Media Release

Bengaluru, Jun 22: Kanara Entrepreneurs successfully hosted an engaging evening of leadership, learning, and networking, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, and industry experts for a thought-provoking discussion on "Leadership in the Era of AI" at The Grand Magrath Hotel on June 19.

The evening was seamlessly anchored by Roushnee Sur, whose professionalism and confidence set the tone for a memorable gathering. The event commenced with an invocation prayer led by KE lead member Stan D'Souza, followed by a warm welcome to the guests and members.

A significant highlight of the programme was the installation ceremony of the newly elected board of directors, facilitated by Clarence Pereira, past president of Kanara Entrepreneurs. Before the installation, Clarence formally acknowledged and discharged the outgoing directors: Leena Lobo (director – membership), Sunil Attavar (director – mentoring), and Roshan Sequeira (director – events). He also recognized immediate past president Claudius Pereira for completing his four-year tenure on the board.

Clarence then proceeded with the installation of the new board: Naveen D’souza as president-elect, Zaveena Lobo as director of membership, Sunil Attavar as director of mentoring, and Roshan Sequeira as director of events.

The event featured the induction of 20 new members across diverse industries, facilitated by Zaveena Lobo. The newly inducted members are:

• Abijith Jaijo, advocate and founder of a legal-tech startup

• Alan Carvalho, CEO of IMP PRINT

• Anna Maria Jose, ICF ACC certified life coach and communication strategist

• Hancy Ronaldo D'Souza, director of Belmec Technologies Pvt Ltd

• Ian Kishander, managing partner at MetaHR Consulting

• Joyce Fernandez, senior executive assistant at Infineon Technologies

• Kevin Bradley D'Souza, founder of SymboliaLabs

• Mark Ashwin, associate consultant at EY

• Mark Menezes, founder and managing partner at Markrich Solutions LLP

• Michael Franco, co-founder and director of ScaleUpWealth

• Naveen Julian Rego, founder director of Naveen Rego Capital Pvt Ltd

• N C Ashok, GST and customs consultant

• Royden D'Almeida, vice president at Groww

• Rubina Amalraj, founder and cake stylist at Heavenly Desserts LLP

• Sennen Chris Pinto, international math and music tutor

• Sharu Jose, managing director of Kumarakom Cuisine Pvt Ltd

• Shiney Maria Lewis, program manager at Publicis Sapient

• Tomson Thomas of ThirtySixtyHundred Consulting

• Manoj Samuel Baptist, director of Farmland Rainwater Harvesting Systems

• Keith Machado, founder and director of Orione Composites & Engineering Pvt Ltd

President Pramod D'Souza delivered an address reflecting on the association's journey over the past year and shared his vision on growth and collaboration. He encouraged members to embrace innovation while building strong professional networks.

The highlight of the evening was an insightful panel discussion on navigating artificial intelligence. The esteemed panel featured Caroline Mendez, CEO of Stalwart Group, and Ranganath Sadasiva, CTO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) India. Moderated by KE lead member James Coelho, the session explored how AI is reshaping decision-making and business strategy while emphasizing the enduring importance of human leadership.

The evening also included member engagement activities and an interactive Mentimeter feedback session conducted by Sunil Attavar.

The survey provided valuable insights into the participants' readiness for AI-led transformation. When asked about their confidence in leading AI-driven change, 12 per cent of respondents indicated they were already leading AI initiatives, 16 per cent had begun implementing them, 29 per cent were actively experimenting, and 23 per cent were exploring its potential. Only 4 per cent reported lacking confidence. Furthermore, 58 per cent of the attendees rated the meeting as excellent, while 33 per cent described it as very good.

The success of the event was made possible through the coordination of Jennifer, along with active support and contributions from the Women’s Group and Gen Now Group. The formal programme concluded with networking and dinner.