Gerry Salole is an international development expert and philanthropist. He served as Chief Executive at the European Foundation Centre. He has worked for has worked for the Ford Foundation, The Bernard van Leer Foundation, Save the Children Federation, Redd Barna (Norwegian Save the Children), and OXFAM UK. Gerry is a renowned thought leader, writer, and lecturer, providing consultation and teaching services at the African Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment. Chair of the European Cultural Foundation and Board Member of Evens Foundation, Europe-Africa Foundation, African Capacity Building Foundation, Impact Trust, Gerry uses his vast experience in international development, to focus on helping other organisations with projects, strategy, and trends. As a trained Social Anthropologist, Gerry sidestepped an academic career when he accepted a job working with Oxfam Ethiopia where he was subsequently seconded to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on a project repatriation of Somali refugees in Ethiopia. The experience he gained showed him the gaps that (still) exist between organisations wanting to help, but not always addressing the real needs of people. Â