From Procurement to Purpose: Leadership Lessons from Kosalee Galkaduwa

I am Kosalee Galkaduwa, a seasoned procurement and supply chain professional with over a decade of global experience spanning the apparel, signage, manufacturing, and financial sectors. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration and am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Business Administration, with a research focus on strengthening the economic sustainability of SMEs in developing economies.

My journey has been fueled by a passion for operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation. I’ve led large-scale procurement transformations, integrated ERP systems like SAP, and collaborated with multinational corporations to deliver strategic cost savings while enhancing supply chain resilience. Beyond the corporate world, I’m also a speaker, mentor, and advocate for women in leadership, and I actively contribute to community development initiatives.

​As the Procurement Manager at GiftCash, I lead strategic procurement planning, establish and maintain strong supplier relationships, and manage contract negotiations to ensure optimal terms and compliance. My role involves overseeing procurement operations, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and ensuring the timely acquisition of quality goods and services to support GiftCash's business objectives.

GiftCash, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Ancaster, Ontario, is a platform that enables individuals to sell their unwanted gift cards securely and efficiently. The company offers a straightforward process for users to receive cash for both new and used gift cards. ​

With a team size ranging from 11 to 50 employees, GiftCash emphasizes values such as integrity, communication, efficiency, reliability, and fostering a family-oriented culture. These principles guide the company's mission to provide a personalized experience that helps customers earn money in a safe and simplified way.​

In addition to its Canadian headquarters, GiftCash maintains a presence in Las Vegas, Nevada, reflecting its commitment to serving a broad customer base across North America.

​GiftCash operates within the gift card exchange industry, a sector that facilitates the buying, selling, and trading of gift cards. This industry caters to consumers seeking to convert unwanted or partially used gift cards into cash or acquire gift cards at discounted rates.

Thank you so much! Winning the TITAN Business Awards is an incredibly meaningful personal achievement. It represents years of dedication, perseverance, and growth—professionally and personally.

For me, this award is more than just recognition; it’s a reflection of the challenges I’ve overcome, the risks I’ve taken, and the values I’ve upheld throughout my journey. It validates the hard work I've put into driving innovation, building sustainable procurement systems, and making a difference through ethical and strategic leadership.

This distinction inspires me to keep pushing forward, to continue learning, and to set even higher standards for myself. It's a powerful reminder that resilience, purpose, and staying true to your values can lead to extraordinary outcomes. I’m truly honored and humbled by this recognition.

Winning an international award like the TITAN Business Awards has significantly elevated the visibility and credibility of my organization. It serves as a powerful endorsement of the work we do and the values we stand for, attracting the attention of new partners, clients, and stakeholders who value innovation and excellence.

The recognition acts as a trust signal—it reassures our existing network and potential collaborators that they are working with a forward-thinking and results-driven organization. It also opens the door to new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and media exposure that might not have been possible otherwise.

From a brand perspective, the award strengthens our positioning in a competitive market, sets us apart from others in the industry, and reinforces our reputation for leadership and impact. It’s more than just a win; it’s a statement about who we are and the future we’re building.

Developing and promoting my winning entry came with its fair share of challenges—but also incredible growth.

One of the biggest hurdles was distilling complex, multi-layered work into a compelling and concise narrative. In my role, I manage a broad spectrum of responsibilities—from procurement strategy to process optimization and supplier negotiations. Translating those technical achievements into a story that resonates on a global stage required deep reflection and strategic framing.

Another challenge was ensuring the uniqueness of my contribution stood out, especially in a competitive landscape filled with remarkable professionals and projects. I had to identify not just what I had done—but why it mattered, how it created real impact, and what made it innovative.

Marketing the entry also required stepping outside my comfort zone. As someone who is often behind-the-scenes driving change, putting my work in the spotlight demanded a new level of visibility and confidence. It meant building a personal brand that aligned with authenticity and credibility.

Ultimately, these challenges pushed me to grow—not just as a professional, but as a storyteller, a leader, and a representative of the values I stand for. And that, in itself, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

As a business owner, my ideation process is rooted in purpose, observation, and problem-solving. I believe that the best ideas emerge not from isolated thinking, but from actively listening to the needs of people—whether it’s customers, employees, or the market itself.

It starts with identifying gaps—where things aren’t working as efficiently as they could, or where opportunities for innovation exist. I spend time observing trends, studying data, and engaging with stakeholders to gain insights. From there, I ask myself a simple but powerful question: “How can we do this better?”

I also draw heavily from my own experiences across industries and geographies. Having led procurement and operational transformations in both emerging and developed markets, I’ve learned to blend strategic thinking with practical execution. I value collaboration, so I often bounce early-stage ideas off trusted advisors or industry peers, gathering diverse perspectives before refining them.

Once an idea takes shape, I break it down into actionable phases—testing quickly, learning fast, and pivoting where necessary. I believe in failing forward: every setback is feedback, and every iteration brings me closer to the best solution.

Above all, my ideation process is grounded in impact. I’m not just looking for the next idea—I’m looking for the next idea that truly makes a difference.

For me, a successful team or organization isn’t defined solely by profits or accolades—it’s defined by purpose, people, and progress.

A successful business is one that operates with clarity of vision and integrity, where every team member understands the “why” behind what they do. It’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered, valued, and inspired to contribute their best—not just because they have to, but because they genuinely want to.

Success also means being adaptable—embracing change, learning from challenges, and continuously evolving. Whether it’s in strategy, technology, or mindset, a truly successful organization never settles; it stays curious, innovative, and resilient.

Most importantly, I believe a successful business creates value beyond itself. It uplifts its community, operates sustainably, and leaves a positive footprint in the lives it touches. When you can grow your business while also growing people and purpose—that’s success in its truest form.

What led me to success in the procurement and supply chain industry is a combination of curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence.

From the very beginning of my career, I was drawn to how things move—how products, processes, and partnerships come together to deliver value. That curiosity pushed me to dig deeper, ask the right questions, and constantly seek better ways of doing things. I never settled for the status quo.

Resilience played a huge role, too. I’ve worked across different industries, countries, and economic climates, often navigating complex challenges with limited resources. Each obstacle became a learning opportunity. I embraced change, adapted quickly, and used every experience—whether success or setback—to grow stronger and more strategic.

But most importantly, I stayed grounded in my core values—integrity, accountability, and impact. I treated procurement not just as a cost-saving function, but as a strategic driver of business sustainability and innovation. That mindset earned trust, opened doors, and helped build long-lasting relationships.

Continuous learning—from certifications like CSCP to pursuing my Doctorate—also helped me stay ahead of trends and lead with confidence. I believe success isn’t a destination; it’s a discipline. And I’ve committed myself to that discipline every step of the way.

Being based in the United States has significantly influenced and accelerated the growth of the procurement and supply chain industry in remarkable ways.

The U.S. offers a highly developed infrastructure, advanced technology ecosystem, and a strong culture of innovation—all of which are vital to supply chain efficiency and agility. From digitization and data analytics to AI and automation, the country fosters an environment where professionals can leverage cutting-edge tools to streamline procurement processes and optimize operations.

Additionally, the U.S. business environment places a strong emphasis on compliance, transparency, and sustainability, which has shaped the way procurement functions operate. Standards like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), for example, have encouraged more structured, ethical, and accountable procurement practices—raising the bar across the industry.

The presence of diverse industries—from manufacturing and retail to defense and tech—has also made it a dynamic learning ground. Working in such a fast-paced, competitive, and innovative landscape pushes professionals like myself to think more strategically, manage risk more effectively, and build resilient supply chains.

Lastly, the U.S. is a hub for professional development. Access to certifications, global networks, and thought leadership through organizations like APICS, ISM, and PMI allows professionals to continuously grow, collaborate, and stay ahead of emerging trends—making it an incredibly empowering place to grow within this industry.

One of the most significant hindering factors during the pandemic was the global disruption of supply chains, which created an unpredictable environment for procurement. Lead times became erratic, supplier reliability fluctuated, and pricing volatility was a daily challenge. The just-in-time models that many businesses relied on were suddenly unsustainable.

As a procurement leader, the biggest challenge was managing uncertainty while maintaining continuity. Suppliers shut down, logistics networks collapsed, and demand patterns shifted overnight. Traditional forecasting models no longer applied, and the ripple effects were felt across every level of operations.

To overcome this, I focused on building supply chain resilience through strategic diversification and digital transformation. I expanded supplier networks to reduce dependency on single regions or vendors and prioritized nearshoring where possible. I also leveraged data analytics and real-time dashboards to monitor risks, track performance, and make faster, more informed decisions.

In parallel, I strengthened relationships with suppliers through transparent communication and collaboration, which helped us navigate constraints together rather than in isolation. Internally, I worked closely with finance, operations, and leadership teams to align on scenario planning and adjust procurement strategies dynamically.

Ultimately, the pandemic reinforced that agility, strong partnerships, and data-driven decision-making are no longer just best practices—they’re necessities. And it was this mindset that helped my business not only survive, but emerge stronger and more adaptive.

The procurement and supply chain industry is experiencing several exciting trends that are reshaping operations and strategies:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: AI is transforming supply chain operations through machine learning, neural networks, and robotics, enabling enhanced decision-making and operational efficiency.

2. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain enhances transparency and traceability in supply chains, supporting automatic contract creation and improving the reliability of records.

3. Digital Procurement Workspaces: The development of digital procurement platforms focuses on information integration, automation, analytics, and sustainability, facilitating resilience and efficiency in supply networks.

4. Supply Chain Risk Management: With increasing geopolitical challenges and supply chain disruptions, there's a heightened focus on predictive and prescriptive technologies to mitigate risks and enhance resilience.

5. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Considerations: Companies are emphasizing ESG factors, including circular procurement practices that minimize waste and promote the use of recycled materials, supporting the transition to a circular economy.

These trends are driving the industry toward more resilient, transparent, and sustainable supply chains—fostering innovation and long-term success.

For anyone looking to improve their business prospects and drive organizational success, I’d recommend a mix of strategic learning, mentorship, and the right tools. Here are some key resources that have personally helped me:

1. Professional Certifications & Learning Platforms: Investing in globally recognized certifications like APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), PMP (Project Management Professional), or CIPS can sharpen your industry knowledge. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning also offer high-quality courses in leadership, analytics, and business strategy.

2. Industry Associations & Networks: Joining organizations like ISM (Institute for Supply Management), APICS, or local chambers of commerce provides access to thought leadership, industry reports, and valuable networking opportunities. These communities keep you informed and connected.

3. Books & Thought Leadership: Some must-reads include Good to Great by Jim Collins, The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, and Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. These books help shape a long-term, people-centered view of business success.

4. Business Intelligence Tools: Implementing platforms like Power BI, Tableau, or even advanced Excel can elevate how you make data-driven decisions. Clear, actionable insights are game-changers in today’s market.

5. Mentorship & Peer Learning: Surround yourself with people who challenge you and have been where you want to go. Whether it's a formal mentor or an advisory group, shared experiences are powerful learning tools.

6. Thoughtful Self-Reflection: Lastly, never underestimate the power of stepping back and asking the hard questions: What value am I creating? What’s working? What needs to change? Regular reflection is key to innovation and long-term growth.

Success doesn’t come from one source—it’s a blend of continuous learning, resilience, and intentional action. Start with small steps, stay curious, and keep building.

The business industry is on the brink of a transformative decade, and I believe the next 5–10 years will be defined by digitization, sustainability, and human-centric innovation.

1. Hyper-Digital Transformation: Technology will no longer be just a support system—it will become the backbone of business. AI, machine learning, blockchain, and predictive analytics will deeply embed themselves into every function, from procurement to customer service. Businesses that fail to adapt to this tech-first mindset will struggle to stay competitive.

2. Sustainability as Strategy, Not a Slogan: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations will evolve from being “nice to have” into strategic imperatives. Companies will be held accountable—not only by regulators but by conscious consumers and investors. Supply chains, operations, and product lifecycles will need to be designed with sustainability in mind from the outset.

3. Borderless Collaboration and Talent Mobility: The rise of remote and hybrid work has already proven that talent can thrive across borders. We’ll see more organizations adopting decentralized teams, hiring globally, and leveraging diverse perspectives to fuel innovation.

4. Purpose-Driven Business Models: Consumers and employees alike are drawn to organizations with a clear purpose beyond profit. Businesses that align their operations with social impact, equity, and transparency will attract loyalty, trust, and long-term success.

5. Agility and Scenario-Based Planning: If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that flexibility is essential. Businesses will increasingly adopt agile frameworks and use scenario modeling to remain resilient in the face of volatility—be it economic, environmental, or geopolitical.

In short, the business world is moving toward one that is faster, more connected, more responsible, and deeply aligned with both technology and humanity. Those who lead with foresight, empathy, and adaptability will shape the future.

I’ve had the privilege of being inspired by many people throughout my life, but if I had to choose one, it would be my mother.

She exemplified strength, resilience, and grace in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. She balanced work, family, and community responsibilities with a quiet determination that left a lasting imprint on me. She taught me that leadership isn’t about having a title—it’s about showing up for others, making decisions with integrity, and staying true to your values, even when it’s hard.

Professionally, I’ve also been inspired by women leaders who have broken barriers in male-dominated industries—those who lead with courage, empathy, and innovation. Their journeys reminded me that it’s possible to be both strong and compassionate, both strategic and human-centered.

These role models fueled my ambition and grounded my purpose. They showed me that success isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about lifting others as you rise and using your platform to make meaningful change.

My key to success has always been a blend of resilience, authenticity, and a deep sense of purpose.

I’ve learned that success isn’t a straight line—it’s a journey of constant learning, self-reflection, and evolution. It’s about staying committed when things get tough, showing up even when no one is watching, and leading with integrity no matter the situation.

One of the most powerful lessons I’ve carried with me is this: Don’t wait to feel ready—just start. Growth often begins at the edge of your comfort zone. Trust your instincts, take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path, even if it looks different from the rest.

And finally, success is not just about what you achieve, but how you impact others along the way. Be generous with your knowledge, support those around you, and always remember where you started. The most meaningful success is the kind you build with intention—and the kind you use to uplift others.

Parting words of wisdom?

Stay humble, stay hungry, and never stop believing in the power of your story.