Biography of Jehan Ratnatunga: Founder and VP of Who Gives a Crap- Entrepreneur
Jehan Ratnatunga’s Journey to Who Gives a Crap
Jehan Ratnatunga is a dynamic individual who is currently
the Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Who Gives a Crap, an innovative
social enterprise selling eco-friendly toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues.
What sets this company apart is its commitment to donating 50% of its profits
to build toilets for those who need them the most. Jehan’s journey to this
position, however, is shaped by years of strategic leadership and a strong passion
for creating positive change in the world.
Education and Early Career
A graduate of the University of Melbourne, Jehan holds a
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics, which laid the foundation for his
problem-solving skills and his ability to think strategically. While his
academic background was rooted in engineering, his career took a turn toward
the corporate world, where he worked for several prestigious companies,
including The Boston Consulting Group. This early experience in consulting
helped Jehan develop a strong understanding of business strategy and growth.
Rise to Leadership at YouTube
Jehan's career took a significant leap when he joined
YouTube in 2011, initially as a strategy principal. He quickly became an
essential part of the team, contributing to YouTube's growth and direction. His
talent and leadership were recognized, leading him to become the Global Head of
Programming Strategy for YouTube Originals, a role he held from 2016 to 2019.
During this time, Jehan played a key role in shaping the content strategy for
YouTube, overseeing a team responsible for the development of YouTube's
entertainment and original programming.
Transition to Who Gives a Crap
In 2010, Jehan took a leap of faith and co-founded Who Gives
a Crap alongside his colleagues. The company’s unique model—selling sustainable
products while giving back to those in need—was inspired by Jehan's desire to
make a direct impact on global issues. The venture's ethos of social
responsibility and environmental sustainability resonated with him deeply. He
saw it as a way to apply his strategic business expertise to a cause that could
truly make a difference in the world.
Biography of Jehan Ratnatunga: Founder and VP of Who Gives a Crap/entrepreneur /startup/investor/age/net worth#YouTube Originals#Who Gives a Crap
Focusing on Growth with Purpose
As Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Who Gives a
Crap, Jehan is responsible for driving the company's expansion. His role
involves identifying new markets, acquiring customers, and scaling operations
in a way that is both financially sustainable and impactful. Unlike traditional
companies, Who Gives a Crap is driven not just by profit, but by its mission to
improve global sanitation. This purpose makes Jehan’s work at the company
particularly fulfilling, as he sees a clear link between business growth and
tangible social impact.
The Challenge of Balancing Growth with Impact
Jehan admits that the balance between growing the business
and ensuring the company’s promise to make a difference is challenging. The
pressure to maintain profitability while scaling the business is ever-present.
He is constantly thinking about how to grow sustainably—making sure that every
dollar spent on marketing, customer acquisition, or expansion will pay off in
the long term. For Jehan, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the company
is not just a business goal but a moral obligation to the cause the company
supports.
The Reward of Sustainable Growth
Jehan finds deep satisfaction in knowing that his efforts in
growing the business lead directly to helping people in need. He takes pride in
the fact that, because of his work, Who Gives a Crap has been able to donate
millions of dollars to build toilets and improve sanitation in underserved
communities. This impact is a driving force for Jehan, motivating him to push
through the challenges of balancing growth with sustainability. He knows that
every new customer or market expansion helps increase the company’s ability to
give back.
A Unique Perspective on Business and Impact
What makes Jehan's approach to business different is his
emphasis on impact over rapid growth. Many startups prioritize quick growth
with the hope of becoming profitable later, but Jehan's company cannot afford
to operate this way. With a commitment to giving 50% of profits to charity, Who
Gives a Crap must ensure that it is profitable from the start. This makes every
decision about spending, investment, and growth a calculated move to ensure
both business success and the continuation of the company’s philanthropic
efforts.
Leadership Philosophy and Lessons
Jehan’s leadership style is rooted in the principle of
creating an environment where both the business and its employees can thrive.
He believes in the power of open communication, setting clear goals, and
fostering a collaborative team culture. At Who Gives a Crap, he ensures that
everyone understands the broader mission of the company, which in turn makes
them more motivated and committed to the cause. For Jehan, leadership is about
making sure that the work being done not only supports the business but also
aligns with the company's core values of social responsibility and
environmental sustainability.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Who Gives a Crap
Looking forward, Jehan is excited about the future of Who
Gives a Crap and its continued growth. The company has made significant strides
in the eco-friendly space, but there is still much work to be done. Jehan sees
opportunities in expanding into new markets and offering more sustainable
products. He is determined to continue growing the business in a way that
supports both its mission and its customers, ensuring that Who Gives a Crap
remains a leader in the movement toward sustainable consumer products. As he
continues to lead the company, Jehan remains focused on creating lasting,
meaningful change in the world.
Timeline for story
2010 - Co-founded Who Gives a Crap, focusing on sustainable
products and global sanitation.
2011 - Joined YouTube as a strategy principal, later
becoming Global Head of Programming Strategy for YouTube Originals.
2016-2019 - Served as Global Head of Programming Strategy
for YouTube Originals.
2019-Present - Became Vice President of Strategy and Growth
at Who Gives a Crap, leading expansion and sustainability efforts.
Ongoing - Focused on balancing growth with impact and
ensuring the company's philanthropic efforts.
