A chat with Shehara De Silva - Brand Builder, Marketing and Communications pioneer

Shehara is arguably the most influential brand and communications expert to come out of Sri Lanka. We have a catch up discussing her background, how she moved from a masters degree in archaeology to advertising and some insights into how her career developed. In this episode of our podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with an extraordinary individual whose journey has been marked by transformative leadership, tireless dedication to societal progress, and a commitment to empowering the next generation. Our guest, Shehara, is a trailblazer, a strategist, and a catalyst for change across a diverse range of sectors. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: A Remarkable Board Member: Shehara is currently on the boards of various Trusts and Companies, including Keells Food, The Neelan Tiruchelvam Fund, Ex-pack Corrugated Cartons, and Amana Life Insurance. With her strategic insights, she plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of these organizations. Champion of Societal Initiatives: With a remarkable portfolio, Shehara has actively contributed to numerous initiatives that drive positive change. She has lent her expertise to The Environment Foundation Limited (EFL), The Music Project, Threads of History Museum, The Arthur C Clarke Centre for Science and Technology, Eagle Fund Management, and Tharuna Aruna (Sri Lanka National Youth Employment Network). Diverse Background in Development: Drawing on her extensive experience, Shehara has been an integral part of various development initiatives. Her work with ILO, Internews, USAID, NORAD, GIZ, and Plan International has left a lasting impact on communities and individuals alike. Strategic Leadership: Serving as the Managing Director of Interbrand Malaysia, Shehara led transformative strategies for renowned brands. She spearheaded campaigns for Tourism Malaysia and masterminded global digital marketing efforts for Malaysia's Medical and MICE tourism. Empowering Women and Mentoring: As an advocate for Women on Boards, Shehara has not only shattered glass ceilings but also mentored a new generation of women CEOs and entrepreneurs. Her work includes crafting the 5-year National Action Plan for Gender and Disability as an ILO specialist advisor. International Recognition: Shehara's influence stretches beyond borders. She has been a prominent resource for the Commonwealth Foundation PAN Commonwealth Civil Society Network on HIV AIDS and a Deputy Programme Director for USAID/IESC YouLead. Her insights have been sought after at international conferences, earning her prestigious marketing and women leadership awards. Thought Leadership and Impact: The guest's expertise is not confined to boardrooms. She has lent her insights to advisory boards, think tanks, startup mentoring, and innovation awards. Her engagements include the Eisenhower Fellowship, Ray Awards, MIT Global Startups, and the Roger Herschel Creativity Award. 🔍 Key Takeaways: Join us as we delve into the incredible journey of Shehara, a multifaceted leader. Through her experiences and insights, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the impact that dedicated leadership can have on organizations, communities, and individuals. Her passion for empowering women and driving societal change is truly inspiring and sets the stage for a captivating and enlightening conversation. Tune in to uncover the profound wisdom and transformative lessons that Shehara has to offer, as we explore her journey from boardrooms to community initiatives and beyond. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.