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CULTURE
An Unforgettable Growth99 Meetup in Pune: A Blend of Vision, Team Spirit, and Adventure
The weekend of September 15th and 16th, 2024, marked a monumental event for the Growth99 team, as we gathered in Pune for a two-day extravaganza that seamlessly blended business with pleasure. It was more than just a corporate meet—it was an experience that left us feeling both inspired and deeply connected to one another. Organized meticulously by Poonam Mali, Head of India operations, the event captured the essence of what Growth99 stands for : innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. The event brought together our team from across the country in a way that was both professionally enriching and personally rewarding.
Months of preparation went into ensuring every detail was perfect. From arranging the logistics to planning surprises, every team member put in their best effort to make the event special. One of the most heartfelt moments was the preparation of gifts for Rob, our CEO, and his wife, Sarah. It was a collective effort by the entire team, with each member contributing ideas and thoughtful presents that reflected Indian culture and our gratitude. Poonam, with her attention to detail, also planned a special cake to welcome Rob, which added a personal touch to the event right from the beginning.
Day 1: The Grand Seminar at the Ritz Carlton
The first day of the event, held at the luxurious Ritz Carlton in Pune, kicked off with a sense of anticipation. Arriving at the venue at 6:00 PM, we were welcomed by a venue that was both elegant and warm—a perfect reflection of the Growth99 family spirit.
The evening began with a heartfelt introduction from Vaidehi, setting the tone for an evening of insightful talks and exciting celebrations. Rob, our CEO, was felicitated by Poonam, and he took the stage to deliver a keynote that was nothing short of inspiring. His speech, which centered on entrepreneurship and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the company, resonated with all of us. It wasn’t just about business growth, but about personal development, leadership, and taking ownership of our individual roles in Growth99’s journey.
Following Rob’s keynote, Poonam took us down memory lane, recounting the story of how Growth99 started. She honored the visionaries, Santosh and Camron, and acknowledged everyone who has been part of the company’s incredible growth. Her emotional tribute to the India team had many of us tearing up—it was a moment of shared pride. It was an emotional moment for all of us as she reflected on how far we’ve come, building the India team, and planning for our future. She then gave a glimpse of the company’s future, sharing insights on upcoming projects, financial forecasts, and competitive analyses, making it clear that Growth99 is on an unstoppable upward trajectory.
Celebrating Excellence: The Awards
One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the awards ceremony. Based on OfficeVibe scores, several team members were recognized for their contributions:
- Best eNPS Score Awards:
- 1st: Shubham Agrawal (Support)
- 2nd: Yashwant Dharmdas (Onboarding)
- 3rd: Abhishek Gholap (Onboarding)
- Most Good Vibes Awards:
- 1st: Charan Raj (Support)
- 2nd: Yogesh Chaudhary (Support)
- 3rd: Harmanpreet Singh (Onboarding)
A special appreciation award was also given to Khushal Khatri, a graphic designer who has been with Growth99 from the start, for his outstanding contributions to the team.
Team Presentations & Dinner
The evening also included team presentations, with each department presenting their updates—Yashwant (Onboarding), Charan (Support), Irum (QA), and Saumya (Product)—highlighting their achievements and goals. The presentations gave us a clearer understanding of how each team functions and the role they play in the bigger picture. It was a moment of recognition and motivation, making each one of us feel valued.
After the presentations, we took the opportunity to present the gifts we had been working on for weeks. This was a special moment for the entire team, as everyone had put in their contribution. We had been planning Rob’s gifts and preparations for over a month, ensuring that every detail reflected our appreciation and respect for him and his wife, Sarah. We carefully selected gifts that showcased India’s rich heritage, including a beautiful shawl from Kashmir, traditional Indian attire for both Rob and Sarah, and several other unique items.
The gifts were presented after all the team presentations, and it was heartwarming to see Rob’s reaction. He was genuinely touched by the effort everyone had made, and it was clear that he loved each gift. The most delightful moment came when we insisted that Sarah try on the Indian attire immediately—and she did! She looked stunning, and the entire room was filled with smiles and applause. It was a perfect representation of the bond we shared as a team, and we were thrilled to see how happy the gifts made them.
As the formal sessions concluded, we were treated to a mouth-watering spread of traditional Maharashtrian dishes, including the star of the night—Ukdiche Modak. It wasn’t just the food that was delightful; it was the camaraderie that filled the room. Conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and as the night came to an end, we took group pictures and distributed hoodies with Growth99’s new logo. It felt like a family gathering more than anything else.
Day 2: Team Bonding at Imagica
The excitement of the first day seamlessly flowed into Day 2, September 16, 2024, our much-anticipated team bonding trip to Imagica! If the first day was about professional growth, the second day was all about fun and team bonding. On September 16th, we embarked on a trip to Imagica—a day that will be etched in our memories forever.
We boarded the bus early, filled with excitement. Rob and his wife, Sarah, were just as enthusiastic, and their presence added a special touch to the day. The journey to Imagica was filled with laughter, games, and even small appreciation gifts, thanks to Poonam’s attention to detail. By the time we arrived, it felt like we were no longer just colleagues—we were friends.
At Imagica, we dove into the thrills of the park, starting with the Nitro ride, one of the most exhilarating experiences of the day. It was surreal to share these moments with our CEO, as Rob’s adventurous spirit matched our own. From the adrenaline-pumping rides to the casual interactions we had with teammates from different departments, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and newfound connections. Colleagues who rarely got the chance to interact came together, breaking barriers and building lasting bonds.
Lunch at the park was another highlight, with a wide variety of delicious options that satisfied our cravings after hours of fun. As the day progressed, we moved from ride to ride, and with each activity, we grew closer as a team. The water show at the end of the day was the perfect finale of our Imagica adventure, leaving us in awe of the experience.
But the day wasn’t over yet. We headed back to Pune for a grand dinner at Barbeque Nation in Sayaji Hotel, where we indulged in a buffet that was both lavish and satisfying. Conversations from the day continued, and as we snapped our final group photos, it was clear that this event had been more than just a corporate gathering—it had been an opportunity to build lifelong memories.
Reflections: A Weekend to Remember
Looking back, this two-day event in Pune was an overwhelming success. Poonam’s impeccable planning ensured that every detail, from the gifts for Rob and Sarah to the team bonding activities, was perfect. The balance between professional growth and personal connection was truly magical.
For all of us at Growth99, this weekend wasn’t just about attending a seminar or enjoying a day at a theme park. It was about strengthening bonds, gaining clarity on our shared vision, and celebrating the journey we are on together. As we returned home, we didn’t just bring back souvenirs from Imagica; we brought back a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger connection to the Growth99 family.
This event will remain etched in our hearts, serving as a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go together.
