for managing relationships with the bank’s most
valued customers. Her responsibilities included acquiring and retaining a
portfolio of clients, as well as cross-selling services to enhance the bank’s
offerings. This experience sharpened her ability to work with diverse clients
and understand their financial needs, setting the stage for her transition into
the world of startups.
HealthNet: Pioneering Healthcare in Sri Lanka
In 2015, Deeshana co-founded HealthNet, Sri Lanka’s first
online pharmacy, aiming to revolutionize healthcare access in the country. The
platform quickly gained recognition for offering a wide range of prescription
and over-the-counter medications, all of which were dispensed by licensed
pharmacists. One of HealthNet's standout features was its 24-hour delivery
service, ensuring that customers had quick access to essential medications.
This innovation not only made healthcare more accessible but also set a precedent
in the region for online healthcare services.
HealthNet’s Strategic Partnerships
Under Deeshana's leadership, HealthNet also formed a
strategic partnership with the National University Hospital of Singapore
(NUHS), marking a milestone in Sri Lanka's healthcare industry. This
collaboration brought a new level of credibility and excellence to HealthNet,
ensuring that customers had access to superior healthcare services. By
fostering this relationship, HealthNet positioned itself as a trusted provider
of pharmaceutical services, further solidifying its place as a leader in the
online healthcare space.
Luhn: Transforming Businesses with AI and Sustainability
In September 2021, Deeshana took on a new challenge as the
CEO of Luhn, a strategic consultation and innovation firm based in Singapore.
At Luhn, she leads the charge in helping businesses achieve digital
transformation while focusing on sustainability. The firm uses emerging
technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain to assist
organizations in aligning their operations with sustainable practices. By
integrating these technologies, Luhn helps businesses streamline processes,
improve customer experiences, and drive long-term profitability.
Biography of Deeshana Basnayake: Founder and CEO of Luhn- Entrepreneur/AI and sustainability in business/startup/age/net worth/Luhn story/Deeshana B
Luhn’s Mission: Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
At Luhn, Deeshana is passionate about the idea that
sustainability should not be viewed as an ethical responsibility alone but also
as a competitive edge for businesses. Luhn works with its clients to
incorporate sustainability into the very core of their business strategies. By
leveraging AI and blockchain technologies, Luhn simplifies complex
sustainability practices, enabling businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices
that align with their environmental goals while still driving growth and
profitability.
The Role of AI in Sustainability
One of the key focuses at Luhn is the use of AI to promote
sustainable innovation. Deeshana believes that AI can play a significant role
in shaping a more sustainable future by improving efficiency, reducing waste,
and creating more eco-friendly solutions. Through the use of advanced AI tools,
Luhn helps businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions that not only benefit
their bottom lines but also contribute positively to the planet.
Blockchain for Transparency and Efficiency
Another technological tool at the forefront of Luhn’s
efforts is blockchain. Deeshana and her team see blockchain as an essential
tool for creating transparency in business operations and ensuring
accountability in sustainability efforts. Blockchain can be used to track the
environmental impact of business activities, enabling companies to demonstrate
their commitment to sustainable practices and build trust with stakeholders. By
utilizing blockchain, Luhn helps organizations implement solutions that are not
only efficient but also environmentally responsible.
Shaping Business Strategy through Design Thinking
At Luhn, Deeshana emphasizes the importance of design
thinking and data-driven insights in shaping business strategy. Design
thinking, a problem-solving approach that prioritizes empathy and creativity,
helps businesses navigate complex challenges and discover innovative solutions.
Luhn uses this approach to guide companies in integrating sustainability into
their operations, ensuring that sustainable practices are not just an
afterthought but a central part of the business’s long-term strategy.
The Future of Sustainability and Business Growth
Looking ahead, Deeshana is committed to helping
organizations reshape their approach to growth. By embracing sustainability as
a core part of their strategy, businesses can not only contribute to a better
world but also create long-term value for their stakeholders. Luhn’s mission is
to ensure that businesses can thrive while simultaneously nurturing the planet
for future generations. With Deeshana’s leadership, Luhn continues to pioneer a
new era where sustainable innovation is integral to business success.
Timeline for story
2007-2015: Works at HSBC, managing client relationships.
2013-2016: Pursues MBA in Finance at the University of
Staffordshire.
2015: Co-founds HealthNet, Sri Lanka's first online
pharmacy.
2015: HealthNet forms strategic partnership with National
University Hospital of Singapore.
September 2021: Becomes CEO of Luhn, focusing on AI and
sustainability in business.
