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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.