Finding the True You: Russell Amerasekera – From Corporate Director to TV Presenter to Coach
In this episode, Jeannette speaks to Russell Amerasekera about the winding journey that led to him becoming an impact, presentation, career and life coach, personal style advisor and interior space designer.. Russell and Jeannette talk about Russell’s 17 years in corporate through to his time co-presenting Wish You Were Here with Judith Charmers and then BBC Holiday programme, followed by the set up and sale of his own company.
Russell speaks very candidly about his choice to present himself to the world as a woman, and the reactions he gets from people. He explains how the role of understanding yourself and being true to your values plays in becoming successful and being able to enjoy life. As well as how he put this advice into action in his own life and what happened when he did.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you’re not happy then really dig deep and ask yourself who you really want to be Human beings are naturally uncomfortable with difference and reactions can range from appreciation to fear. Standing out from the crowd comes with ramifications, but it is also important to be yourself. Our biggest fear is fear of rejection therefore as adults we adapt and compromise but when you lose sight of yourself and your authenticity that’s when life can get very challenging. Pushing yourself into a mold stifles creativity and restricts your ability to explore what you are capable of. Corporate world can often make the simple, complex and creates corporate bullshit Compromise but don’t compromise your true self, integrity and values You can’t be good for other people unless you are good for yourself Being honest about who you are builds trust. Take the time to ask yourself what you value, what feeds your soul, what makes you happy Three things that shape Russell’s life – love, potential, what he can do for others Helping others is also nurturing for you. Learning to use your intuition as well as your logic brings many benefits. Coaching is about listening, understanding people, and triggering them to act, not telling them what to do. Women in business often struggle with authenticity at the same time as having impact Personal branding is about going back to your essence not putting up a front. Perception is important, you need to understand how you are perceived. Non-verbal signals are still the way we predominantly communicate as human beings. You should dress the way you feel and how you want to be perceived. It’s the myriad little things we do every day that can change the way the world works. Don´t spend too much time worrying about what others think of you, know what you want and live your truth.
BEST MOMENTS
‘When we see something that we don't relate to, we often have a reaction to it that can range from appreciation to fear.’
´Yes, compromise, but don't compromise your integrity and your values. .’
´People go, Oh, I must portray that kind of image. Fundamentally, it doesn't work. Personal branding actually is going back to your essence.’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series
ABOUT THE GUESTRussell is a creative, super energetic and highly empathetic presentation coach, personal style advisor and career and life coach.
His personal story has led him through a career that started in Brand Marketing & Communications, through television presenting and to the creation and sale of an award-winning live events and media company.
Today, Russell focuses on his greatest love, coaching and advising high performing business leaders, entrepreneurs, public figures and celebrities, under the banner of Pearls & Poison.
Russell helps high performing people develop their impact, presence and presentation skills including performing on the big stage, in front of the camera, Zoom, other media platforms and the boardroom. He supports them to think at a deeper level about how they want to be perceived and understood by different audiences.
He also supports his clients to find their “true” and “authentic” voice, through the way they act and communicate with others.
Russell guides people on how to express themselves through their clothes and appearance and he styles and advises them on how to adapt their wardrobe for different career and life situations ranging from the “board room” to the “red carpet”.
Russell’s work with his clients also extends to helping them to think more actively about their life and career purpose and how to create and build a clear narrative in their career and life which can help guide their actions and help others understand them better.
His recent clients include Board Directors and Senior Executives from HSBC Bank, McKinsey, Refinitiv (formerly Thomson Reuters), American Express, Burberry, Stylist Group, Ann Summers, Innocent Drinks, Easyjet, Nationwide Building Society, Beazley, M&G Prudential, McKinsey & Tails.com.
Russell also gives “masterclasses” on authenticity & personal branding, authentic leadership, presentation & storytelling and personal image & styling.
Russell also designs and styles private dinner parties and interior spaces – everything from a bohemian picnic, a dinner party for 300 at The Dorchester Hotel through to a Great Gatsby themed ball in a stately home.
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.facebook.com/russell.amerasekera
linkedin.com/in/Russell-amerasekera-511340169
ABOUT THE HOST
Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor and business mentor with over 25 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development.
Jeannette is a down to earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams.
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/
Podcast Description
Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences of being Brave, Bold & Brilliant, which have allowed them to unleash their full potential in business, their careers and life in general. From the boardroom tables of ‘big’ international business to the dining room tables of entrepreneurial start-ups, how to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and take risks, whilst staying ‘true’ to yourself is the order of the day.
Brave Bold Brilliant Podcast
Brave Bold Brilliant is where business leaders, entrepreneurs and their teams come to be inspired, challenged and equipped with the tools for growth and success.
Here on Brave Bold Brilliant podcast, Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences in business and life, gaining first-hand insight into how they unleashed their potential to become Brave Bold Brilliant.
From the boardroom tables of big international businesses to the exciting world of entrepreneurs it's all about stepping up to the next level while staying true to yourself.
- No. of episodes: 502
- Latest episode: 2025-04-24
- Business Education How To Entrepreneurship
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