Hani Nur Zaihanirah Zaini, DTM

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

With over a decade of professional experience, including three years of management, I have built departments from the ground up, managed cross-functional teams, and cultivated a deep understanding of organizational growth and success. My role involved leading operations, customer success, and ensuring sustainable growth, which aligns with the strategic oversight.

When I was serving as Business Development Manager and Training Specialist, I am responsible for the business acumen, driving organizational growth, developing new partnerships, and creating training programs to foster employee development. This role has sharpened the qualities that are essential for Board Members to advance Toastmasters’ mission globally which are leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

Throughout my career, I have gained significant experience in strategic planning, particularly in leadership roles that required forward-thinking initiatives and goal-setting to drive success.

As District Director for Toastmasters District 87, I was responsible for developing and executing a strategic plan that aligned with Toastmasters International’s objectives. This involved setting membership growth targets, initiating new clubs, and implementing leadership development programs across East Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. My strategic planning efforts resulted in increased member engagement and the expansion of Toastmasters in diverse regions, a key achievement that reflects my ability to navigate complex organizational needs.

In a previous role as Head of Operations, I focus on long-term growth strategies, building partnerships, and identifying market opportunities to ensure sustained organizational success. I also collaborate with cross-functional teams to craft tailored training programs that meet both immediate and future business needs, demonstrating my ability to integrate short-term actions with a broader vision.

Additionally, my experience in a Software as a Startup company required me to develop operational strategies from the ground up, including growth initiatives, customer success processes, and renewal strategies. These strategic plans were crucial in scaling the business and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Whether it’s managing a large, culturally diverse Toastmasters District or overseeing the strategic growth of an organization, my experience has given me a deep understanding of the importance of a clear, actionable, and flexible strategy.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

I had the experience of being a Project Manager for a $2 million initiative, I was responsible for overseeing the project’s financial management from start to finish. This included budgeting, allocating resources, managing expenditures, and ensuring that the project remained within financial constraints while meeting all key milestones.

I worked closely with the finance team to create detailed budget forecasts, monitor cash flow, and adjust allocations when necessary to accommodate unforeseen challenges. My ability to balance cost efficiency with project objectives ensured that we met our financial goals without compromising quality or timelines.

In addition, I regularly provided financial reports to stakeholders, maintaining transparency and demonstrating fiscal responsibility. This experience gave me a solid foundation in financial oversight, strategic budgeting, and risk management.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

In my role as a committee member for the board at AZAM Sarawak (a local NGO), I contribute to policy discussions that shape the organization’s direction and impact within the community. This involvement has given me insight into governance and the importance of creating policies that balance strategic objectives with the needs of various stakeholders.

Additionally, during my time as the head of operations, I played a pivotal role in establishing internal policies for newly built departments, including customer success, growth, and onboarding processes. These policies were designed to ensure efficiency, scalability, and alignment with the company's overall objectives, helping to streamline operations and foster a cohesive working environment.

In my role as Business Development Manager and Training Specialist, I contribute to the development of training policies that guide employee development and organizational growth. This ensures that our training programs are consistent, impactful, and aligned with long-term business goals.

These experiences, along with my board-level committee involvement at AZAM Sarawak, have provided me with a strong foundation in policy development, ensuring that any guidelines or procedures I help create are effective, strategic, and adaptable.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from my leadership roles is the value of effective communication. As District Director for Toastmasters District 87, overseeing a diverse region with multiple countries, I realized that clear, transparent communication is crucial for building trust and maintaining engagement across teams. This experience taught me that regular updates, active listening, and making sure every team member feels heard fosters a collaborative and motivated environment.

Another key lesson is the importance of adaptability. In my previous role as the Head of Operations, I had to pivot strategies quickly in response to market changes and customer feedback. This experience showed me that flexibility, combined with a willingness to embrace change, is essential for steering a team through uncertain times while still maintaining focus on long-term goals.

Finally, I’ve learned the significance of empowering others. In both my corporate and volunteer leadership positions, including my work on the AZAM Sarawak board, I discovered that giving people the tools and confidence to take ownership of their work leads to better results and growth. Empowering others creates a culture of accountability and innovation, which I see as critical for the success of any organization.

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

I bring valuable experience in strategic leadership, financial management, and governance, gained through working with diverse teams and managing various growth initiatives. My background has helped me develop skills in building effective strategies, fostering partnerships, and maintaining financial responsibility. I have also gained a deeper understanding of policy development and organizational direction, and I look forward to contributing these strengths to support the continued success of Toastmasters International.

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

I want to serve as an International Director because I believe in giving back to the organization that has profoundly transformed me. Toastmasters has not only shaped my communication and leadership skills but has also empowered me to grow personally and professionally. I want to use the skills and experience I’ve gained to contribute to the future of this organization, ensuring that it continues to inspire and develop leaders for generations to come. As we look toward the next 100 years of Toastmasters, I am committed to helping build a legacy that adapts to the evolving needs of our global community while staying true to the core values that have made Toastmasters so impactful in my own journey. By serving on the Board, I aim to support the organization’s growth and sustainability, ensuring that more people can benefit from this life-changing experience as I have.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Outside of Toastmasters, I have been actively involved in several volunteer roles that have enriched my leadership and service experience. As a committee member for the board of AZAM Sarawak, I contribute to policy discussions and initiatives aimed at empowering local communities through educational and developmental programs. This role has given me valuable insight into governance and community engagement, further deepening my commitment to service.

Additionally, I have participated in various community-driven projects, where I’ve helped organize events and initiatives that focus on leadership development and social impact. These experiences have strengthened my passion for giving back and have allowed me to apply my leadership skills in diverse environments.

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

In addition to my role as a committee member on a community-focused board, I also serve as a director in a business entity where I contribute to overseeing the company’s operations and long-term strategy.. These roles have provided me with significant experience in governance, policy development, and strategic decision-making. Through these positions, I’ve collaborated with fellow board members to guide initiatives that support both community empowerment and business growth. These experiences have strengthened my ability to navigate complex organizational structures and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

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

In my opinion, the major objectives of Toastmasters International are to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders, foster a supportive learning environment that promotes personal growth, and expand the organization’s global presence. These objectives are crucial in today’s fast-evolving world, where communication and leadership competencies are more important than ever for success.

To achieve these objectives, I would prioritize several key areas. First, I would advocate for innovation in learning programs, ensuring that Toastmasters continues to evolve with the demands of today’s world. By integrating more flexible, digital learning tools and focusing on competencies such as emotional intelligence, adaptability, and digital communication, we can help members develop the skills needed to thrive in modern workplaces and communities.

Second, I would work to strengthen the sense of community and belonging within clubs, recognizing that a supportive environment is essential for member engagement and personal growth. By fostering leadership development at the grassroots level, we can create sustainable, empowered communities within Toastmasters.

Lastly, I would support efforts to expand the organization’s global reach by identifying opportunities for growth in underrepresented regions. By adapting the Toastmasters model to be more inclusive and accessible across cultures, we can ensure that the organization's vision remains relevant in a diverse and interconnected world.

By focusing on competencies relevant to today’s world, innovation, and strategic global growth, I would work to advance the core objectives of Toastmasters International as a member of the Board of Directors.

Additional information about candidate:

My commitment to personal growth is deeply personal; my two-year-old daughter inspires me every day. I strive to be a positive role model, instilling in her the values of service and leadership. As I serve in Toastmasters, I hope to exemplify the qualities I wish to pass on, creating a legacy of empowerment. I also hope that through my service, others will share these values with her, reinforcing the importance of making a positive impact in everything that we do.