Helen He, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

Delivering positive results in various workplace situations and Toastmasters has been my forte. As the Head of Consumer Insights and Business Planning for a notable global Fortune 500 company, I was responsible for the company achieving a market leader position with an aggressive growth plan of RMB 12Bn (USD 1.7 Billion. This included market and consumer insights, business strategy, financial analysis, and operational plans. My leadership and analytical experience leading consumer-insights-based marketing gives me an invaluable foundation to return Toastmasters to a position of strength globally.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

Over my multi-decade professional career, I have worked with cross-functional C-level executives to deliver Coca-Cola China’s annual business plans, 3-year strategic plans, and long-term strategic initiatives. I led market assessment and planning that resulted in the Coca-Cola brand successfully achieving a dominant market share leadership position in China.

For Toastmasters, my market-insights-based planning ability helped my District team to develop and implement highly targeted and effective strategies. Moreover, we fulfilled the district mission while simultaneously COVID-19 arose in a powerful and nearly overwhelming way in Wuhan city in 2020. Even in the midst of such fear and turmoil, eleven out of thirteen divisions achieved President’s Distinguished Division status and our district achieved Distinguished District status and also President’s Extension award with 12% club growth rate.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

Financial analysis is an integral part of my corporate position, and every business and long-term strategic plan I have delivered. A key to driving business investment optimization is a thorough analysis of brand-level P&L, ROI of specific channels’ marketing spend, and operational investments. This includes model scenarios to develop revenue growth assumptions. Detailed scrutinization of these areas led to strategic top-tier business growth and a robust product and channel portfolio.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

Development of effective policies is an integral part of my business planning responsibilities at multinational companies. I participate in policy development processes that are designed for operational and growth-driven plans. These plans are based on a mix of short-term and long-term financial and strategic targets that allow my company to deliver results for its stakeholders. I also review policies and procedures to meet ever-changing needs of our customers and the government’s compliance requirements.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

I have learned many valuable lessons from my leadership experiences, including the power of humanity, empathetic leadership, and genuine connection. It’s crucial to keep members well-informed and motivated, focus on the team’s collective power and potential, and maintain a shared mindset.

These lessons were particularly significant during my district leadership journey, especially in the last few months of the 2019-2020 Toastmasters year when we lost over 1,000 members due to COVID-19. We were hit unexpectedly and deeply, and I considered giving up. However, I was ultimately driven by a profound, previously untapped, sense of human connection and accountability. I reached out to our members to listen to their hopes, fears, and emotions and worked to revive and reignite hope in their hearts. On my last day as District Director, I received countless heartwarming messages, reminding me of the team we had built, the challenges we overcame, and the remarkable success we had achieved - resulting in over 1,000 members rejoining Toastmasters.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

Power of Connectivity: I excel at connecting with people across different countries, creating a robust network of support. By valuing diverse perspectives, I foster an inclusive environment and effective teamwork. The countless heartwarming messages I received after my keynote speeches during my district visits reminded me of the unique opportunity we had to achieve something remarkable together.

Power of Belief: My unwavering belief that our core values, our goals and our abilities will inspire confidence, help us overcome challenges, and motivate others. During the COVID-19 crisis, I found that my conviction and positive mindset were contagious and encouraged our team to stay committed and focused on success.

Drive Power from Within: I am driven by internal values and goals, showing resilience and personal accountability. My intrinsic motivation kept me focused and persistent, even in the face of adversity. This inner drive is critical not only in reviving our district during the pandemic but also in reviving our organization at this time.

Adaptive Leadership: I excel in leading teams through unpredictable situations and making informed decisions even when the path forward seems unclear. I believe that being creative and flexible is critical to solving new challenges while adapting strategies as needed. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of my team members, I am able to help our team move beyond problems and focus on solutions.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

My personal and professional transformation through the Toastmasters leadership journey has given me a profound belief in the immense value of Toastmasters International in enhancing lives globally. In true Toastmasters fashion, I owe my growth to the many individuals who have supported, encouraged and motivated me. I want to extend this transformative experience to others worldwide. I am committed to honoring the trust these individuals have in me. By serving as an International Officer, I can share my talents and skills and empower others to make a similar positive impact on our organization.

With my extensive experience, knowledge, and passion for this esteemed organization, I aim to influence every member’s Toastmasters journey, making it more fulfilling and life-changing. Through my stewardship on the Board, I will work towards a sustainable and visionary future for our beloved organization. Toastmasters deserves a brighter future!

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Over the past two years, I have served as a leadership coach for members of the China Entrepreneur Organization and as well as a leadership trainer for MBA graduates at Shanghai Foreign Studies University. My focus has been on developing leaders for tomorrow - helping entrepreneurs and young professionals cultivate the leadership mindset and capabilities they need to succeed.

As a result of this coaching, many entrepreneurs have reported significant improvements in their business performance. They have shifted their mindset from self-limiting Reactive beliefs to the visionary, authentic and courageous leadership. This transformation has enabled them to developed stronger, more cohesive teams, increased their ability to innovate, and enhanced their overall strategic vision. Additionally, MBA graduates have expressed greater confidence in their leadership abilities and a clearer understanding of how to lead effectively in diverse and dynamic environments.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

As a current board member of Entrepreneur Organization China, a part of a global organization empowering entrepreneurs to achieve professional and personal success, I discuss our organization’s vision and performance, membership growth, and organization growth strategy. Together with other board members, we set the direction and operational guidelines for the future. I believe my Board experience with Entrepreneur Organization will add a new perspective to the Toastmasters Board deliberations.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

I believe Toastmasters International has the opportunity to lead us into a world that transcends boundaries and unlocks a future where confident communicators and resilient leaders thrive and lead the way.

• Embracing Member’s Personal Vision to Our Collective Vision: Invite every member to reflect on the personal vision: Picture yourself standing on international stages, mesmerizing audiences with your powerful words. Envision doors of opportunity swinging open as you seize every chance to influence change and inspire greatness. Your individual growth is paramount.
• Using the Power of Community: Embrace the positive elements of our vibrant community and witness firsthand the life-altering impact Toastmasters can have on personal growth, professional success, and global connectivity. Expand our horizons through global connections, and transform inspiration into action through local initiatives and empowerment.
• Enhancing Educational Programs: Diversify our offerings to address B2B needs, including executive leadership development programs. Evolve our educational programs to meet the changing needs of our members. We will place greater emphasis on digital communication, virtual collaboration, remote leadership, and public speaking for online platforms. Our offering is Confidence Voices.
• Establishing Industry Partnerships: Establish strong partnerships with organizations across various industries. Corporate entities, educational institutions, and government bodies will recognize the value of Toastmasters programs in developing essential skills for success. These partnerships will provide enhanced opportunities for members to apply their skills in real-world contexts, access mentorship, and gain recognition for their achievements.
• Developing Purposeful Leadership Systems: To strengthen Toastmasters leadership, we must recognize the evolving environment of non-profit organizations, where programs are delivered by volunteer leaders. They face unique challenges and demands on their time, making it essential to inspire them to find their “why” and continue leading programs. Developing a purposeful organization with fully aligned internal systems, while engaging the hearts, hands, and minds of members, is crucial. This approach will ensure continued support and effective leadership in our volunteer-driven programs.