Gauri Seshadri, DTM

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international and regional level):

• 2011-2012 Area Governor
• 2012-2013 Division Governor
• 2013-2014 Lieutenant Governor Marketing
• 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor Education & Training
• 2015-2016 District Director
• 2016-2017 Immediate Past District Director, Club Extension Chair
• 2018-2019 Region Advisor, Region 13
• 2019-2020 Region Advisor, Region 14
• 2021-2023 International Director
• 2024-2025 Second Vice President
• 2025 First Vice President

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

• 2011-2012 President's Distinguished Area
• 2012-2013 President's Distinguished Division
• 2013-2014 Excellence in Marketing
• 2014-2015 Excellence in Education & Training
• 2015-2016 Excellence in Leadership
• 2015-2016 President's 20+ Award (#1 District)
• 2015-2016 President's Distinguished District (#1 District)
• 2020 Presidential Citation

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

With over two decades of experience as a strategy and management consultant across various industries and geographic regions (North America and Asia), I have cultivated a deep understanding of innovative problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and building strong stakeholder relationships. I have not only worked but also lived in and embraced diverse cultures in these regions. This has enabled me to think globally while adapting locally to address varied needs and expectations.

In my current role, I analyze customer needs, design and deliver strategic learning solutions, and empower stakeholders. Guiding organizations through change has strengthened my ability to translate strategy into action and support effective governance.

My professional experiences equip me to contribute with a greater scope as a Toastmasters Board member. I am committed to working collaboratively to shape direction and ensure that our collective decisions create lasting value for members worldwide.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As a strategy consultant, I assist small to medium enterprises in different sectors in identifying needs and developing strategic plans. This has included projects ranging from addressing environmental regulatory changes to building frameworks for workforce engagement, helping organizations adapt to change and position themselves for growth.

At present, I serve as a Director at a game-based learning company, working alongside the leadership team to evaluate and execute initiatives that advance the company’s short- and long-term strategies. This involves developing strategic plans for marketing, lead generation, and scalability to strengthen the company’s performance and reach.

As a Toastmasters Board member, I have helped shape our Strategic Plan and chaired the most recent Governing Documents Review Committee, ensuring our governing framework continues to support the organization’s mission. Together, this work has enhanced my ability to approach strategic planning at a higher level and from a broader perspective.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

Over the course of my career, I have managed multimillion-dollar budgets for numerous projects. This included preparing, reviewing, and overseeing budgets and financial reports. It also required prioritizing projects, leveraging assets effectively, and supporting sound cash-flow management. In addition, having managed the P&L for several projects and companies further reinforced the importance of balancing fiscal prudence with growth objectives.

As a member of the Toastmasters Board, I have reviewed, approved, and provided oversight of monthly financial reports and the Toastmasters International budget. These efforts ensured alignment with the organization’s strategic direction.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Working as an environmental consultant in the USA, I actively researched, reviewed, and adopted policies published by federal and state environmental agencies. In that role, I participated in public hearings and provided feedback on proposed regulations. I was also instrumental in drafting company policies and procedures to ensure regulatory and environmental compliance.

On the Toastmasters Board, I have actively reviewed and updated policies and procedures to better serve our membership. Additionally, I served on the two most recent Governing Documents Review Committees, which conducted a comprehensive review to ensure policies remained relevant and aligned with current practice.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

I have learned to lead from the front in times of challenge and from behind in times of celebration. Importantly, whether I have led visibly from the front or supportively from behind, I have learned to listen deeply, learn continuously, and connect meaningfully to be effective and impactful.

Through my leadership journey, I have developed the ability to flex and adapt to address any given situation. Effective leadership is rarely one-size-fits-all; it requires analyzing the need of the hour and pivoting toward what will best serve the organization and its members. Over time, I have come to appreciate the importance of building consensus across diverse perspectives to guide a team toward common ground.

Finally, the most valuable lesson I have learned is that to successfully lead others, I must learn to lead myself effectively.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I lead with purpose, simplify the complex, and shape strategies that set teams up to succeed. I believe that the team's success drives the organization's success.

I bring to the Board a global perspective, strategic planning experience, compliance expertise, and a strong analytical mindset. Fostering cohesive and collaborative cultures has enabled me to lead diverse teams across regions and contexts to achieve excellence.

Serving as Region Advisor for two different regions spanning 20 countries deepened my understanding of Toastmasters International’s global operations and strengthened my ability to see issues through a broader lens.

As a Board Member, engaging in discussions and listening to comprehend diverse viewpoints has expanded my insight into the organization and our membership. This role has also enhanced my skills in decision-making, consensus-building, and governance.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

For over a century, Toastmasters International has achieved remarkable results, and the possibilities for impact ahead are even greater. I believe people everywhere have a need for what Toastmasters offers, not only in communication and leadership but also in discovering and developing their potential. This is what drives me to continue serving the organization: to help it move from simply sustaining to truly thriving.

We need to keep adapting to change, streamlining operations, and optimizing growth opportunities. Our bottom line goes beyond revenue; it centers on continually investing in and meeting the needs of our members. We must be fully committed to delivering exceptional value and providing progressive, meaningful experiences to ensure Toastmasters is not only relevant but also indispensable.

I feel fortunate to bring a unique global perspective, shaped by a Toastmasters journey that began in North America and later continued in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, Asia. I bring proven leadership, always striving for excellence alongside my team. Together, we can ensure Toastmasters continues to empower members worldwide to succeed today and lead with confidence tomorrow.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

My most significant volunteer experience has been with the American Red Cross as a member of their Disaster Action Team. As the Red Cross’ first responders at local disasters such as home fires and traffic accidents, I conducted damage assessments, provided emotional support, and shared financial information to assist families in beginning their recovery process.

During the pandemic, I volunteered with my city government as part of the COVID Citizen Quarantine Squad. My responsibilities were to support quarantined individuals, conduct contact tracing, and organize free testing camps to safeguard community health.

In addition, I have volunteered my time by training postgraduate students on cultural sensitization and supporting one of India’s largest health equity conferences. Through these experiences, I have grown as a leader, learning that true service requires empathy, and it has reinforced the value of service across cultures and communities.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

As a Director at Gentle Bamboo Solutions, one of India’s pioneer game-based learning companies, I work with fellow board members to shape short- and long-term strategic plans. This includes identifying new business opportunities and guiding the organization’s direction.

I have also worked as a consultant with boards across industries such as environmental compliance, travel and tourism, and digital marketing. In this capacity, I presented information and recommendations to guide strategic planning. I supported senior leadership in analyzing compliance regulations, which led to the development and adoption of new policies.

My work with various boards has reinforced the importance of aligning strategy with financial targets. It has also underscored the need to adapt quickly to dynamic market conditions, a perspective I bring to every boardroom.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

Toastmasters International’s major objective is to steadily progress toward our envisioned future of empowering individuals to develop communication and leadership skills in a high-quality, experiential learning environment. Achieving this also means ensuring steady growth so that more people worldwide can benefit from what we offer. To do so, I believe we need to maintain our focus on three key areas.

Leadership Experience: A key opportunity lies in developing a structured Leadership Development Program that incorporates training and practical assignments, as well as mentoring, evaluation, and feedback. Empowered leaders elevate the membership experience, strengthen retention, and expand our reach. When we invest in our leaders, we invest in the success of our organization.

Revenue Diversification: Membership dues and fees remain the primary source of revenue for our organization. Inflation, tax implications, and an evolving financial landscape can put pressure on membership in some markets. Therefore, we should continue to explore ways to diversify our revenue streams and identify new opportunities that ensure long-term sustainability.

Agile Organization: In today’s polycrisis world, we should not just bounce back from challenges but build the resilience to bounce forward. By enabling dynamic decision-making, staying agile to meet the changing needs of our membership, and anticipating emerging trends, we can remain relevant, deliver value to our members, and position Toastmasters for future growth.

Additional information about candidate:

Growing up as the daughter of a military officer took me from Eastern Europe to cities across India. Moving often meant embracing different cultures and diversity, adapting quickly, and gaining a better understanding of belonging.

Along the way, I also discovered my love for travel. I hold a beginner’s certification in Japanese and can speak basic Korean. I have visited more than 30 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America, and I am always dreaming about my next big adventure. Every city I’ve lived in, worked in, or visited has given me a deeper appreciation for people and for the connections that bring us together.