We are kicking off Season 5, Episode 1 of Raw Talent with a compelling chat with educator and coach Sasha Damjanovski. Sasha has enjoyed a multifaceted career as an award-winning writer, director and producer in film, TV and theatre. He has also cultivated a career in business communications and as a psychological counselling and CBT coach, as well as an educator at Central Saint Martin's in Applied Imagination, which is an intensive research degree.
Having grown up in former Yugoslavia, Sasha had the opportunity to experience the positive aspects of socialism with relatively little censorship. Like in many small nations, serving in the military was a mandatory requirement back then, so he enlisted at the age of 18 and encountered a significant moment of self-realization while learning the importance of enduring discomfort, a crucial aspect of personal growth. Sasha emphasizes the necessity of facing uncomfortable conversations in both personal and professional relationships. The disciplined structure of military life taught him the value of persevering until the end, regardless of personal preferences. This marked the beginning of his journey at the age of 18, with much more to learn about life. Being surrounded by diverse individuals made him realize that everyone has their own unique story, each equally valuable and worth sharing. His military experience has significantly influenced many of his perspectives and ideas.
In 1990, Sasha followed his dream of becoming a filmmaker by relocating to London to immerse himself in the language and film industry, intending to move to LA later. However, life took a different turn, and London has been his home for the past 33 years.
Transitioning into an indie filmmaker, Sasha found himself with spare time while waiting for responses and funding for projects, leading him to create business communication videos for both SMEs and large multinational corporations. With growing expertise, he began conducting courses for professionals on topics such as pitching films, public speaking, and team management, drawing from his experience as a film director and producer. Recognising the importance of storytelling in his work, he encouraged individuals, whether actors or non-actors, to express themselves authentically.
Sasha emphasises that interpersonal skills are crucial in all aspects of teaching professional skills. This is central to effectively communicating with the world, leveraging one's talents to inspire and earn trust from others, whilst fostering teamwork and leadership abilities.
Driven by a commitment to service, Sasha, a storyteller at heart, delving into people's stories, prompted him to undergo training in psychological counselling and CBT. He now serves as a counselling coach, offering fresh perspectives and practical guidance to individuals seeking support.
Besides serving as a councillor, Sasha also imparts lessons on public speaking. Recently, he came across an interesting study where researchers used public speaking as a humane method to induce stress in their subjects to study the effects on the human body and nervous system. While subjecting individuals to dangerous situations like throwing them into traffic is unethical, requesting them to speak in front of an audience can significantly elevate their cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Sasha realised that the focus lies in the knowledge and insights he has to share, drawing from his experiences in film and working with actors, where he has gained valuable insights into performance and authenticity. Through interviewing countless individuals, including non-professionals and amateur actors, he strives to boost their confidence and ease their nerves in front of the camera utilising techniques to calm the nervous system and appear composed. Ultimately, his journey in film has enriched his understanding of human nature and how to honour the individuals he works with from individuals to large groups.
Sasha is currently an Associate Lecturer at Central Saint Martins on an intensive MA research program named Applied Imagination with real-world applications. The student body is diverse in terms of backgrounds, cultures, ages, and experiences, all coming together to master the art of practical implementation based on thorough research. This can manifest in various forms such as products, social campaigns, apps, new businesses, or exhibitions, the possibilities are unlimited. Students are urged to approach their subjects with academic rigor and are provided with guidance on how to delve deep into the core of their research and translate their knowledge into practical outcomes.
Tango is another significant passion in Sasha's life, and through learning it thoroughly, he has discovered a unique lens through which one can interpret various aspects of life. Sasha first encountered Tango in London, uncovering the importance of managing his energy, shaping his movements, and effectively participating as a partner whilst being attuned to his partner's needs. This experience taught him to respect and understand his body, move in harmony with the music and another person, and carry himself with greater confidence and poise. He explains the magic of nonverbal communication and presence-in-the-moment is evident when two individuals come together in Tango, providing a sense of fulfilment and motivation for improvement after a successful dance.
Sasha is also deeply interested in the concept of developing emotional resilience, and I inquire about the strategies and tips he employs in this regard. He describes how, particularly during the challenges of COVID and lockdowns, the idea of emotional stamina became essential. The core principle he emphasises is the realization that life is not about avoiding failures altogether, but rather about how we rise after falling. Sasha outlines a three-step approach to this process. Firstly, he highlights the importance of maintaining hope and approaching situations with optimism, positive energy, and enthusiasm. Secondly, he discusses the inevitability of experiencing pain, such as unexpected setbacks or disappointments, which can be demoralizing, a sentiment often felt by independent filmmakers. Sasha stresses the significance of acknowledging this pain to prevent it from manifesting in physical ailments or mental breakdowns. However, he emphasizes that dwelling on this pain is not productive; instead, it is crucial to take a pause, acknowledge and address it, practice self-care, and then work towards healing and recovery. This leads to the third stage, where Sasha encourages a reflective analysis of the experience, fostering curiosity and a constructive approach to learning from it. By engaging in this process, one can regain hope and break free from feeling stagnant, enabling progress and forward movement.
You can find information about Sasha's work and access his consultancy services on his website at https://www.sashadamjanovski.com/.
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