Candidate Information – Gokul P. Menon

Gokul P. Menon, DTM

Toastmasters member since: 2016

Education: Bachelor of Technology, Mechanical Engineering; Master of Business Administration, Operations Management & Marketing

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:

  • Area Director, District 92, 2019-2020
  • Division Director, District 121, 2020-2021
  • Administration Manager, District 121, 2021-2022
  • Club Growth Director, District 121, 2023-2024
  • Program Quality Director, District 121, 2024-2025

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

  • Distinguished Toastmaster
  • Club Sponsor, Club Mentor & Club Coach
  • Outstanding Member, District 121, 2021-2022 & 2022-2023
  • Visiting Victor Award & Area Online Ovation Gold Award, 2020

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:

I currently serve as the Regional Staffing Lead for Kerala at Tata Consultancy Services, where I leverage data-driven strategies to make informed decisions that positively influence thousands of employees. This leadership role, coupled with my prior experience as a District Leader, has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to excel in the nominated District Leader position.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

In my professional role, I am responsible for forecasting staffing requirements and overseeing workforce deployment within the organization. Adapting to dynamic market conditions, this process is driven by strategic planning. My expertise in strategic planning has also been instrumental in successfully serving as a District Leader, providing numerous opportunities to brainstorm, develop solutions, and implement effective approaches.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

In my role, I have managed key aspects of staffing, including hiring, employment, and retention—each of which directly impacts the organization’s financial performance. Similarly, financial planning has been a critical component of my responsibilities in previous District Leader roles, where I oversaw budgeting for initiatives, awards, and the analysis of membership payments.

What experience do you have in developing procedures?

I led the team that developed the organization-wide retention procedures at Tata Consultancy Services. Likewise, during my tenure in previous District Leader roles, I was actively involved in defining and streamlining procedures and processes to enhance organizational effectiveness.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

I have gained a deep understanding that learning is a continuous process—one that requires regular analysis, reassessment, and adjustments to approaches as needed to remain aligned with the needs and aspirations of our valued members. Additionally, I have witnessed the profound impact that effective mentoring can create in driving growth and success.

Why do you want to serve as a District leader?

I wish to serve as a District Leader to give back to an organization that has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth. Every opportunity to serve allows me to create a similar positive impact on the lives of thousands of individuals, helping them grow and succeed.

In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

The District mission’s major objectives are to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. As District Director, I can effectively drive these objectives through strategic planning and collaborative teamwork.

Additional information about yourself:

Conference Chair, District 121, 2022-23

Alignment Committee Chair, District 121, 2023-24

Alignment Committee Co-Chair, District 121, 2024-25

Alignment Committee Member, District 121, 2020-21