James Edward Taruc, DTM

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

I have almost two decades of foreign employment, being exposed to diverse work environment. As a Procurement Manager, I am involved in key decision making in terms of supply chain and contracts management.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

My experience may be limited but I have a full understanding how important is this in any organization. Recently, I was involved in preparing the OKR (Objectives & Key Results) of department as required in our business planning for 2025.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

Identifying key priorities in procurement payments, ensuring operational purchases are within budget.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

As a manager, I have obligations in enforcing procurement policy in all aspects of the company's supply chain activities. I am interested to be involved in developing policies in the future given an opportunity.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

As a District Director, I have learned the importance of planning in all aspects of district operations, not only it avoids potential conflicts or chaos, it saves resources. I have learned also that in order to drive your team to success, you need to be emphatic and compassionate to their needs. As a Region Advisor, I learned that RAs are not supposed to be alone, they are surrounded by supportive Toastmasters; that earning district leaders' trust is far more important; that keeping open communication encourages more dialogues.

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

If given the opportunity, I vow to be a team player that always presents the other side of the coin. I promise to offer my collaborative skills, forward thinking mindset and vision for the organization. I commit my time, 'heart' and talent to be an active member of the Board.

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

I personally feel that my voice represents the underrepresented. I wish to be the link between members and the Board with the intent to weigh in the general interest of Toastmasters. I believe my sixteen years of Toastmaster membership have given me so much experience to contribute in mapping out the future of our organization.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I am a financial literacy advocate among Filipino expatriates in Riyadh.

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

I am excited to have this experience in the future.

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

I believe Toastmasters intend to be the leading organization when it comes to empowering individuals to become better communication and effective leaders. I also believe that Toastmasters contribute to increasing cultural understanding among its members by instilling core values. Toastmasters aim to provide educational experiential learning which is unique and cost-effective. I commit to be an ambassador in my own means to promote the ideals of the organization. To continue to be a role model of communication and leadership so others may follow.

Additional information about candidate:

I took Masters of Development Communication (although my undergrad is Management) because of the impact of Toastmasters in my club building involvement among professional engineers and architects having involved myself in chartering several clubs for engineers and architects in Riyadh. Because of Toastmasters, I have been to places that I have not been to. It allowed me to develop my intercultural understanding.