LIFESTYLE
Rajiv Malalasekera
In conversation with Nimanthi Bandaranayake
JOURNEY OF LIFE
Born
24 June 1975
Education
Royal College, Cleveland State University and New York University
Wanted to be
A filmmaker or professional cricketer
Presently
A Director and the CEO of Brandix Apparel Solutions
What drives you?
Building relationships – meeting people from different backgrounds, and collaborating to do something different and out of the ordinary
And what fuels your creativity and passion?
Engaging in ideation and thought-provoking sessions with individuals of diverse thinking styles and personalitie
A moment you would like to go back to
Captaining the Royal 1st XV rugby team in the 50th Bradby Shield was surreal where time flew by… I would love to relive that moment
Best advice received
Listen mindfully and stay curious!
INTIMATE AND INSPIRING
Likes to play
Rugby, squash and Nintendo/Xbox (occasionally)
Likes to watch
Live sports, biographies, thrillers and sitcoms
Most unforgettable event
The day my daughter Anyelah was born
Unexpected source of inspiration
Interactions with people who have mastered happiness and fulfilment, while living modestly and with low expectations; and any time spent near the ocean
Role models
My father Vijaya Malalasekera and our Group CEO Ashroff Omar
Proudest achievement
In late 2009, I assumed leadership of a struggling joint venture and through effective leadership, guided the team to turn it into a profitable entity within 18 months
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Daily practice
My morning spiritual practice
Most hated chore
Unnecessary meetings with no clear objective – and too many people!
Impressed by
Visionary entrepreneurs who are successful, humble and charitable without seeking publicity
Happy place
A sunset by the ocean
Unique talents or hobbies
Selling any idea! I’m also good at comedic impersonations!
Most adventurous item on your bucket list
Paragliding from the top of a cliff to the ocean
Goals on your bucket list
Yet to think about it – but a few have been ticked off already!
Music you enjoy
R&B, rock, soulful house, baila and jazz
Most transformative book you’ve read
Quite a few that were relevant at different times – more recently, You Owe You (by Eric Thomas)
A little-known fact about you
I represented the Sri Lanka U20 team as a ranked player in the Asian Junior Squash Individual Championships
What legacy do you hope to leave?
That I helped others reach their full potential rather than solely focussing on my own achievements
Advice to your younger self
Worry less about the result and prepare more diligently
FAVOURITES
Chill out spots
Taru Villas Mawella and Wild Culture Yala
Brands
AG Jeans, Calvin Klein, Boss, Massimo Dutti and John Varvatos
Cuisines
Sri Lankan, Thai and Italian
Beverages
Ginger ale or a single malt from Speyside in Scotland
Local holiday destinations
Mawella, Trincomalee and Wilpattu
International holiday destinations
Bali, Sydney, Como and Colorado
Restaurants
Côte, Akanoya, GINI, Yumi and Doner & Durum (for a great wrap)
Books
Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life (by James Kerr); Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (by Carol Dweck); Siddhartha (by Hermann Hesse); and Chinaman: The Legend of Pradeep Mathew (by Shehan Karunatilaka)
Quote
“Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you.” – Michelle Obama
Local sportspersons
Muttiah Muralitharan, Aravinda de Silva, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara
International sportspersons
Michael Jordan, Richie McCaw, Antoine Dupont and Patrick Mahomes
Likely retirement destination
I will keep that a secret! But somewhere on our beautiful island for sure
COMPLETE THE SENTENCE
When you dance, you look like…
An idiot!
The first thing you notice about someone
His or her personality and general demeanour
You know it’s going to be a bad day when…
I see a lot of missed calls and messages early in the morning and my cup of tea doesn’t hit the spot
Recently laughed out loud when…
I heard friends reminiscing while using some old school ‘Singlish’ slang
Happiness is when…
The mind finds tranquillity in the enjoyment of simple pleasures: spending time with family and friends, and savouring a good meal
Sri Lanka will have a chance to develop when…
We have unselfish politicians, and educated, courageous individuals step forward and challenge the archaic system that governs us
The world is…
Complicated but more connected than ever before
Message of positivity
Ride the storm – it will make you more resilient and fulfilled in many ways
Goals for the future
To learn to be more content and strive for a better work-life balance – at least in the time to come
PICK ONE
When are you most productive?
I can adapt as needed to maintain productivity at any time – particularly when working with clients in the US
A delightful word
Relentless
A fictional character you would like to have as your mentor
Seinfeld or Ted Lasso
Solitude and quiet moments, or social gatherings and parties
Right balance of both
Coastal, mountainous or desert landscapes as vacation destinations
Coastal and mountainous
Your most used phrase
“I will give you a buzz and let’s catch up quietly.”
Work out preferences
Make it count and go hard – especially when it feels like a day you want to be lazy
Motto in life
Stay grounded and hustle in silence
Rajiv Malalasekera is a Director and the CEO of Brandix Apparel Solutions
