About Authors
“An investment in future generations is an investment in the future of happiness, kindness and mental health.”
Miera Rao

AUTHOR BIO
Miera Rao is an etiquette trainer and award-winning writer in California. After receiving her training and certification from The (then) British School of Etiquette, in London, she founded Top Form Academy. She has trained professionals in Business Communication and Etiquette and helped them get a leg up in their careers. She has also worked with schools and universities, nationally and internationally, to provide customised programmes in Life Skills, to supplement their curricula.
Marrying Passions
For as long as she can remember, Rao has been intrigued by etiquette observed in different parts of the world and enjoys the richness of customs and traditions practiced by various cultures.
In Crushing Etiquette, she marries two passions – storytelling and etiquette – to bring to readers curated stories that illustrate a point.
In these narratives, contributed by people from different parts of the world, you will meet a grumpy guest, an employee whose bad manners cost his company a lucrative deal, a host held hostage by missing RSVPs, and more.
These anecdotes of etiquette gone wrong are sometimes funny and sometimes astounding, but they emphasise the importance of respect and consideration.
Awards
A multi-genre writer, Miera Rao has won awards in different genres — poetry, personal essay and creative non-fiction. She won Third Prize in the 2024 Dancing Poetry contest and her personal essay was a winner in the 2023 Writer’s Digest competition. She was honoured to accept the 2022 Effie Lee Morris Literary Award for Poetry, by the Women’s National Book Association – SF Chapter, where her poem won First Place. She won First Place for her memoir and Best of Show at the Literary Stage, in San Mateo County. Her short stories have been published in the Fault Zone series, which won Gold in the 2022 and 2024 Independent Press Award’s Anthology category.

Philip’s Story
In 2013, Philip established The British School of Etiquette, which quickly became a sought-after destination for Royalty, diplomats, presidential staff, and celebrities around the globe. Today, the school boasts an extensive international network of partnerships and consultants, spanning The Middle East, China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, USA, South Africa, Bahamas, Bermuda and Greece.
Recognized as an etiquette expert and commentator on modern manners and behaviour, Philip frequently appears in both British and international media. His insights have been featured on BBC Radio, Channel Five Star TV, NBC, RTL German News, Dutch TV program Trippers, and Mexican TV station Televisa. Leading newspapers and magazines, including The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Mirror, The Wall Street Journal, The Mayfair Magazine, and Gentleman Magazine Mexico, have also sought his expertise through interviews.
As the Principal and Founder of The British School of Etiquette, now known as The British School of Excellence, with etiquette, manners, emotional intelligence, and customer excellence as its foundation, Philip remains dedicated to equipping all students with the tools and confidence to achieve their dreams. His remarkable interpersonal and motivational skills shine through in every course he leads. It is about building a world of people: Developing substance without arrogance.
Philip’s unwavering enthusiasm and relentless drive have led The British School of Excellence to become the sole organization of its kind to be certified and accredited by CPD, ILM (part of City & Guilds), Investors in People, and The Institute of Leadership and Management. Additionally, it has been accredited as a Centre of Training Excellence.
In Philip’s own words:
The purpose of my life is to embrace joy and vitality, to be fully present with boundless energy and passion, to cherish and value those close to me, and to continuously learn and grow alongside people. By inspiring and assisting them, I aim to empower them to live more fulfilling lives, to love abundantly, and to make a significant impact in this world, both now and forever.
“The Power of Etiquette and Manners will carry you everywhere you want to go.” – Philip Sykes
Quotes
Follow @crushing_etiquette
“Etiquette is the one thing that everyone agrees that someone else needs!”
Miera Rao
