Ram Gidoomal was born into an Indian immigrant family of silk traders in Kenya and enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Mombasa. As he turned 17, his family endured a devastating second deportation, to London. Starting from scratch, Ram built a successful career in business and was firmly on the road to prosperity and fortune, when a life changing journey led him to instead dedicate his business skills and profits to those who need them most. His contributions to the community were recognised by HM The Queen in 1998, who appointed him CBE. An experienced businessman and entrepreneur, Ram has worked for over 30 years at board and senior management level in the private, public, and voluntary sectors. His current roles are all non- executive: he is an Advisory Board Member of BAO Systems; a Board Member and Member of the Audit and Risk Committeee, and the Renumeration Committee of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; and Chair of CottonConnect, as well as of Allia Ltd. The most recent of the numerous recognitions for his many books and other contributions, including Honorary Doctorates from three UK universities, has been his inclusion in Highflyers50 –the 50 most eminent people of Indian origin living and working outside India.