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February 5, 2025 34 mins

At just 17 years old, Roy Ratnavel was a prisoner of genocide, trapped in torture camps during Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war. He lost everything—his freedom, his homeland, and nearly his life. But against all odds, he survived, escaped to Canada, and started over from nothing.

From working as a janitor, he climbed his way up through the ranks of Bay Street, eventually becoming Vice Chairman of CI Global Asset Management, one of Canada's largest investment firms with over $130 billion in assets under management.

Roy’s journey is the ultimate testament to resilience, grit, and the power of owning your destiny. In today’s episode of the Challenger Mindset Podcast, we dive into his incredible story—how he transformed unimaginable hardship into an unstoppable drive for success, the principles that guided him, and the mindset that helped him break through every barrier.


🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • The traumatic events that shaped Roy’s life and leadership philosophy
  • How he turned pain and loss into relentless ambition
  • The secret principles that helped him stand out on Bay Street (Canada's Wall Street)
  • Why "Communicate, Differentiate, Appreciate" became his personal success mantra
  • His advice for young people facing adversity: "Take responsibility, control your input, and fight for every heartbeat."


📚 Check out Roy's bestselling book, "Prisoner 1056," where he shares the full story of survival, resilience, and triumph.


Don't miss this inspiring conversation that proves no obstacle is insurmountable.


🚀 Subscribe to the Challenger Mindset Podcast and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!

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