My journey with BNI began in an unexpected way, but deeply aligned with what I believe to be essential: collaboration, trust and the power of authentic partnerships.
Alfredo Tanimoto is a living example of how to overcome adversity and turn challenges into opportunities. A graduate in Social Communication from PUC-Campinas, he always sought to broaden his horizons. In 2000, he was hired to work at a communications group in Tokyo, Japan, where he faced major personal and professional changes. During the years he lived in Japan, he survived the devastating 2011 earthquake and went through situations of extreme emotional and physical impact.
His story, however, goes beyond those events. A former high-performance surfer, he saw his life change completely on an afternoon that should have been ordinary. On August 16, 2008, a surfing accident left him with the uncertain prospect of only a 2% chance of walking again. There were three years of intense physical therapy and a long process of resilience, which shaped his worldview and his ability to start over.
When he returned to Brazil, in April 2011, he found a new passion: helping other entrepreneurs and business owners grow through genuine connections. It was at that moment he came across BNI (Business Network International), a global networking organization that makes collaboration and mutual support its main pillars. Recognizing the potential of BNI, he took on the challenge of expanding the organization's presence in the West Region of São Paulo (OESP), where he saw vast ground for growth.
In his book, "It All Begins on the Last Wave: The 2% That Are Enough to Restart Your Life", he shares his journey of overcoming. He reflects on how the dream of being a successful immigrant in Japan quickly turned into a struggle for physical, mental and spiritual recovery. Drawing on his experiences, he began giving talks on resilience around the world, inspiring others to challenge their own limits.
The expansion of BNI in the West Region of São Paulo
When he started his journey at BNI, there were only three active groups in Brazil. Today, that number has grown to 350 vibrant groups — 11 active and 6 in expansion under his leadership in the region — gathering hundreds of entrepreneurs committed to building a support network based on trust and results.
BNI is more than a platform for exchanging contacts. It is a community of business leaders who understand the power of authentic connections. The "Givers Gain" philosophy is at the center of all the organization's activities, fostering generosity and the building of solid, long-lasting relationships.
That phrase by Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, reinforces the essence of true networking: "Building solid and lasting relationships". It is this mindset that sets BNI apart from other business networks and that has been the engine of the organization's growth in the West Region of São Paulo.
Within this proposal of trust and ethics, it is important to highlight that any kind of commission between members as a condition for a referral or for closing business is expressly forbidden. At BNI, connections are based on credibility, commitment to quality and a genuine interest in contributing to the growth of the other. Referring is an act of responsibility — and at BNI, trust is priceless.
Why the West Region?
The choice of the West Region of São Paulo (OESP) was no coincidence. Alfredo saw in this area a unique economic diversity, with companies from different sectors and a business culture geared toward innovation and growth. That combination offered the perfect scenario to implement the BNI methodology, which promotes strategic partnerships, collaboration and real impact on members' businesses.
In addition, he believes that the strength of BNI lies in its ability to create communities that go beyond the business world, positively impacting people's lives in every aspect.
Life lessons and connections that transform
Expanding BNI was a natural extension of the life lessons he learned along his trajectory. He understands, like few others, the value of starting over and of building something meaningful from scratch. For him, BNI is not just a business network; it is a platform to inspire transformation and promote personal and professional growth.
"Genuine connections change lives. When you surround yourself with people who share the same values and goals, the impact is immeasurable," Alfredo says.
A promising future
Today, BNI West Region (OESP) not only connects entrepreneurs, but also offers a true MBA in networking. Members learn to listen actively, add value to their connections and build long-term strategic partnerships.
The vision is clear: to expand even further, create opportunities and transform the way entrepreneurs in the region do business.
Founded in 1985, BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world, with presence in more than 77 countries. Its methodology promotes the strengthening of real and lasting connections, generating concrete results for its members.
An invitation to you
If you are an entrepreneur or professional who seeks more than just financial results, but also wants to be part of a group that values trust, respect and collaboration, BNI is for you.
Join us and be part of this revolution in the business world. Together, let us transform the way connections are created and impact is generated in the West Region of São Paulo.
Oratory of Masters The new journey of transformation
But Alfredo Tanimoto's trajectory did not stop there. After years traveling the world sharing his story of overcoming and inspiring thousands of people through his talks, he felt there was something more to be done. Something bigger. Something that could go beyond telling his own story — something that could empower others to tell theirs.
That is how Oratory of Masters was born, a deep journey of personal and professional transformation that Alfredo developed alongside Iasmim Pereira. More than a public speaking training, it is an intensive immersion that combines the most current in strategic communication, emotional intelligence and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with something Alfredo carries in his essence: the discipline and Japanese principles of high performance.
When the elements meet the spoken word
The program is structured in modules that symbolize the elements of nature — Water, Wind, Earth, Fire and Light — each one representing an essential stage in the transformation of the communicator. It is no coincidence: just as the elements are the foundation of everything that exists, these modules build the foundations of a truly impactful communication.
The philosophy behind Oratory of Masters reflects everything Alfredo learned on his journey. From the resilience of someone who had only a 2% chance of walking again and turned that into fuel to start over. From the Japanese wisdom he absorbed during his years in Tokyo. From the power of genuine connections he discovered at BNI. All of that now materializes into a unique method that empowers people to master not only the technique of speech, but the art of communicating with confidence, clarity and impact.
For those who have much to say, but do not yet know how
The training was designed for that professional, entrepreneur or leader who feels they have a powerful message inside, but has not yet discovered how to express it in a way that generates real transformation. It is for those who want to earn authority, stand out in any environment — from digital to in-person — and make their words not only be heard, but felt and remembered.
"I spent years sharing my story of overcoming around the world. Now, my mission is to empower others to discover and communicate their own stories with the same strength that brought me here. Oratory of Masters does not just teach how to speak well. It teaches how to communicate with purpose, to connect with authenticity and to turn words into legacy," Alfredo reveals.
The synthesis of a whole life
In many ways, Oratory of Masters is the synthesis of everything Alfredo Tanimoto has lived and learned. It is the union of East and West. Of tradition and innovation. Of technique and emotion. Of personal overcoming and collective impact.
Just as he turned those 2% of chance into 100% of determination to rebuild his life, he now offers the tools so that others can do the same with their voices, their messages and their purposes. Because deep down, communicating well is not just about technique — it is about having the courage to be the protagonist of one's own story and inspire others to do the same.
This training was designed for you to achieve extraordinary results.