In this episode
In this episode of Leadership Blueprint, Oliver Helvin sits down with Santi Rasanayagam, a former investment banker and private equity executive turned CEO, to explore one of the most dynamic leadership journeys in business today.
With experience spanning Europe, East Africa, and the GCC, Santi brings a rare perspective—having gone from analyzing businesses as an investor to operating them as a leader. He shares firsthand stories of building integrated logistics businesses, driving transformation through acquisitions, and navigating macroeconomic headwinds with strategic resilience.
Whether it’s capital raising, M&A integration, or building high-performing teams across cultures, Santi’s insights are both practical and profound. This is a must-listen for finance professionals, future CEOs, and anyone leading in uncertain times.
Leading Through Uncertainty: Santi unpacks how to embrace unpredictability, make bold decisions, and build businesses that thrive in volatile markets, especially in emerging regions like East Africa and the Middle East.
From CFO to CEO: Making the Transition – The CFO role is no longer just about finance. Santi shares how his hands-on leadership and customer-first mindset helped him become an effective CEO—and how other finance leaders can do the same.
Culture First, Numbers Second: Post-acquisition integration, people strategy, and warehouse floor insights mattered just as much as boardroom metrics. Santi explains how he aligned operations and cultures across geographies.
Context Over Data: Data matters—but not in isolation. Santi explains how gut instinct, operational awareness, and empathy help leaders avoid “spreadsheet paralysis.
AI in Finance: Fear vs. Adaptation – Santi offers a reality check on AI: It won’t replace you—but someone using AI might. He also challenges finance teams to embrace tools that reduce repetition and increase strategic impact.
Sound bites
Advice for future leaders
About Today’s Guest
Santi Rasanayagam has built a career that bridges investment banking, private equity, public markets, and operations. From raising capital and running due diligence to leading one of the most expansive logistics platforms across East Africa and the GCC, Santi’s journey is defined by adaptability, insight, and hands-on leadership.
He has held CFO and CEO roles in logistics and supply chain companies, led major acquisitions and integrations, and restructured underperforming assets with precision. His leadership style combines strategic depth with operational immersion—often walking the warehouse floor to understand where the real issues and opportunities lie.
Santi is passionate about helping finance leaders think beyond numbers, and inspiring the next generation of CEOs to lead with vision, empathy, and courage.
The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future
At “The Leadership Blueprint: Navigating the Future,” our mission is to empower current and aspiring leaders with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of leadership in an ever-evolving world.
Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, we aim to inspire individuals to lead with authenticity, innovation, and vision.
Our channel serves as a guiding beacon for those seeking to shape the future of leadership and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.
Join us on this journey as we chart the course for effective leadership in the dynamic landscape of tomorrow.
