116. Roy Ratnavel: From Prisoner to Executive - The Power of Resilience
Imagine being imprisoned at just 17 years old in a Sri Lanka prison camp and then miraculously finding your way to Canada, where you'd go on to become a successful executive. That's the incredible story of Roy Ratnavel, author of Prisoner Number 1056, who joins Aaron in this deeply inspiring conversation. Aaron Pete and Roy Ratnavel explore the importance of hard work, resilience, and staying true to one's values, as Roy shares his remarkable journey that highlights the power of hope and humanity even in the darkest situations.
Together, Roy and Aaron discuss the challenges of populism, the strife and war that erupted in Sri Lanka, and the key message that people must see each other as humans and focus on our shared bonds. Roy reflects on his experiences in Canada, the kindness of strangers that touched his heart, and the importance of work-life balance, differentiating oneself in a competitive environment, and continuously striving for improvement. His story serves as a potent reminder of the potential for growth and success in the face of adversity.
As the two wrap up our conversation, Roy shares his lessons in gratitude, balance, and recognizing the opportunities afforded to us in a free country. The endorsement of his book by Prime Minister Brian Mulrooney brings Roy's journey full circle, further solidifying the impact of his experiences on his outlook on life and the world around him.