PRESIDENTIAL CITATION WINNER : GAURI SESHADRI, DTM
Published on : Tuesday, 29 September 2020
PRESIDENTIAL CITATION WINNER : GAURI SESHADRI, DTM
By DTM Vaibhav Gupta, Leaders Speak Toastmasters, with inputs from DTM Vanitha Rangarajan, WeSpeak Toastmasters Club
Gauri Seshadri, DTM, has been a Toastmaster for 15 years. Currently a member of WeSpeak Toastmasters Club, District 121, she is a respected name in the Toastmasters fraternity, well known for her long-term vision of collaboration and excellence. In line with this vision, she implemented several initiatives as a District Leader for developing new leaders, engaging members consistently, and reviving and sustaining clubs. Her ideas have become principles for her home district, and have also been successfully adopted in others. As District Director, she made District 92 the number 1 district in 2015–2016.
Her vision is in harmony with Toastmasters International values and ideals, evident in the fact that she was recognized with awards each year she was part of the District Trio:
- “Excellence in Marketing” award as Lieutenant Governor Marketing
- “Excellence in Education & Training” award as Lieutenant Governor Education
- “Excellence in Leadership” award as District Director
In her two terms as Region Advisor — Region 13, 2018–19 and Region 14, 2019–20 — her vision blossomed at an international level. For the first time, Districts began to collaborate and become aware of each other’s events and progress. A united Region celebrated the achievements of each District. The Chinese Districts in particular, adapted to the COVID-19 situation, even becoming Distinguished. Finding an opportunity in the pandemic, she initiated collaboration between Regions 13 and 14 and helped them establish best practices for online meetings and contests.
In recognition of her efforts, Gauri Seshadri was recognized at the 89th Annual International Convention 2020. Deepak Menon, DTM, International President for 2019–2020, presented her with the Presidential Citation award, the highest honor an individual member can receive.
Outside of Toastmasters, Gauri implements her vision as a strategist, consultant, and training professional. She specializes in developing cultural competency and diversity management skills for businesses and employees. She is an expert in creating and managing high-functioning and diverse teams and optimizing cross-cultural business interactions.
Gauri Seshadri, DTM, is a bonafide example of a leader that cares, motivates, and achieves results. District 121 is proud to congratulate her for winning the Presidential Citation award, an honor befitting her tenacity and drive.
