KEYNOTE

SPEAKER

Francesco Fedele

Discovering Toastmasters in 2011, Francesco Fedele has spent 14 years shaping leaders across Europe. A double Distinguished Toastmaster, former District Director, and now International Director for Region 10 (2024–2026), he has supported more than 1,000 clubs. A professional trainer based in Rome, he combines strategic leadership with boundless enthusiasm, guided by one belief: “Never say never.”

Keynote 1: Leadership 2030 – A Recipe for the leader you’re becoming

Keynote 2: Volare with Toastmasters

Deborah Johnston

Deborah is Deputy Vice-Chancellor at London South Bank University and will become Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire in June 2026. A Professor of Development Economics, she has published 55+ articles, authored four books, and led 11 research projects. A national leader for disabled students and MBE recipient, she is also a Distinguished Toastmaster and Treasurer of LSBU Public Speakers.

Speech Title: When voices change worlds

Preethi Nair

When the system said no, Preethi Nair built her own. After leaving consulting to write Gypsy Masala, she faced rejection, so she founded her own publishing and PR company, created an alter ego, and generated national media buzz. HarperCollins signed her for three books. She later wrote and performed a West End sell-out, now her fourth novel. An award-winning author and visiting professor, Preethi proves failure is only the first draft.

Speech Title: Failing Forward

Alice Ekonomou

Alice Ekonomou is a speaker with 15+ years of global marketing experience across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. She helps leaders and ambitious professionals communicate with certainty when it matters most — pitching ideas, speaking on stage or leading a room. Combining strategy, storytelling and performance psychology, Alice shows how ambition, clarity and balance can coexist even in high-pressure moments.

Speech Title: High Performance Without Burnout

TALK

SPEAKERS

Nigel Smith

Nigel is a self-styled Agile Project Professional Coach and Past Director of Professional Development at the Project Management Institute UK Chapter. A long-standing Toastmaster and founding member of the PMI UK Changemakers Club, he champions growth and continuous learning. An aspiring writer, speaker, visual storyteller and world traveller, Nigel is driven by curiosity, connection and the desire to bring out the very best in himself and others.

Workshop Title: AI vs Human: Who Evaluates Better?

Merv Wyeth​​

Facilitator. Speaker. Toastmaster. Conference organiser. EventROI champion. Menti-Maestro. Curious and experimental, Merv turns ideas into action with the support of his AI mentor. He helps speakers and event organisers boost impact and engagement, using tools like Mentimeter to transform feedback into lasting insight. A member of Worthing Speakers and former PMI Changemakers co-founder, he is PMI (UK) Sustainability Lead and organiser of the 2025 Sustainability Summit.

Workshop Title: AI vs Human: Who Evaluates Better?

Kavita Dulai​

Kavita Dulai is a Harrow-based Toastmasters leader and public speaking facilitator dedicated to helping people find their voice with confidence and purpose. She co-founded a global online Toastmasters club focused on sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Delivering Speechcraft programmes across Harrow, she supports charities and voluntary groups. Blending structure with authenticity, Kavita believes communication is a powerful force for strengthening communities and driving positive change.

Workshop Title: The Speechcraft Sprint

Neeraj Arora

Neeraj Arora is a global media leader with 30+ years’ experience in monetisation and storytelling. Formerly leading International Business at Sony Pictures, he drove the growth of major brands across 100+ countries. Now advising startups and media ventures, he specialises in digital transformation and strategy. A recognised industry figure and award winner, Neeraj combines commercial expertise with a passion for impact, innovation and global storytelling.

Speech Title: Passion and Purpose

WORKSHOP

SPEAKERS

Rupa Datta, DTM

Rupa is a career explorer and founder of Portfolio People, championing portfolio careers and alternative career paths. She has contributed to bestselling career books and now focuses on oracy and enterprise skills for young people. A District 91 Director (2022–2023) and current District Parliamentarian, she is also Vice President Membership at Wembley Stadium Speakers and a recent Table Topics finalist.

Workshop Title: Are you Asking the Right Questions?

Steve Vear MBE

Steve Vear MBE is Immediate Past District Director for District 91 (2024–2025) and a member of Wessex Speakers. With over 20 years in sales and operational leadership, he is also a passionate volunteer and advocate for disability inclusion. Awarded an MBE for voluntary service, Steve is now pursuing a legal career, having been called to the Bar in 2025 and working as a law lecturer.

Speech Title: From Playground to Palace – A journey from Adversity to Advocacy

Jean Gamester

Jean Gamester is Second Vice President of the Toastmasters International Board (2025–2026) and previously served as a Board member. A Business School Lecturer and Academic Manager at The Open University, she specialises in leadership, strategy and organisational change. With a background in global consulting and transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.

Speech Title: The Butterfly Effect

Tina Valand

Tina Valand is a London-based Generative AI Director specialising in AI and Conversational AI innovation. She helps organisations adopt AI in practical, responsible and scalable ways while building confidence across teams. A co-founder of Women in Alliances and advocate for diversity in tech, Tina also supports startups and invests across fintech, data and consumer brands, driving meaningful and responsible innovation. transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.

Panel Discussion-Shaping the Future of Leadership

WORKSHOP

SPEAKERS

Naveed Sheikh

Naveed Sheikh is an Internal Auditor, School Governor, and public speaking coach who has delivered keynotes across Toastmasters District 91 and professional organisations. He believes consistent practice builds confidence and resilience. His session, Shaken but Still Standing, focuses on overcoming public speaking fear.

Speech Title: Shaken but still standing 

Steve Vear MBE

Steve Vear MBE is Immediate Past District Director for District 91 (2024–2025) and a member of Wessex Speakers. With over 20 years in sales and operational leadership, he is also a passionate volunteer and advocate for disability inclusion. Awarded an MBE for voluntary service, Steve is now pursuing a legal career, having been called to the Bar in 2025 and working as a law lecturer.

Speech Title: From Playground to Palace – A journey from Adversity to Advocacy

Jean Gamester

Jean Gamester is Second Vice President of the Toastmasters International Board (2025–2026) and previously served as a Board member. A Business School Lecturer and Academic Manager at The Open University, she specialises in leadership, strategy and organisational change. With a background in global consulting and transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.

Speech Title: The Butterfly Effect

Tina Valand

Tina Valand is a London-based Generative AI Director specialising in AI and Conversational AI innovation. She helps organisations adopt AI in practical, responsible and scalable ways while building confidence across teams. A co-founder of Women in Alliances and advocate for diversity in tech, Tina also supports startups and invests across fintech, data and consumer brands, driving meaningful and responsible innovation. transformation, Jean combines research and practice to help others grow their potential through creativity, self-care and innovation.

Panel Discussion-Shaping the Future of Leadership

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