Harinda Katugaha
Harinda Katugaha
Explain what you do in 7 words?
I help startups grow into businesses.
Where you’re from, and where you are now?
Hardest question to ask me. I was born in Sri Lanka, raised in Italy, and Canadian by passport. I live in Rome, Italy now but am still a resident in Germany.
What you were doing before joining UNICEF?
I have always taken a portfolio approach to work. Prior to joining UNICEF, I was modernizing Supply Chain for WFP in Syria, advising Startups, selling a startup, and finishing up my Doctorate in Data Governance/Public Policy/Ethics.
What has been your biggest success in your role at UNICEF?
I am proud of several moments to date, but two really stand out. It has been my pleasure to support a founder through a particularly tough personal/professional time to find balance as a sole founder (and also, helped another founder to turn around their sales pipeline to be full and better managed within 2 months).
What was your dream job when you were a child?
To invent the solar-powered car.
What is your hidden skill / talent?
Quietly and efficiently build a broad and diverse network.