Sachith Siriwardane

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

“A Sri-Lankan American raised in Singapore who’s passionate about community, social impact, and the outdoors.”

Hometown: Singapore

Fun Fact About Yourself: After college, I went on a 2,300-mile road trip through North America’s national parks, sleeping in a hammock every night for 30 days straight.

Undergraduate School and Major: Washington University in St. Louis, Economics & Strategy and Finance

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Guild, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of Oxford Saïd’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Oxford’s global aperture and its concerted emphasis on social impact were the key elements that led me to choose the program. Impact is deeply woven into the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and faculty in a way that stood out from other programs, and the notion of “impact from within” resonates throughout the entire Oxford Saïd experience. This focus, coupled with the international experience, makes the program an ideal fit for a third-culture kid like me who is looking to translate my past impact experience into global, systems-level change.

What course, club, or activity has been your favorite part of the Oxford Saïd MBA experience? Being elected to Student Council as the Wellness and Wellbeing Officer has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my MBA experience. With twelve years of volunteering as a mental health and peer counselor, I’ve been able to leverage that background to support my classmates both inside and outside the classroom. It’s been incredibly rewarding to support the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of my peers, and this role has become one of my favorite parts of the Oxford Saïd MBA journey.

What is the most “Oxford” thing you have done so far as a full-time MBA student? Attending the “Town and Gown” Boxing Match at the Oxford Union. Dressing up in black tie, biking across town while trying to not completely ruin my tuxedo, and watching a thrilling boxing match in one of the town’s most historic venues was truly a “Oxford” experience. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that perfectly captured the unique blend of tradition and excitement that Oxford offers.

Oxford is known as a place where world collides, be it in the classroom or the dining hall. What has been the most interesting interaction you’ve had so far as an Oxford MBA student? I was playing piano in the Green Templeton College (GTC) practice room when Professor Richard Canter walked in. He complimented me, asked what I was playing, and we ended up talking about jazz for nearly twenty minutes before he invited me to come jam with the GTC Big Band. Later, when I looked him up, I was amazed by his impressive accomplishments and résumé. This interaction perfectly captures the spirit of everyone I meet at Oxford: deeply intellectual individuals with fascinating hobbies who are eager to connect with and learn from one another.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest accomplishments in my career so far was leading Guild’s partnership with Team USA and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This was Guild’s first-ever sponsorship and strategic partnership, and it required countless hours and sleepless nights. Over the course of a year-and-a-half, I was responsible for drafting multiparty contracts, securing millions of dollars in funding, and gaining approval from our executive team and board. What I’m most proud of, however, is the impact this program will have on the 12,000 Olympians and Paralympians who now have access to tuition-free educational and skilling opportunities, empowering them to successfully transition to life after sport.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? One of my biggest accomplishments as an MBA student so far is being selected to represent Oxford in the MIINT Competition Finals at Wharton in April. This experience has been an incredible platform to deepen my understanding of the impact investing space, and I’ve enjoyed working closely with my team to pitch a startup we’ve come to deeply care about and love. The friendships I’ve built, the skills I’ve gained, and the network I’ve developed through MIINT will continue to influence my MBA journey, and the competition has reaffirmed my commitment to a career at the intersection of business and social good.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program? A career doesn’t need to be linear. During launch, we learned about “squiggly careers,” but it wasn’t until later that I truly understood the concept. Being part of such a diverse, international cohort, each with different cultural, professional, and economic backgrounds, has inspired me to explore new possibilities. Conversations with classmates, our careers team, and others have encouraged me to anchor my career around my values and pursue a path that aligns with who I am, rather than following a traditional trajectory. This has helped me focus on finding my “North Star” and explore a diverse set of career paths all centered around community, impact, and helping those who need it most.

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