6 of the Best: Connecting Brands’ Russell Yershon

In this week’s 6 of the Best we hear from Connecting Brands’ Director Russell Yershon, who tells us about a plethora of sporting delights and a classic Stephen King movie adaptation all while sampling the delights of a luxurious Indian Ocean island.

Best Holiday

I’ve been lucky enough to go on a few great holidays but the one where I am writing this from now will take some beating. It’s my 40th birthday this Friday and to celebrate I’m with my wife and two daughters in Mauritius at Luxe Belle Mare resort. With breathtaking views including stunning beaches,  great food, water sports and entertainment  it’s the perfect way to enter my fourties.

Best Album

This is a tough one! I’m a big fan of a few traditional pop bands and artists, some no longer making music.

Lighthouse family’s album Ocean Drive is one to the top albums I could sing along and listen too all day. It reminds me of my care free Uni days where life was bliss. Driving up and down the M1 from Essex to Derby, this album would be number 1 on the play list. I saw them a few times live and I’ve also heard they’re performing at the London Palladium this November so I need to get some tickets to re-live that nostalgia!

Best Sporting Experience

I’ve been lucky being in gaming industry to have been invited to some top sporting events. To be in Booby Moore suite when Arsenal beat Hull in 2015 FA Cup Final was awesome and to congratulate the team as they collected the trophy was great (I was even spotted on TV with most people saying…only Russell would know the place to be and the perfect spot!)

On a work level, to travel on the plane with Arsenal players for a Europa League away trip last season sitting next to legend Ray Parlour was something I could have never dreamed of as a fan growing up. Shame the quality of the team now isn’t as good as the Invincibles.

Best Film

Shawshank Redemption is a great film I enjoyed watching and have seen a few times. It captivates you from the start and has plenty of great elements to make it one of the best. Besides the core themes, what resonates with me is how the lead characters built a strong relationship which in turn built trust, something I like to apply to my business. It’s not just about the film itself but actually about the film score which I’ve become really familiar with since becoming a lister of classic fm. It’s unique and completely moving.

Best Book

I have found since having kids I’ve forgotten what a book looks and feels like! Let alone having the time to read them! That said, I do enjoy an autobiography and have recently finished Sir Alex Ferguson’s account of his time at the top! It’s a great read and gives you a great understanding of the mind of one of Britain’s best football managers and how he dealt with some of the UK’s top footballers.

Even as an Arsenal fan, you can’t not admire the continued hunger and determination of Sir Alex and knowing many tricks to get the best out of his players to keep them motivated.

Best Bet

Being a huge NFL fan and supporter of Philadelphia Eagles, my best bet placed was Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl in 2018. After a super start to the season, starting quarter back Carson Wentz got injured and then up stepped veteran ‘Sir’ Nick Foles who played pretty much a faultless set of matches in play-offs, plus an outstanding Super Bowl against hot favourites New England Patriots.

Even having secured number 1 seed going into the playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles were outsiders to win Super Bowl, but a narrow win over Atlanta Falcons followed by an impressive performance at home to Minnesota Viking’s ensure a Super Bowl appearance and the rest is history.