Resilience and Reinvention: Nilan’s Entrepreneurial Journey
I had the privilege of sitting down with Nilan Mihindukulasooriya, the innovative founder behind Firehouse Technology and Mortar AI. Nilan’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to reinvent yourself in the face of adversity. After moving from Sri Lanka to Australia, Nilan faced the daunting task of building a new life and launching not one, but two tech companies in a completely different environment.
During our conversation, Nilan shared how his experiences as an immigrant shaped his entrepreneurial mindset and fueled his drive to create real impact through technology. He talked about the initial hurdles—cultural adaptation, building a professional network from scratch, and learning to spot opportunities in unfamiliar territory. Nilan also opened up about the evolution of his businesses, the challenges of leading through the pandemic, and the importance of staying true to your values even when the path isn’t clear.
A major theme of our discussion was the responsible and ethical use of AI. Nilan explained why he’s passionate about helping businesses implement AI safely and strategically, ensuring that technology serves people, not the other way around. He also highlighted the critical role of mentorship, surrounding yourself with supportive partners, and building a resilient team that can weather any storm.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in stories of growth and transformation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
✅ How Nilan overcame adversity and built two tech companies as an immigrant founder
✅ The vital importance of safe and ethical AI adoption in today’s business world
✅ How to create and nurture a strong support network through mentorship and collaboration
✅ Real-world strategies for leading with resilience, adaptability, and vision—even in uncertain times
🎧 Tune in now:
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