10 years ago, when we founded BNI Master Chapter, we chose the name “Master” because of 1 fascinating message that I still help spread today: “The greatest master is yourself”.
At some point, once we have evolved further, we no longer need to seek so much outside ourselves. We can listen to the true wisdom within, that of the “inner teacher.” And it encompasses everything.
At 23 (in 2011), when I became BNI Master’s first official president, I did not think much about that name. But life always has its arrangements. Looking back now, that name is truly meaningful.
In difficult times, members wondered, “Can we get through this?” I remember sending 1 email containing 1 sentence. It was not an effort to think positively or lift spirits; some “wisdom” within told me this as an obvious fact. I wrote to my chapter: “We will certainly succeed.”
And then we more than successfully fulfilled our mission of steering the Master ship through that period. We left behind a chapter where many generations of entrepreneurs could participate, connect, grow their sales, and find happiness together… For me, that was enough, a perfect fulfillment; I had completed my lesson.
Today I returned to visit Master Chapter for its 10th birthday. Officially, Master has become the Chapter with the highest “Happiness Index” among more than 160 Chapters across BNI Vietnam, with the country's highest renewal rate, reaching 90%.
I also met 1 former Yuppie student, 1 very active YUP community member, who has now become president of 1 other BNI business Chapter. After several years, I have seen former students become chapter presidents in BNI, JCI, …
Dù sao, Master cũng là 1 phần đầy cảm xúc trong cuộc đời của tôi, tôi đã dành hẳn 1 chương để viết về nơi này trong cuốn sách “Before Dawn, There Is Always Darkness“. Xin trân trọng, cám ơn, và trong thâm tâm tôi vô cùng biết ơn tất cả những thành viên, những lãnh đạo đã tiếp tục phát triển Master như ngày hôm nay – 1 chapter hạnh phúc!
Happy 10th birthday to BNI Master!
TMT.
