Dr Amo Raju OBE
CEO, Mentor, Influencer, Author
Business and Finance
Amo is a self-taught social entrepreneur who has recognised the need for disabled people and user-led organisations to control their own destiny and narrative. In 1987 he became a professional bhangra singer. Years later, he commented that he wanted to show that disabled people have every right to sing on stage as anyone else. In fact, he has three albums available on Spotify. Even today, his tracks make an appearance on the BBC Asian Network and other radio stations and dance-floors across the UK.
Since 1997, he has spear-headed his own charity, Disability Direct, to become self-sustaining through the creation of trading arms which are now delivered by disabled people who themselves have benefitted from his role as Group CEO. Under his leadership, the charity has generated over £28m. To date, he has overseen and created 75+ projects and services for disabled people – managed and delivered by disabled people.
In February 2022, he won the award for ‘Outstanding 3rd Sector Achievement’ at the British Sikh Awards. Soon after, the University of Derby awarded him an honorary doctorate for his lifelong service to disabled people and the voluntary sector. More recently, he received an O.B.E. for his service to disabled people, carers and mental health.
The incredible aspect of Amo’s very successful journey is that for thirty years he has battled with his relationship with depression in secret. Indeed, he had three decades of therapy sessions without the knowledge of his friends, colleagues and even family. However, in 2021, Amo decided to publish a semi-biographical book Walk Like A Man, a blunt and frank account of how society tried its utmost to pigeon-hole and restrict his desires and ambition.
Additionally, Amo mentors a number of disabled people in leadership positions across the country who are inspired by his resilience and expertise in showing other disabled people his can and will do attitude. Today Amo is becoming more visible on the circuit, delivering keynote speeches for well known national charities and businesses.
In March 2023 he addressed a fully captivated audience at TEDx in London.
“They will always underestimate you and believe me, that’s a good thing. Do not be disheartened, because your continuing rise to success will disappoint them at even greater levels.”
Disability Power 100 2023 profile information has been self-submitted by the profile subject. Shaw Trust understands and respects that disability and impairment descriptors and language use varies from person to person. Shaw Trust assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or discrepancies in the content of this, or any other, profile page.
Image credit: Pic taken at WW. Winters Ltd
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