BNI Odyssey Chapter Celebrates 14 Years of Networking Excellence!

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What a week it’s been for the BNI Odyssey Chapter! We just celebrated 14 incredible years of fostering business growth, unwavering support, and powerful networking. It was a truly special occasion, made possible by the dedication of so many who have shaped Odyssey into the phenomenon it is today.

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A Vision Brought to Life

Huge kudos to our brilliant Leadership Team – Raddhika, Mihir, and Vaishak – for conceptualizing this wonderful celebration. And a special thank you to Abhay Jain for his superb efforts in inviting past presidents and cherished old members who contributed immensely to Odyssey’s journey.

We were thrilled to welcome back Mr. Kiran Hulimani, the founding president of our chapter. Did you know that Odyssey launched as India’s First Hall of Fame Chapter and the world’s second, boasting over 35 members right from the start? This incredible feat was achieved under the guidance of the legendary Annie Kumar, a woman who is truly “all heart” and an outstanding entrepreneur.

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Honoring Our Legacy: A Gathering of Leaders

Over the years, Odyssey has been blessed with exceptional leaders, and we were privileged to have many of our past presidents grace the occasion. It was an honor to see these stalwarts in attendance:

• Mr. Rushab Batavia: A dynamic manufacturer of curtains and upholstery, Rushab’s journey in Odyssey transformed him from a B2B supplier to a B2C powerhouse, establishing his brand across India and globally.
• Mr. Nagachandra: One of Odyssey’s earliest members, representing his Tally business and contributing to our foundational strength.
• Mr. Ram Kumarr Seshu: A true visionary who uplifted the chapter’s interactions with the world. There’s still so much to learn from his wisdom and unique perspective. His brainchild, “TISS” (The Iconic Success Stories), brought some of the biggest names in business to network and speak at our events. We are deeply indebted to him for the culture, camaraderie, and endless business opportunities he continues to generate
• Mr. MG Balakrishna: The current President of the FKCCI and founder of Indogas. With the world at his fingertips, he’s always ready to share his insights and support whenever Odyssey needs help.
• Mr. Hemal Desai: Owner of Twinkle, one of Bangalore’s oldest and most prominent clothing stores. His leadership led us to become the #1 chapter in the region for three consecutive months during his presidency.
• Mr. Sukhen Padmanabha: The incoming president of the Rotary Club of Bangalore and Principal Architect of KPPA. Sukhen is the soul who ingrained the “How Can I Help You” culture into our chapter. Personally, I’m grateful to him for pushing me into the President’s chair the first time and teaching me invaluable leadership lessons.
• Ms. Sreedevi Raghavan: A phenomenal Business Coach, Life Coach, and my personal “life saver”! I had the privilege of inducting her into the chapter. As Ganesh Sayee aptly put it, she had the “dubious honor” of driving me from “Insane to Insaan” – truly a transformative influence.

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Leadership and Growth: My Odyssey Journey

Leading Odyssey has been a tremendous learning experience, especially in navigating the nuances of managing people and situations. While many helped me through my first term as President, I owe special acknowledgment to the brilliant counsel of Sreedevi Raghavan, Rushab Batavia, Williams Manuel, and Abhay Jain. Their support has truly shaped who I am today.

It was an honor to be called upon to lead Odyssey as President again this year, alongside my brilliant teammates Adityaand Vinuta. I’ve poured all my learnings from these great individuals into ensuring Odyssey’s vibrant culture continues to thrive.

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The Heartbeat of Odyssey

Also present at our celebration were Deepak Jumani, Ashish Wadhwa, Shreya Shetty, and Kirti Lokhande. These individuals are the reason Odyssey vibrates with such infectious energy today!

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A Night to Remember

We honored and felicitated our past leaders with beautiful shawls, against a backdrop of videos showcasing cherished memories of Odyssey through the years. Each honoree also received a silver coin, and we capped off the festivities by cutting into a delicious cake, beautifully designed by Ranjini of Jini’s Goodies!

We were also honored to have Dr. Manavalli Veena, our dedicated support ambassador, be a part of this memorable event.

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Join the Odyssey!

Inspired by our journey? The BNI Odyssey Chapter is more than just a networking group; it’s a family that fosters growth, support, and genuine connections.

Are you looking to expand your business, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and become part of a thriving community? We invite you to experience the energy of the BNI Odyssey Chapter for yourself!

Click here to learn more about visiting our next meeting and discovering how Odyssey can help you achieve your business goals!

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Here are a few pictures from the event that capture the joy and camaraderie:

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What are your favorite memories from your time with BNI Odyssey, or any networking group that has positively impacted your journey? Share them in the comments below!