How Curiosity Shaped Rukshala Illukkumbura’s Journey to Product Sales Specialist at Leica Microsystems

For Rukshala Illukkumbura, curiosity has been the driving force behind every step of her career—from early fascination with biology in Sri Lanka, to advanced research across Germany, the US and the UK. That same spirit of exploration led her to Leica Microsystems, where she now works as a Product Sales Specialist, helping researchers harness the power of advanced microscopy. In this interview, Rukshala reflects on her career journey, what surprised her most about sales and how she stays motivated to push for change in science and beyond.

What brought you to Leica Microsystems? 

I have worked with several advanced microscope modalities throughout my career in academia and biotech. However, I had never worked with a Leica microscope, even though there was an SP8 confocal down the corridor from my PhD lab.

One day, I stumbled down a rabbit hole and ended up on Leica’s website. I read about the Stellaris confocal and its capabilities with fluorescence lifetime-based tools, and thought, “Wow, that is so cool.” I kept an eye on potential roles in the UK, and when the right one opened up, the rest was history. 

What things did you find surprising about working here when you first joined Leica? 

I was surprised by how beautifully chaotic sales could be. No day is the same – we visit and support different customers with various applications. I was also pleasantly surprised by how great the AWS team was (and still is). Everyone was incredibly supportive and friendly. 

How did you come to work as a Product Sales Specialist? 

Growing up in Sri Lanka, my secondary school encouraged participation in work placements. I was always fascinated by biology, which led me to choose a nearby hospital for my placement. Rotating through numerous departments, I found myself captivated by the pathology labs and the IVF clinic, with their specialized equipment and colourful images.

I ended up leaving the placement with my mind set on a career in scientific research. As there were limited opportunities in my home country, I embarked on a journey that took me to Germany and then the US, ultimately earning my PhD in the UK. Now, I use my expertise in advanced microscopy methods to guide and support Leica customers with their research. 

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Stay curious! Keep asking questions, read widely and be creative in giving yourself new challenges. Remember to accept failure because the key is to learn from it and grow. 

How do you stay motivated to push for change in a traditionally male-dominated industry? 

Discipline, commitment and a resilient mindset keep me going. It ultimately comes down to protecting the belief that pushing for change will benefit everyone by fostering an inclusive environment. Ultimately, this gives me the confidence to consistently speak up when I see a need for change.

How do you envision the future of women in your field, and what actions are needed to get there? 

While the future can feel uncertain, the momentum we’ve built, especially in empowering young girls to dream big and take bold steps, remains strong. To create a lasting impact, we must continue to foster environments where women feel a genuine sense of inclusion and belonging throughout their careers. This entails offering flexible work arrangements, amplifying associate voices and investing in leadership development.

I hope to see these changes take root not only in Europe and the US, but also in developing regions like my former home in Sri Lanka—ensuring that inclusion and opportunity are truly global. 

How do you find balance and calm after experiencing stress? 

In sales, there are inevitably frustrating days when you lose an opportunity you’ve worked on for months, or the door shuts before you can even get a foot in. I learned early on that I needed to deal with those stressful days.

My favourite way of finding my center is getting to the gym and working out with weights. There is a sense of accomplishment in setting a personal record with a heavy weight that stubbornly refuses to move unless you put energy into it. I’ve recently also started working on mindfulness and meditation – this is an excellent follow-up after exhausting myself at the gym. 

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? 

I love reading, and together with Jennifer Aue, I co-lead our book club, “We Leic-a Good Book.” Associates from various Danaher businesses participate in a monthly online meeting to discuss books centered on a theme. It is so much fun sharing our varied opinions and insights. This year, I’ve read 33 books so far and hope to reach a target of 75. (Yes, I set a target every year; it must be the salesperson in me!)

Apart from reading, I enjoy traveling around the world and spending time in nature – both activities are usually with my friends. I also volunteer to walk rescue dogs when I have the opportunity at our local shelter. 

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