Sonny Navaratnam

Developed and delivered the "Warrior Being" personal development programme. Also developed and delivered "Great Leadership" leadership development programmes for companies, individuals and communities as well as (in cconjunction with Douglas Long), the "Superentrepeneur" programme for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Black and White Enterprises is the group holding company. The group comprises of; International Leadership Mentoring Pty Ltd - Develops powerful leadership using mentoring to share wisdom, enhance learning and guide experiences. Global Academy of Leadership Pty Ltd - Creates outstanding leaders through cutting edge programs designed to unleash human potential. Blunt Solutions Pty ltd: A corporate consulting co dedicated to making a real difference to their clients, with a "no value, no payment approach.

As CFO, I was responsible for enabling the company to move from a small business into the realms of large business through the introduction of approriate structures, processes, skills and knowlege. In under three years turnover went from $20 million to $75 million and profits from under $200K to over $1 million. The engine room developed under my auspices has helped the organisation reach an annual turnover of $300 million and profitability of $9 million today.

As managing partner of this organisation, I oversaw it's growth to its ultimate sale in late 1999 for $17 million. The company specialised in developing innovative technological solutions for its select group of clients in Australia and overseas.

Managing the setting up and operation of a commercial retail business within the government entity. Overcoming cultural barriers was one of the greates challenges and most satisfying when achieved. Helped move the business to the pre-eminent position at the upper end of the market within 2 years.

Implementation of ERP systems - SUN accounting and SUN business. The project involved many complexities including exchange transactions and barcoding.

My first long term assignment in Australia, I started as an Assistant Management Accountant on a maternity leave replacement. I brought a lot of knowledge and wisdom to the organisation and was extremely fortunate to have some wonderful managers who encouraged innovation and improvements.

An organisation focused on bringing cutting edge technology and business solutions into Sri Lanka. Had many great adventures as I struggled with the forces of greed who were determined to bring discarded and outmoded systems into the country at great profits to a few and terrible costs to many.

A garment manufacturing company, I was responsible for turning it around into a model of labour reform. Bringing training, technology, productivity sharing and continuous improvement into the culture of the organisation, we increased profitability by 400%.

I started my working career here doing my articles for the chartered accounting qualification. Learnt much, met some wonderful people and kick started an amazing journey. My mentors in this organisation like Mr Wijeyesinghe, Mr Asiriwatham, Mr Fernando, Mr Rajakulendran and Mr Seevaratnam gave me the foundations of integrity, honour and steadfastness that have hallmarked my business life. Colleagues that i made friends with here have remained for life.