Book excerpt: In physical stature, academic achievements and leadership acumen, Prof. George Magoha is a towering figure that continues to bestride the medical profession and corporate leadership like a colossus. As is evident in this memoir, he has led many institutions, and risen through the ranks purely on meritocracy. He was the first competitively recruited Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, which he transformed into its current world class excellence status. His transformative leadership style saw him steer the University during one of its most challenging periods, surmounting the perennial impediments hitherto associated with the institution - financial constraints; staff apathy; students' unrests - among other challenges.Prof. Magoha is Professor of Urological and Transplant Surgery. Born in Gem, Kenya, he received his medical training at the College of Medicine of University of Lagos, Nigeria; Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria; Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland; and the Royal Postgraduate Medical School Hammersmith Hospital, London.Currently, he is the Chairman of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) where he has introduced transformative measures that have seen the Council regain its integrity. He has also been Chairman of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB) since 2009. In addition, Prof. Magoha represents Africa in the Global Council of Confucius Institute, Beijing China; he is Chairman of African Network for Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) Governing Board; has served as President of the Association of African Universities (AAU); and has been President of the Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) from 2013 to date. Prof. Magoha is a recipient of many local and international awards and honours, including State recognition with: Member of the Burning Spear (MBS) and Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS).