Balaji Nagabhushan, DTM

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

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

• 2017-2018 Excellence in Program Quality
• 2018-2019 Smedley Distinguished District

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

Experienced at Management level for over 10 years reporting to the CEO & to the Board of Directors; A Certified Independent Corporate Director through the Institute of Directors; Responsible for finalizing Governance across the organization as well as policies, procedures & compliance framework.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

In my corporate life, I have been involved at the management level to define upcoming three year, five year strategies for the company. Good experience in implementation as well as forecasting mechanisms which define the organization's success year after year.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

Experienced in banking & finance industry for over 25 years; Involved in financial to develop policies, budgeting, reporting and forecasting. In present employment, involved in developing the Finance policies, the Delegation of Authority & approval of expenses across the organization.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Good experience of over 3 decades in not only developing policies but also implementing them in organizations where I have worked. My role during the last two decades as Management representative is ensuring that I am responsible and accountable for developing & implementing Governance, Compliance, Finance, HR & company policies. I am part of the various Governance committees in the organization viz. Information Security Steering Committee, Audit Risk & Compliance Committee, HR & Remuneration Committee and Chairman of the ESG Committee.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

The most important lessons I have learnt are two. The first one is "Humility". Be as humble as you can because every individual has an opinion and as a leader, I am here to serve. The second one was "Listening". The more we listen, the more we understand and the more we understand, the better we are understood when we speak.

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

My experience in Corporate life and in Toastmasters as well as voluntary work has led me to achieve results expected. I can bring to the Board of Directors my experience in strategy, governance, communication and helping people as well as the organization achieve goals. I believe that team work is the most essential requirement wherein we understand fellow members, leaders and move towards one goal to achieve.

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

From my university days, I have contributed to serve the community. After joining Toastmasters, this particular endeavor has become a part of my life. I have, wherever I can, helped individuals to better their communication & leadership skills. Whether as an individual or as a leader at various stages of my life, including my career, this has been my focus. It would be a great opportunity for me to serve Toastmasters International as a Director and contribute whatever little I can to its success, after all, this is the only Non-profit organization whose graph has always been growing upwards.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I am a volunteer with Smart Life - a community oriented organization within Dubai wherein we help labor force to improve their communication and technical skills. We also conduct various events for them which include sports, talent oriented contests etc, and I have been serving here for the last fifteen plus years.

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

I have the experience of working with Board members in my Corporate life both as Secretary of the Board in one organization and as a Board committee member in two organizations. Experience has been very positive and I have learnt a lot dealing with the Board. While it is challenging, especially with the preparation and also responding to the Board Members on their queries, questions, objections etc., it is also a very enriching experience.

I have also completed my certification as an Independent Corporate Director through the Institute of Directors, India and am a life member of IOD, which is dedicated to improving Board competencies all over the country.

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

While Toastmasters mission is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators & leaders, the organization provides a supportive and positive learning environment for individuals to develop their communication & leadership skills through a structured education program. As a member of Toastmasters for the last two and half decades, I have committed to this objective and helped many individuals succeed in both their professional & personal life by improving their communication & leadership skills. I shall continue to do so and get into Toastmasters as many individuals as possible and help them achieve not only their goals but also the organization's objectives.

Additional information about candidate:

Learning in my life has been a continuous process and will continue to be.
On a personal front, I do practice listening skills and have believed in the fact that we cannot change situations but we can change the way we react to them.