Sydenham College became the epicenter of innovation on 28th September, 2024 as the BMS Society hosted its highly anticipated Management Conclave ’24. This year’s event was truly groundbreaking, setting new standards in management education and pushing the boundaries of business leadership.
The day started with an inauguration ceremony, where the symbolic lighting of the lamp set a tone of enlightenment and creativity. Principal Dr. Shriniwas S. Dhure took the stage to commend the BMS Society for their dedication and officially declared the Conclave open. His speech not only applauded the hard work but also ignited enthusiasm for the events to come.
One of the most anticipated moments was the insightful address by Dr. Neil Sequeira, a respected guest speaker who explored the relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence. Dr. Sequeira encouraged the audience to embrace discomfort, challenging them to step out of their comfort zones regularly. He emphasized the importance of resilience, self-sufficiency, and patience, reminding everyone that failure is a natural part of the journey and that one’s job should not define their entire identity.
Next came a riveting panel discussion, moderated by the well-known Mr. Mohammed Virani, which brought together a diverse group of industry leaders. Akshay Gurnani, co-founder of Schbang, opened the conversation by discussing the power of gratitude in leadership and how storytelling can be a driving force in entrepreneurial success. Abhishek Daga, founder of Nasher Miles, captivated the audience with his vision for luxury travel, where he reimagines travel gear as a bold fashion statement. His approach highlighted how innovation and style can reshape traditional industries.
Kushal Lodha, founder of KAGR, added a unique perspective on the role of finance in social media. He demonstrated how platforms like Instagram and YouTube can amplify important financial conversations, proving that social media is a powerful tool for education. Suresh Verma, a financial modelling expert, shared his inspiring career transition from software engineering to teaching finance, reassuring students that it’s possible to switch career paths successfully. His journey, along with insights into the significance of SEO and voice search, left the audience with a fresh perspective on digital business strategies.
Sushovan Sarkar, with his extensive experience in FMCG, discussed marketing challenges, particularly highlighting his work on Savlon’s “Swasth” campaign. His talk illustrated how effective marketing can overcome corporate hurdles. Sameer Nanjangud from Lubrizol tackled the complex balance between regional diversity and maintaining a consistent global brand, offering valuable insights for businesses operating across borders. Mahesh Pattu, Vice President at Info Edge and Naukri.com, emphasized strategic thinking as the key to navigating modern business challenges. His message was clear: obstacles are growth opportunities when approached with creativity and determination.
Panel from left to right: Mohammed Virani, Suresh Varma, Akshay Gurnani, Abhishek Daga, Kushal Lodha, Sameer Nanjangud, Sushovan Sarkar and Mahesh Pattu
As the panel concluded, all the speakers united in their advice for the future leaders in the room: Master essential tools like Excel, Tally, and Power BI, hone your presentation and public speaking skills, and embrace AI as a pivotal force shaping the business landscape. They encouraged students to invest time in developing these skills, setting a clear path forward for future success.
The day continued with a highly anticipated keynote by Abhishek Acharya, co-founder of Theka Coffee. He shared his journey from pitching on Shark Tank to building a successful brand, answering burning questions about how to make it onto the show and whether fame plays a critical role in success. Reflecting on his eight-year journey of hard work, grit, and determination, he emphasized the importance of patience in the entrepreneurial world. His mantra was simple yet powerful: Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t shy away from discomfort.
His candid discussion, followed by a lively Q&A session, gave aspiring entrepreneurs a firsthand look at the ups and downs of business, with practical advice that resonated deeply with the audience. His authenticity and relatable stories left everyone inspired and ready to take on their own entrepreneurial ventures.
Adding a layer of timeless wisdom to the day’s discussions, Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai took the stage to share lessons from Chanakya Neeti. His speech beautifully merged ancient leadership principles with modern-day challenges, urging the audience to take purposeful action in their personal and professional lives. Alongside him, Qudsia Virani ma’am and Radhika Iyer ma’am added their perspectives on leadership, enriching the conversation with fresh ideas and approaches. Together, they created a thought-provoking atmosphere that left everyone eager to implement these lessons in their own lives.
In addition to the captivating discussions, the event was also filled with interactive games that brought a fun and competitive spirit to the Conclave. FinHousie, a finance-themed twist on traditional housie, had participants marking their cards with financial terms and market movements, sparking lively strategic discussions. The bonus rounds, packed with economic trivia, tested the players’ financial knowledge and kept the energy high.
At the same time, Financopoly transformed the classic Monopoly game into a fast-paced race where participants navigated a board filled with investment opportunities, startups, and stock market trends. Players made quick decisions on property purchases, balancing risk and reward, all while engaging in debates about financial strategy. The room was buzzing with excitement as students competed to build their financial empires.
Creativity soared in Prestige Paragon, where teams reimagined everyday brands as luxury icons. Competitors presented their ideas to judge Mr. Nadeem Shaikh, pitching strategies that transformed mundane products into aspirational brands. The innovative pitches impressed both the judges and the audience alike. Over at the Brand Boost Expo, participants raced to create eye-catching advertisements for surprise products, showcasing their marketing skills in front of judge Mr. Vinit Upadhyay. Their quick thinking and creativity were on full display as they produced captivating ads in record time.
In Speed Recruiters, teams made strategic decisions to build the best recruitment team while facing unexpected HR challenges. The game tested their ability to think on their feet and adapt to changing circumstances. Meanwhile, Who Fired Who? had participants piecing together clues to solve a corporate mystery, keeping everyone engaged and on edge as they raced to crack the case.
As the day came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie. The Closing Ceremony honoured the incredible speakers whose insights had left a lasting impact on everyone in attendance. Their contributions were met with enthusiastic applause, and the winners of the day’s games were celebrated for their creativity and determination.
The Management Conclave ’24 was a resounding success, leaving a lasting legacy at Sydenham College. The event showcased the BMS Society’s dedication to fostering innovation, creativity, and leadership. With bold ideas, transformative discussions, and unforgettable moments, the Conclave set a new benchmark for excellence in management education. The lessons learned and the inspiration sparked will undoubtedly shape the leaders of tomorrow, driving positive change in the business world
