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, 2019-20
- Division Director, District 121, 2020-21
- Administration Manager, District 121, 2021-22
- Club Growth Director, District 121, 2023-24 (currently serving)
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
- Distinguished Toastmaster
- Club Sponsor, Club Mentor & Club Coach
- Outstanding Member, District 121, 2021-22 & 2022-23
- 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:
Professionally, I lead staffing for Kerala region at TATA Consultancy Services. This is a leadership role that enables me to positively impact thousands of employees of the company through data-based informed decision making. I am sure that this experience will form a base for me to serve in the nominated District Leader role, in addition to my previous experience as a District Leader.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
As part of my profession, I am required to forecast staffing for the organization, and also its deployment. With changing market conditions, this is made possible through strategic planning. Strategic Planning has also helped me to serve the District Leader roles thus far, each bringing with it a variety of opportunities to brainstorm and find solutions/ appraoches for.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
The cost of hiring, employment and retention are major aspects that are taken into consideration while staffing human resources, all of which have direct impact on the organization’s finances. This has been handled by me, in my role. In addition, finances have been a major aspect that is taken into consideration while planning for initiatives/ awards, or analyzing membership payments, in previous District Leader roles.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
Procedure on retention for the entire organization, TATA Consultancy Services, was formed by the team led by me. Similarly, procedures and processes were defined during my service in the previous District Leader roles, as well.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
I understood, in depth, that learning is a continuous process. That it is important to analyze, re-analyze and make modifications to various approaches, as need be, to ensure that the focus is always on our valuable members and their needs/ aspirations. I also learned the deep impact that mentoring could create.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
To pay it forward. The organization has offered immense learnings, and has also aided in personal and professional development. Each opportunity I get to serve is an opportunity to see the same positive impact on thousands of individuals.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
The District’s major objectives are to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. A Program Quality Director, as a strategist, can pave way for both of these aspects.
Additional information about yourself:
Conference Chair, District 121, 2022-23
Alignment Committee Chair, District 121, 2023-24
Alignment Committee Member, District 121, 2020-21