When I sat down with Rukshala, I expected to hear about career transitions and product launches. What I didn’t expect was to be so drawn in by her calm presence, sense of humor, and the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly who she is. Her story is one of growth, yes, but also of warmth, adaptability, and finding strength in unlikely places. It’s a reminder that sometimes, life doesn’t ask you to choose between two dreams. It hands you both.

Rukshala grew up in the coastal city of Galle, Sri Lanka, surrounded by sea and structure. She attended a convent school, "pretty strict," she laughs, but says the experience left a lasting imprint. “I grew up studying at a convent, which gave me a strong sense of community and taught me to be organized, balanced, and confident.” Though Buddhist at the time, she appreciated the spirituality and discipline of the environment.

From an early age, she had two ambitions: work in IT, and become a teacher. “As a kid, I dreamed of working in IT, because people with computers looked so cool! And also wanted to become a teacher.” Her parents weren’t initially on board with her tech aspirations, so she had to motivate them, a first glimpse of the determination that would carry her forward.

She earned her degree in Software Engineering at IIT, Sri Lanka and a master’s in IT from the University of Moratuwa, starting her career as a Software Engineer at the company where she’d once interned. Not long after, she returned to her university as a visiting lecturer, seamlessly blending her two childhood dreams. “Having been a software engineer, a visiting lecturer, and now a product manager, I like to think little Rukshala would quietly nod in approval.”

Eventually, she moved into product management at Creative Software, where she worked closely with Oneflow as part of the offshore team. That collaboration, she says, was marked by both professionalism and genuine fun. “What I value most is how the team combines professionalism with warmth, consistently taking ownership of our integrations and delivering high-quality results. On a personal note, it’s a very closely knit team, and working with them has always been fun, never a dull moment.”

There were team trips that she organized, late-night Uno games she introduced, and a sense of playfulness she brought to a team that, as she puts it, started out "quiet and laid-back" but soon became quite boisterous.

After getting married, Rukshala relocated to Singapore to join her husband, putting her role with the Sri Lankan team on pause. The experience of living in Singapore was intense and exciting, a far cry from Galle. “Very clean, everything was connected,” she says. “Loved the food. But it was busy, and you had to be on your A-game all the time.” After five months, while exploring her next step, she got a message from Oneflow.

“Around that time, learning I was open to work, Oneflow reached out to ask if I’d be interested and open to relocating, and that’s how it all came together.”

To be personally remembered and invited back made a real impact. She felt proud. And blessed.

Relocating to Sweden brought its own set of challenges, weather chief among them. “Well personally, adjusting to the weather was the biggest challenge, specifically coming from a tropical country where there aren’t 4 seasons changing.” But beyond the cold, there was calm. She welcomed it. “I actually wanted a bit of a 'cold culture.' I appreciate that people have their own personal space. I love the distance on public transport,” she adds with a laugh.

Professionally, the transition required a mindset shift. “Professionally, I would say the biggest change was adapting to a more collaborative and collective way of working. It’s different from what I was used to in Sri Lanka, but I’ve come to really appreciate the thoughtfulness and balance it brings.”

She already knew the product and many of the people, which made the leap a little easier. Still, she had to learn new systems, like navigating Swedish grocery stores and train etiquette. "People eating on the train surprised me! In Singapore, that’s not allowed."

But overall, the adjustment felt natural. “To be honest, I really appreciate the balance and simplicity of life here, it’s been such a refreshing change, especially moving from Singapore. What I’ve enjoyed most is how that balance carries into both life and work. Living here has given me a deeper appreciation for nature, seasons, and slowing down, while professionally I value the openness, flat structures, and the trust and autonomy people are given. It makes both life and work feel more meaningful.”

At Oneflow, that balance continues. “The transition from working in Sri Lanka to becoming a Product Manager in Sweden has been a real journey of growth,” she says. “Beyond just adapting to a new culture, it’s given me the chance to work in a truly diverse environment and learn from different perspectives. I’ve also found that the Swedish approach, with its emphasis on trust, autonomy, and balance, has helped me grow into a more rounded Product Manager. Looking back, I’d say the transition has been as rewarding as it has been challenging.”

One of her proudest accomplishments was helping drive the Lime CRM integration from idea to launch. “It was challenging because we had to align multiple teams and stakeholders, but by working closely together we managed to deliver on time and with great results, which made me feel proud of what we accomplished together.”

Time zone differences with her Sri Lankan team were tough at first, with only half her workday overlapping. But the challenge helped her build structure and a better efficiency. “It’s taught me how to get the most out of both synchronous and asynchronous collaboration.”

“I’d say adaptability and communication have helped me the most in making this transition. Moving to a new country and work culture meant I had to be open to learning, adjusting, and sometimes unlearning old habits. Being naturally organized has also helped me make the most of my time. Altogether, these qualities made the transition smoother and helped me feel confident in my new role.”

Today, she thrives in Oneflow’s culture. “Oneflow has a very diverse culture, and I love how collaborative, and people-focused it is. There’s trust, flat hierarchies, and a nice balance of professionalism with fun, it really feels like everyone’s in-it-together.”

She even finds joy in Swedish foods. Which is not something I hear my colleagues who move here say. “I love how Swedes combine sweet and savoury, like having lingonberry jam with meatballs. At first, I found it a bit unusual, but now I’ve even started experimenting with those kinds of mixes in my own cooking too.”

Outside of work, she finds joy in travel, trying new restaurants, and cooking for friends. Her next dream destination? Switzerland, a country she’s long wanted to explore for its nature and pace.

If you ask her what advice she’d give to someone starting their first day at Oneflow, her answer is simple: Don’t stress. People will welcome you with open arms. Get to know your colleagues. Focus on what you need to learn. The rest will fall into place.

But it’s her final thought that captures her story best.

“What I hope people take away from my story is that it’s okay not to have everything figured out from the start. Sometimes you don’t have to choose between two dreams, life has a way of weaving them together. And most importantly, that being open to change, whether it’s moving across roles or even countries, continents, can bring growth you never imagined.”

Rukshala’s story is more than a career journey. It’s a reminder that change, though daunting, can open unexpected doors, to new roles, new cultures, and even new versions of ourselves. At Oneflow, she’s found a place to grow, to experiment, and to belong. And if you’re looking for a place where your own journey can unfold in unexpected ways, you might just find it here too.