KCCI Organises Executive Workshop on Business Growth for SME Leaders
Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), in partnership with InUnity and the Mangai Foundation, organised a two-day executive workshop titled “Leading the Next Phase of Growth” exclusively for SME founders and managing directors on September 18 and 19 at the KCCI Meeting Hall, Mangaluru.
In his welcome address, KCCI President P. B. Ahmed Mudassar described the programme as a unique initiative combining training, hands-on learning and a structured 90-day action plan.

“This is a one-of-a-kind programme that combines training, hands-on learning, and a structured 90-day action plan. It enables participants to step back from the day-to-day operations of their businesses, objectively assess their strengths and gaps, and identify the key measures required for growth. The programme is designed to provide practical guidance and a clear roadmap to help businesses scale up and move to the next level,” he said.
Johnson Tellis, Co-Founder and CEO of InUnity, addressed the delegates and emphasised the importance of active participation in the workshop to identify opportunities and unlock the potential for business growth.
The sessions were conducted by Shruthi Ranganath and Krishna N. Venkitaraman, Co-Founders of the Mangai Foundation, who bring professional experience from McKinsey, HEC Paris and Infosys.
Over the two days, the facilitators shared practical perspectives on growth beyond merely increasing revenue or expanding operations. They explored how founders can pursue growth while managing risks and making strategic decisions incrementally.
A key focus was delegation—not merely as a means of distributing workload, but as a way to build ownership and create businesses that do not depend entirely on their founders.
The sessions also addressed the concept of “tunnel vision” and how deep involvement in day-to-day operations can sometimes prevent business owners from stepping back, assessing situations objectively and recognising opportunities or challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Prerana brought another important perspective by exploring the role of climate considerations in business planning and growth. The session examined how climate-related changes can affect business operations and risks, as well as the opportunities that may emerge through adaptation. Participants were encouraged to view climate not only as an environmental concern but also as a factor influencing business strategy and long-term growth.
The discussions were grounded in the realities of the participating businesses, making the workshop more than a series of conversations on growth. It allowed founders to pause, reflect, and consider the next phase of their business development.
Among those present were KCCI Vice-President Divakar Pai Kochikar, Honorary Secretary Ashwin Pai Maroor and Director Nissar Fakeer Mohammed.












