Abhijeet Joshi, DTM

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

When I started at my current employer, they were going through a very expensive product recall. I was hired because of my expertise and entrusted with ensuring product quality requirements were met. I developed and executed a strategic plan for product development and instituted checks and balances which included qualifying key strategic suppliers. This attention to detail not only enabled the successful launch of a high-demand product but also honed my ability to create and implement strategies that directly contribute to organizational success—critical skills for a Toastmasters board member.

As a Product Program Manager, I bring experience with cross-functional teams, collaboration, financial decision-making, quality control, report writing and analysis, building consensus, defining milestones, developing strategic plans with associated tasks, managing deliverables while representing the values of my employer, and introducing initiatives for efficiencies.

I recently cofounded an Ai nonprofit, where I led the development of a strategic plan to bring AI to the masses. It involved leading teams, securing partnerships, and making key decisions to ensure the organization stayed aligned with its mission and value.

My diverse work experience equips me with skills essential for a Toastmasters board member: strategic planning, leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and delivering results that impact both the organization's mission and its long-term sustainability. I’m confident that these experiences will allow me to contribute meaningfully to Toastmasters' continued success and global growth.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As a Product Program Manager for a large multinational Ai Software Company, I am deeply involved in strategic planning for developing new Ai products. This requires anticipating potential risks and proactively designing mitigation strategies to ensure smooth progress. Each project milestone is followed by a detailed SWOT analysis, which I lead, to assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This allows for continual alignment with long-term objectives, streamlining future development.

In my experience, strategic planning involves understanding both the big picture and the intricate details. I consistently work with cross-functional teams to set realistic goals, allocate resources effectively, and drive results. My work has directly contributed to the successful launch of cutting-edge AI products, helping the company stay ahead in a competitive market.

These skills translate directly to the role of a Toastmasters International Director, where strategic foresight, risk management, and the ability to adapt plans in response to evolving needs are essential. By leveraging my strategic planning expertise, I am confident in my ability to contribute to the long-term direction of Toastmasters, ensuring we continue to provide value to our members while anticipating future opportunities for growth.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

In my current role as a Product Program Manager, I am responsible for justifying budgets for various milestones across builds, where the total budget runs in millions of dollars. This process includes collaborating with stakeholders to ensure every build is necessary, analyzing and scrubbing quantities, and presenting a clear justification. This hands-on experience with large-scale budgeting has sharpened my financial acumen and my ability to balance technical needs with financial constraints.

In my previous role leading new product development, I was directly accountable for managing and creating budgets for capital expenditures (CAPEX) related to lab, equipment, resources, and materials. Specifically, I managed a $1.1 million capital investment. Each budget item was meticulously evaluated and justified based on project needs, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet both short-term and long-term project goals.

As a co-founder of a nonprofit startup, I was instrumental in designing a revenue generation strategy to ensure organizational sustainability. We established the AI Summit Working brand, inviting AI experts to share their expertise, and forged strategic partnerships that enabled successful monetization. This experience provided valuable financial insights into both for-profit and nonprofit models, enhancing my understanding of cash flow management, sustainability, and revenue generation.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

During my tenure as an in-house expert on batteries and resistors, we encountered product failures that had significant impacts on customers and the company’s reputation. This experience taught me the importance of developing policies that include comprehensive checks and balances to prevent future failures. I was also responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of these existing and new policies to ensure continuous improvement – an experience that is directly applicable to overseeing policy development and implementation in Toastmasters.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

One key lesson I’ve learned is the value of relationships. It takes years to cultivate trust and rapport, but once established, these relationships become an invaluable strength. As a leader, I've realized a strong and supportive network around us makes it easier for everyone to tackle challenges and move forward with confidence.

Another lesson I learned is that differences in opinions potentially lead to stronger decisions because of the diversity. It taught me to take into consideration that all viewpoints need to be heard to come up with the best solution.

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

I lived on multiple continents. Having grown up in India for over two decades and having lived in various regions of the United States—including the South, Midwest, East Coast, and now the West Coast—I have developed a deep understanding of cultural nuances and the ability to connect with diverse communities. This global perspective has given me an empathetic and inclusive approach to leadership, allowing me to relate to and support a wide variety of members within Toastmasters, regardless of their background.

Professionally, my journey started as an engineer nearly two decades ago, where I quickly developed the ability to see the big picture and identify upcoming trends in industries, particularly in cutting-edge technologies like Batteries and Artificial Intelligence. As I grew in my career, I positioned myself at the forefront of these innovations, constantly educating myself and staying ahead of the curve. I bring a strong technical understanding to the Board, as well as insights into how technological advancements shape industries and communities.

Beyond my technical background, I have served in multiple leadership capacities, including my work as a Product Program Manager, mentor, and speaker. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring over 100 individuals across the world, guiding them not only in their technical pursuits but also in their personal growth. Toastmasters has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey, and as an International Director, I would bring my experience in global perspectives, my forward-thinking approach to technology, and a passion for fostering personal and professional development.

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

Serving as an International Director for Toastmasters holds deep significance for me because this organization has played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. I am passionate about contributing to Toastmasters as it continues its mission of empowering individuals through communication and leadership. Being on the Board of Directors represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of Toastmasters, ensuring it remains relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing world. My experiences living in diverse regions and working at the forefront of technology have given me a global perspective and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. I believe that now is a critical time for Toastmasters to evolve, and I want to contribute to its future by leveraging my skills in leadership, mentoring, and strategy. Running this race is important to me because I am committed to ensuring that Toastmasters equips its members to thrive in a world where communication and leadership are more essential than ever.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Apart from Toastmasters, I volunteer for Wisdom 2.0 which is a confluence of Technology and Mindfulness. The goal of the organization is to help people think mindfully about how we can use technology for the betterment of humans.

I co-founded an AI non-profit startup with the mission of democratizing AI knowledge. This experience taught me how to co-develop the vision and mission of an organization, as well as how to strategize for the future. I also played a role in planning revenue generation strategies to sustain the organization, skills that would serve me well in a Toastmasters leadership role.

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

No. However, I currently serve as the adviser for a startup focused on AI and Blockchain. In this role, I drive the refinement of the organization’s vision and mission in collaboration with the founder. Together, we review proposals and develop strategies to make this vision a reality, which has given me experience in governance and strategic oversight—skills I would bring to the Toastmasters Board.

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

I believe that Toastmasters has three major objectives we need to focus on:

• Modernizing leadership development in a digital world
• Fostering global cultural inclusivity
• Sustaining Member Engagement & Innovation

• Modernizing Leadership Development in a Digital World

One of Toastmasters' key goals may be to keep evolving its educational programs to tackle today’s leadership and communication challenges in a digital-first world. This means focusing on skills like virtual communication, Ai-powered presentations, and collaborating with global teams online.

With my solid background in technology, Ai, and experience as a Program Manager, I’m in a great position to bring this knowledge and experience to any initiative or discussion. My insight into tech advancements would provide knowledge and awareness that could serve Toastmasters' programs in staying relevant and valuable for future leaders.

• Fostering Global Cultural Inclusivity

Toastmasters' mission is global, so it's important to keep prioritizing inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. That means making sure members from all over the world feel heard, respected, and represented.

With my rich experience of living in different regions like India and the USA, I bring a deep understanding of cultural diversity to the Board. I am a champion of initiatives that encourage cross-cultural exchanges within Toastmasters, create educational content that reflects diverse communication styles, and ensure inclusivity in leadership opportunities. My journey of bridging cultures positions me to advocate for global inclusivity.

• Sustaining Member Engagement & Innovation

Another of Toastmasters' top goals may be finding new ways to keep members engaged and inspired, especially in a fast-moving world. This could mean updating the curriculum, rethinking pathways, and building a stronger sense of community. With my experience mentoring over 100 people worldwide, we could potentially review frameworks that keep our members engaged, supported, and motivated. I could contribute to initiatives or discussions regarding creative ideas like peer-coaching models, AI-powered progress tracking, or member-driven innovation hubs to gather new program ideas from within the community. My passion, rooted in mentorship and innovation, aspires to be part of building a future where our members are connected and inspired.

Additional information about candidate:

I find immense joy in exploring national parks, where each hike feels like a journey through nature's most stunning beauty. One of my most unforgettable experiences was conquering the Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park—a challenge that tested my limits but rewarded me with breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. I also start my mornings with yoga, a practice that helps me center myself, grounding my mind and body before the day unfolds. Lately, I've been captivated by partner acrobatics, a beautiful blend of strength, trust, and balance that allows me to connect with others while pushing my physical boundaries. It's a practice that reminds me of the power of teamwork and shared growth.