Jyothilka Harsha Shetty, DTM
Toastmasters member since : 1 JANUARY 2014
Education:
MBA – ALLIANCE MANCHESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL, UK
DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONAL COMPLIANCE, UK
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, India
In Toastmasters:
CC, CL, ALS, PATHWAYS MENTOR, PRESENTATION MASTERY (L1-L5), LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (L1-L5)
DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER, MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGY (L1, L2)
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
Club President, UAE Expats TMC, District 127 (2023-24)
Asst. Division Director (Club Growth) Division F, District 121 (2022-23)
Area Director, Area F4, District 121 (2020-21)
Club President, UAE Expats TMC, District 105 (2020-21)
Division Director, Division B, District 105, (2019 July & Aug) (had to migrate to India from Dubai)
District Administration Manager, District 105 (2018-2019)
Club Charter President, UAE Bunts TMC, District 105 (2017-2018)
Asst. Area Director (Program Quality,
Area 21, District 105 (2017-18)
Club President, Burj Toastmasters, District 105 (2015-16)
Club Secretary, Burj Toastmasters, District 105 (2014-15)
Also held various supporting roles in the Area and Division
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
- DISTINGUISHED TOASTMASTER – 2021
DISTRICT FINALIST IN EVALUATION CONTEST – DISTRICT 105 (NOW 127) 2022
PRESIDENT DISTINGUISHED AREA DIRECTOR – AREA F4, DISTRICT 121 (2020-21)
Mentor of Let’s Debate Toastmasters Club, Area F4, District 121 (2020-21) – Founder
Sponsor & Mentor of Karavali Toastmasters Club, Area F4, District 121 (2020-21)
Sponsor of UAE Expats Toastmasters Club, District 105 (2017-18)
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
1997 – 2008 : BNP Paribas, Dubai Branch – Worked in various capacity in the corporate banking Division. – Credit Control Manager, Asst. Relationship Manager., Financial Analyst
2008 – 2019 : Executive Director, Venture General Contracting LLC, Dubai – Head of Finance and Administration (family owned business)
2020 – present: Jyothika Shetty Coaching & Training (Self employed)
My wide experience in Banking, Business and Communication has provided me with a strong foundation in team work, organizational affairs and planning. This includes jobs such as financial and relationship management, risk control, employee management etc…
I strongly believe that this exposure will be instruemental in planning the Division affiars such as club sustainability, club growth and also maintaing smooth relationship with the Area Directors and the Clubs in the Division.
My command over my language and confdience will certainly help me build the trust and refect the ethos of Toastmasters across the Division.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
In Toastmasters specifically I have held the Division Contest Chair role in two instances (Meraki 2020 and CREO 2023). Meraki was an offline contest but was hit by Covid and in very short notice had to move online. Ours was the first Division that conducted an online contest and it was very successful. CREO on the other hand was held at Infosys campus and was a great success too. I have formed 3 clubs both in District 105 (UAE Expats) and District 121 (Karavali TMC, first trilingual club in District 121 and Let’s Debate TMC, first Debate club in District 121) which required strategic planning. Karavali is the only club in District 121 that has highest number of Rotary members thus successfuly integrating both Toastmasters and Rotary alliance in Mangalore.
On the work front my strategic planning extends to acquiring the ISO standard certification for my company Venture General Contracting LLC by undergoing rigorous audit process. These are just a few examples to quote here while there are many other in my 25 years of career in banking, business and Toastmasters.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I am an MBA from Manchester Business School, UK and my 11 years career with BNP Paribas Dubai (France’s No. 1 bank) required me to conduct financial analysis of corporates and propose credit facilities for supporting the client’s business. This requires in depth knowledge of cashflow and financial analysis. Moreover, my experience of over 11 years as the Executive Director of our family business in Dubai (Venture General Contracting LLC) was primarily to maintain a healthy balance sheet which ofcourse is the result of various efficient operations and management functions. This also included liasing with banks for working capital facilities and wth the auditors to ensure a seamless annual audit process. I also ensured that the daily cashflow was maintained adequately to run the company operations.
In Toastmasters, having set up three clubs I have been instrumental in training the Treasurer to implement best practice such as preparing annual budget and presenting to the members for approval. Also, ensuring the affairs of the club are handled in line with the stipulated guidelines.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
Have been instrumental in implementing the standard operating procedure in my company which required extensive work on company operations, employee relations, labour laws etc…
In Toastmasters we have the leadership handbook and the governing documents that give an excellent insight to the way things have to be done. It all begins with reading and understanding these documents well and implementing it at various leadership levels.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
I am a product of the previous leadership positions I have held. Right from the Secretary’s role where I learnt the value of communicating on time with members and guests by sending well drafted minutes on time. As a President I have learnt to uphold the interest of the club and its members. As an Administration Manager I have learnt the essence of time and the importance of timely follow ups. As an Area Director I have learnt the importance of mindshift which is a crucial factor when we step out of club roles. In my short stint as a Division Director I learnt that enthusiasm and commitment flows from the top and you lead by examle. In conclusion, team work, patience, perseverance, adapting to change, acceptance, empathy are some of the virtues that I have learnt and imbibed through my leadership roles.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
In my 25 years of career I have realised that one gets better in life by contributing to others growth. I thank this organization for helping me grow and I believe leadership is a great channel through which we can not only help others grow but also continue to grow ourself. Personally, I would like to help strengthen Division F further and carry forward the legacy my predecessor’s have set.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
The District mission’s major objective is to build new clubs and support clubs to achieve excellence.
Achieving the above begins from prior planning and being aware of time sensitiveness of these goals. I would like to begin by orienting the Area Directors with the path ahead and encourage them to put a solid plan in place. The first three months is crucial to establishing a strong foundation, be it establishing relationship with the clubs, understanding them better and providing the right resources. Expanding the clubs will be done by understanding the genuine learning needs of the community in unchartered territory.
Additional information about yourself:
I am an author of three books, one of which is Amazon’s best seller in self help category. I also run an audio event on LinkedIn “Connecting through Conversations”. I am a Communications coach helping people become confident and effective speakers and run my own company in the name of Jyothika Shetty Coaching & Training. Mother of three, I am also a certified trainer, coach and mentor and love writing short poems. I hit the gym everyday as I have realised that there is no supplement to good health.