Ethical business helps change the world
David Johnson was not a fan of the business ethics modules in his International Business and Enterprise degree, and admits that he spurned most of the classes in favour of the gym, passing the “loathsome, pointless subject” by the skin of his teeth.
But now, 20 years after graduating in 1995, he is the co-founder of a humanitarian charity and the chief executive officer of Eos Risk Group, which “provides security risk and crisis management services to organisations and corporations operating in challenging or hazardous environments around the world”, a company with a strong focus on human rights and ethics.
“Life has a great way of showing us all that we don’t know it all,” says the 44-year-old, who lives in Staffordshire. “I would advise anyone considering going into business or senior management to make ethical business a priority, and the business and individuals will be rewarded.”
Award-winning business
It’s certainly been a successful formula for David. His business won the UK Trade and Investment small exporter of the year award in 2008, was shortlisted for a Queen’s Award for International Trade four years ago, and has trained more than 2,000 people, with 300 personnel on four continents.
“It’s brought tens of millions of pounds of trade into the UK, and enables many businesses and individuals to trade globally,” says David, who is currently working with Staffordshire University on a software-based project and internship programme. “Our business is working at the forefront of situations seen on the news.”
David chose his degree thanks to its real-world focus, and found it opened his eyes to the international business environment.
“I joined the degree because it appeared less on the theory side and more on the practical,” he says. “It was the right choice as the projects we were given were generally very true to life and a lot of the lecturers had real-world experience.
“The course had the elements I needed in order to achieve what I was looking to achieve, and the course was based in Stafford which was a great location for students.
“It also hugely broadened my outlook on the world, as in my third year I spent close to two months in the Far East researching the investment climate in part of the region.”
Helping the needy
After graduation David established his own consultancy business and developed niche expertise in the defence and security sector, which helped him start Eos Risk Group in 2004 with the support of his wife, Lesley.
And in 2012 the couple also founded their own charity, Dawn Aid, which seeks to help child victims of conflict.
“My family is by far the most important thing in my life,” says David, “and all of my plans are based around making the best of whatever life God has given me to spend with them, and to help other people as best I can.
“I have been extremely fortunate, by design and grace, and I see this as an enabler to do good in the world.
“It’s very early days for the charity, but there is a huge need for people to help those in the desperate situations we see daily. I’m a firm believer in the ripple effect and hope that if everyone with a conscience about helping people in need does something, then a tidal wave of assistance will flood the areas where it is needed, and those in need will understand that someone somewhere cares about them.”
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