Get to know Leadenhall’s Associate Director, Tanja Senanayake
Tanja began her career in professional services at Deloitte in Germany nearly 20 years ago.
During this time, Tanja says she was fortunate to gain exposure to various facets of the profession, including audit, transaction services, and valuations.
“It didn’t take long for me to discover that valuation services was where my true passion lay.”
Welcome to Australia
After spending four years in Germany, Tanja was given the chance to take a two-year secondment to Sydney.
“What started as a temporary assignment quickly turned into a longer-term opportunity, extending first to four years and now after 14 years, I’m still in Sydney.”
Why choose Leadenhall?
“Joining Leadenhall in 2021 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career. It provided me with the unique opportunity to thrive in the professional services sector while also being a dedicated mother to my two young boys. This balance was something I had always aspired to achieve, and Leadenhall made it possible without making me feel like I had to sacrifice one aspect of my life for the other.
“The flexibility that Leadenhall offered was truly unparalleled. I was able to immerse myself in engaging and challenging projects that fueled my professional growth. At the same time, I could be present for the moments that matter most to my children. Whether it was volunteering at their school, participating in Book Week, or joining them on school excursions, I never had to miss out on these precious experiences.
“This supportive environment allowed me to excel in my career while also being an active and involved parent. The ability to seamlessly integrate my professional and personal responsibilities has been incredibly fulfilling. I am deeply grateful to the Directors at Leadenhall for their understanding and support, which have been instrumental in making this balance achievable.”
(Pictured above with teammates Katy Lawrence and Vicky Lau)
Not only was I able to seamlessly integrate family life with corporate life but I was also able to take extended leave to be able to stay connected with my extended family back home in Germany and teach my boys about their German heritage.
Here some photos of our latest trip to Munich (Oktoberfest) and the area south of Munich where I grew up.
What’s next for Tanja?
“As my boys grow up rapidly and become more independent, I find myself at a pivotal moment where I need to reassess and readjust my work-life balance. It’s incredible how quickly time flies and seeing them mature into self-reliant individuals is both a source of pride and a reminder of the fleeting nature of these precious years.
“In light of these changes, I am grateful for the support and understanding from the Directors at Leadenhall. Their flexibility and encouragement have been crucial in helping me decide to enhance the work aspects of my life. With their backing, I am now ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities within the company.
“I am excited about expanding my role and taking on more projects that align with my professional growth and personal aspirations. This new phase promises to be both fulfilling and enriching, allowing me to contribute more significantly to our team’s success while also cherishing the evolving dynamics of my family life.”
