Nigel Thew
Freelance Researcher in Environmental Archaeology and Quaternary Geology
Panel discussion: Adopting a Toastmasters Mindset: A Bold Approach to Branding and PR for Club Officers, and Insights for Entrepreneurs
The aim of the panel is to inform and reply to audience questions about different aspects of PR for clubs and the District, including challenges faced and opportunities available both now and in the near future. The panel is also there to provide advice and guidance for entrepreneurs about how to achieve their goals.
Each panellist will bring insights and observations based on their professional and Toastmasters expertise, to ensure maximum clarity and relevance for the discussion.
A panel moderator will help keep things flowing and act as an interface between the panel members and the audience.
The first 30 minutes will be the panel replying to pre-prepared questions that reflect the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by those working for club PR, and entrepreneurs within the District. The second 30 minutes will be taken up with the panelists answering audience questions.
Nigel’s Bio (moderator)
Nigel grew up in Southampton, England, drifted into archaeology by chance, and then decided to study Archaeology and Geology at university. He has since worked in a variety of positions in archaeology, and is at present a freelance researcher in Environmental Archaeology and Quaternary Geology. Nigel has also worked as a Development Producer in film production, as a sponsorship consultant, as an academic editor and as a translator from French into English for several cultural institutions.
Nigel joined Toastmasters in 2017 and has held various club officer roles, was the Director of Division D and is at present a member of the D109 PQD team. He would list humour, curiosity and creativity as his superpowers, and attempts to harness these for the good of Toastmasters.
Néstor’s Bio (panelist)
Néstor Bartolomei grew up in Puerto Rico, where from a young age he was fascinated by design. He first went to Italy to study Interior Architecture and Design, before moving to the US and then later to Switzerland. Néstor now runs his own company specialising in entrepreneurial branding and design strategy, as well as giving seminars and training workshops to improve speaking and communication skills in marketing, and encourage brand storytelling.
Néstor began with Toastmasters in the US in 2016, before resuming his journey in 2018 after moving to Switzerland. He has held the roles of VPPR and President at club level, Area Director in Division D and is at present the D109 PR Manager. “Néstor the connector” is a passionate communicator and a firm believer in the Toastmasters brand.
Matt’s Bio (panelist)
Matthaeus “Matt” Podgorski grew up in Poland and Germany, where his curiosity for science and technology first began. After a Masters in Physics from universities in Germany and Switzerland, he took a second Masters in Management & Entrepreneurship in Spain. Since then, he has lived and worked in Colombia, Australia, Malta and now in Spain. An entrepreneur since 2015, Matt specializes in manufacturing IT, project management, marketing and social media automation. Known as “Captain Fix-IT,” he is renowned for creatively solving complex challenges, making him the go-to companion for ambitious adventures.
Matt joined Toastmasters in 2017, has held several leadership roles at club and District level, and is our present D109 Administration Manager. He is passionate about sailing and has his RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification. His fascination for countries and cultures gives him a global perspective and a commitment to Toastmasters’ mission of fostering communication and leadership worldwide.
Paola’s Bio (panelist)
Paola grew up in Verona Italy in an old house with a big garden, where she was allowed to roam wild. She then moved to the US to major in Psychology and subsequently studied Computer Science. After moving back to Italy, Paola became an innovative entrepreneur, with her own company specialising in fashion retail and hospitality ventures, as well as being a consultant marketing strategist and a renovator of old buildings.
Paola joined Toastmasters in 2018 and has held many leadership roles at club and District level in PR and conference management, including D109 PR Manager and District Conference PR Manager. She is an ‘architect of innovation,’ who is passionate about harnessing the power of creativity and technology to help Toastmasters grow and develop.
Tarek‘s Bio (panelist)
Tarek grew up in the vibrant city of Miami, where a curiosity for how things work led him to study Electrical Engineering. After graduating, life and an interest in historic culture led him to live in Greece where he now works as an electrical engineer for a multinational construction company.
Tarek joined Toastmasters in 2012 and has held many leadership roles at club and District level, including Area Director, while he has twice been D109 PR Manager.
His extensive experience is complemented by his enthusiasm and commitment to the Toastmasters mission. His superpower is his ability to bring a unique perspective and energy to every Toastmasters meeting.
Jessica’s Bio (panelist)
Jessica grew up in Puerto Rico in a house full of books. She first studied for a Masters in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, but then switched to complete a Doctorate in Law. Jessica calls herself a “detail detective” as her professional life has been spent with mastering minutiae as a Regulatory Affairs Manager (Compliance) in a variety of domains, including medical devices and the tobacco industry. She also gives lectures, workshops and training in the fields of regulation and compliance.
Jessica only joined Toastmasters quite recently, but has already taken a club officer role and joined the team producing the D109 magazine.
She is a team player, who loves to use her eye for detail and unbridled professionalism to support the Toastmasters community.
Franklin’s Bio (panelist)
Franklin grew up in Venezuela, where he studied for a degree in Advertising and Marketing. He then moved to France to study French and took a degree in Hospitality and Tourism, which led him to work in this field. Franklin is a people person who loves to travel, so is currently working as a cabin crew member based in Geneva. Outside of work, he greatly enjoys writing, painting and drawing.
Franklin only joined Toastmasters in 2023, but rapidly took on the role of club VPPR and is now excited to be supporting the team leading Division D. He sees his superpower as ‘melodrama amplification,’ turning life into a telenovela that is full of fun and adventure.