Exclusive interview with Dr.Gehan S. Dhameeth, DBA, FCIM (UK) by Shameena Pallie
It is indeed special, to find an individual that is endowed with intellect, talent, skill, vision and empathy. But the one who meets such an individual is left richer in knowledge and inspiration. We often want to discover the story behind the success, pick out gems of their wisdom, and take away lessons for ourselves. It is with national pride that we at Lanka Business News fall into conversation with Dr. Gehan Dhameeth, a scholar from our own little island, now creating ripples in the academic arena internationally.
He is known as “Professor G” amongst his students in the university where he currently serves as an Associate Professor of Business, and was the Chair of the Business Program; Wells College, Aurora, New York, USA. As a speaker and scholar Dr. Dhameeth has made a significant contribution to numerous colleges and universities both locally and internationally. He has also authored insightful articles published in credible journals on Marketing, Business, Behavioral Science, Management, Sustainability, and Economics.
With a career spanning over 25 years in the corporate and academic world, Dr. Gehan Dhameeth is the founder of Stratcon, a consultancy company registered in the State of New York, USA.
Q1. How would you describe Dr.Gehan Dhameeth?
A parent, entrepreneur, professional, academic, expatriate and entertainer!
I am a person who never gives up and wants to reach the top. I believe that failures are always stepping stones to achieve greatness. Being able to face challenges head on, never giving up in situations where I had to take life altering decisions, and overcoming them successfully is my greatest attribute, without a doubt, the most memorable moments to cherish.
I am married to a very supportive lady, who is a Banker in New York. Together we have three wonderful children. The eldest in the family, my daughter is a freshman in University, then my son who is at High School and the youngest is my daughter an eighth grader. We adapted well to the culture in the US and are now citizens of this country, but with utmost love for our Motherland Sri Lanka.
During my school career in St. Benedicts College, as an energetic and playful youth, I showed more interest in sports, and my eagerness towards education was less. However, how life changed my path in various ways amazes me. I was good in what I did; playing soccer. Nevertheless I was challenged and that lead to me making an important decision of either giving up or showing up. I chose to grow. I put all my resources towards educating myself. I transformed my failures to create the greatest success story of my life. Looking back I feel a sense of achievement for having gone beyond my own expectations, to become a successful Academic, Trainer and Entrepreneur.
Q2. From Soccer to Scholar. How did that transpire?
Soccer was something I loved as a youngster. I was selected to represent Sri Lanka at The National School and Youth Level team as the Vice-Captain. During an International game with Hong Kong, I had a serious knee injury, which had a subsequent effect on me while playing for a professional club in Sri Lanka. This resulted in me becoming an academic, completing a Bachelor’s Degree, two Master’s Degrees and a Doctoral Degree, which is the reason I serve as an Associate Professor of Business at Wells College, NY. I will continue to share knowledge and be a Consultant to help companies achieve their true potential. In this never ending world of learning, I am pursuing my second Doctorate, a PhD in Data Science which will be added to my personal achievements.
Q3. How do you incorporate 10-3-10 to your teaching philosophy?
I was trained at Harvard Business School on “case-method” teaching. So, I practice and enjoy the Harvard Business School case-method teaching style. I believe teaching ignites a learner’s intellectual curiosity, a pathway to the beginning of exploration. I strongly believe the students’ education, must be applied in their day to day life. As a Professor I should impart relevant knowledge so the learner will be equipped to derive successful and achievable business solutions. If the student grasps a theory discussed in the classroom, such a teacher is a well-dedicated facilitator who uses pertinent and practical examples for teaching. A student being a committed active learner should be able to explore new paradigms in the process facilitated by the teacher. This exercise needs a creation of an environment in which the student could inquire, challenge, research, test and apply the acquired knowledge. To facilitate the above, I use 10-3-10 model of teaching. This model allows me to teach for ten minutes, use the next three minutes for student-engaged discussions, and another ten minutes of reflection.
Q4. Your greatest attributes and strengths?
I would say, understanding my audience and upskilling. Critical thinking of a student will help him or her grasp the key explorative lifelong skills. To achieve this I apply my style of teaching using a few steps. I begin with understanding each student individually; such as their background, education level, and work experience in order to customize the use of practical examples and the level of explanation in my first class. I start all my classes by outlining chapter related objectives followed by a detailed discussion into the subject area. I conclude the class, summarizing the key areas reviewed, anchoring to the objectives outlined when I began the class. I am constantly dedicated in updating myself regularly in order to ensure my teaching methods are effective and contemporary. I regularly research, publish articles, do consultation and attend professional, academic conferences to enhance the classroom teaching. This provides the student a memorable learning experience. I am happy that I am on a journey of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Q5. What is your area of specialization?
One of my master’s degrees; M.Sc. in Data Science, in which I have mastered the key skills of Data Analytics. As my second doctorate, I am in the process of writing for a PhD in Data Science whilst incorporating my passion which is the field of Marketing. Hence, my current specialization is focused in quantitative Marketing and Business Analytics.
Q6. Your vision for the future?
To contribute towards a world where intellect meets skill and talent. Having been in the education arena for more than 25 years, I want to be travelling globally contributing towards academia and the corporate world.
Q7. Tell us about Stratcon?
Stratcon is a business consulting services organization for SMEs. It focusses on training, consultancy, research and strategy in the areas of Marketing, Sales techniques, Customer service and training for quantitative marketing approaches. My greatest desire is to help build individuals and organizations, harness their potential and bring about a significant positive change.
Q8. What is the best life lesson you could share?
You are the average of the people you spend time with! Your connections show who you are. I believe that knowledge and inspiration can come from variety. Always associate with people of different levels, social backgrounds and nationalities. This will help you become more grounded and gain acceptance across diverse disciplines and cultures. Keep looking for sustainable connections and ways of moving forward.
Q9. As a person who has achieved so much, what advice will you give youngsters?
Always look for opportunities, challenge your status-quo, identify global trends and invest accordingly. Live a simple life, give back to the community. As the saying goes, in spite of life giving me lemons, I made the best lemonade with many flavors. This has enabled me to give back to the society in unimaginable ways.
Q10. The journey is pleasant when you don’t walk alone?
When everything around showed me no hope, when everyone I expected to be around me, were not there, my wife and kids stood by me. They were there during the most important transition of my life. Their sacrifices, which were stepping stones for my success will never be forgotten. One important figure in my life is my father, who I cannot forget. I always have my gratitude towards him for nurturing me during my early stages, influencing me in the culture of education. So yes, the journey is pleasant when you have company, but most certainly it is yours to make, and the onus is on you no matter who walks with you.
Q11. An extreme sports lover or relaxed in solitude. How do you chose to rejuvenate?
Anyone who knows me now will be surprised to see me a mix of both worlds, a sports enthusiast, specially soccer, volleyball and swimming. I also enjoy travelling nationally and internationally, which I feel expands my thinking. I would say, I am a mix of both. My inclination towards music, spending time with family and travelling goes hand in hand in me maintaining my balance.
A researcher in Marketing and Management Dr. Gehan S. Dhameeth highlights a career mostly in Quantitative Marketing and Business Analysis. With over 25 years in the academic arena, and over 20 years of corporate experience and international training, Dr. Dhameeth is a Researcher, Scholar, Marketing Consultant, Business Mentor, and Full Fellow Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM-UK). He is a Member of the American Marketing Association, Asia-Pacific Marketing Federation (Singapore) and Member of, Chamber of Commerce (Ithaca, New York, USA). He is also a corporate trainer and has carried out many projects for multinationals in Sri Lanka.
We at LBN wish you a wonderful journey ahead – fly the flag higher as you rise.
