Meet Our Presenters

Peter Ivanov, born in Bulgaria, is a seasoned manager, entrepreneur, and expert in virtual teams with over 20 years of international experience. He graduated in mathematics and began his career as a data analyst at a multinational company. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he quickly advanced to IT Manager for Bulgaria and subsequently to IT Services Manager for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Recognizing the growing importance of geographically dispersed teams, Peter developed an innovative method for leading virtual teams. His approach emphasizes the "10 Big Rocks" factors crucial for successfully managing large, international, virtual teams.

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Under his leadership, his teams received multiple corporate awards, including the "Best of the Best" award in 2007 for outstanding project management in establishing global shared services, and the "Global IT Connect Award" in 2012 for excellent engagement in a global cross-functional environment.

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In 2013, Peter founded "Virtual Power Teams," transitioning into a career as a keynote speaker and executive coach specializing in new leadership. He inspires executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and NGO leaders with the power of virtual teams and future-oriented leadership.

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Peter is also an accomplished author; his book "Virtual Power Teams" has been translated into six languages and achieved Amazon Top 3 status in the category of international management.

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As an expert in new leadership, Peter assists executives, project managers, and team leaders in maintaining team cohesion despite geographical distances, time zones, and cultural differences, ultimately delivering top business performance.

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Beyond his work in leadership and virtual team management, Peter Ivanov is a sought-after speaker and executive coach, helping companies and organizations worldwide navigate the complexities of digital transformation. His innovative approach has been applied in industries ranging from IT and finance to pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Peter regularly delivers keynote speeches and workshops at international conferences, where he shares his expertise on remote leadership, team dynamics, and achieving high performance in globalized work environments. 

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Ted Corcoran, born in Fossa, County Kerry, Ireland, has been a pivotal figure in Toastmasters International for nearly four decades. He began his journey in 1985 by founding the Fingal Toastmasters Club in Dublin, where he served as the inaugural president. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, he advanced through various roles at both club and district levels. In 1994–1995, as District Governor of District 71, he led the district to achieve Presidents Distinguished status, ranking second globally in accomplishments that year.

 

Corcoran's innovative contributions include the development of the Club Excellence Program in 1992, which was adopted by District 71 and significantly enhanced its success over the years. This initiative played a crucial role in his election as International Director in 1996, representing Toastmasters members outside North America. His leadership trajectory continued, and in 2003–2004, he became the first European to serve as International President in the organization's history. During his tenure, he oversaw an international board of 23 members and managed a global network of 200,000 members across 10,000 clubs in 90 countries, visiting several of these nations to promote the organization's mission.

 

Beyond Toastmasters, Corcoran has been an active member of the Rotary Club Dublin since 1991, serving as its president in 2001–2002. His commitment to leadership and community service is further exemplified by his role as the 2011–2012 Region Advisor for Region 11 of Toastmasters International, which involved engagements in Scotland, Switzerland, Belgium, India, and South Africa.

 

An accomplished author, Corcoran has penned several books on leadership and personal development. His works include "The Leadership Bus: How to Be a Truly Effective and Successful Leader," "Hiring a Car and Walking After It: A Little Book of Life Lessons," and "A Comprehensive History of Toastmasters in Great Britain and Ireland," published in 2022. These publications reflect his extensive experience and insights into effective leadership and organizational growth.

 

Even as he approaches his 80th birthday, Corcoran remains an active and influential figure within the Toastmasters community. He continues to deliver training sessions, presentations, and seminars worldwide, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with members across the globe. His enduring dedication to fostering leadership and communication skills has left an indelible mark on countless individuals and the organization as a whole.

Ali Parandeh is a dynamic entrepreneur, software engineer, and business strategist with over two decades of experience in technology and innovation. Born in Iran and raised in the UK, Ali's multicultural background has shaped his global perspective on business and leadership. His career began in the tech industry, where he quickly distinguished himself as a skilled developer and problem solver. Over the years, he has worked with startups and established corporations, helping them leverage technology to drive business success.

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Ali is the founder of multiple ventures, including Ali Parandeh Consulting, where he provides expert guidance on software development, business strategy, and digital transformation. He is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems and has played a key role in developing innovative solutions in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and blockchain. His ability to merge technical expertise with business acumen has made him a sought-after consultant for companies looking to scale their operations efficiently.

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Beyond his work in technology, Ali is also a recognized leadership coach and mentor. He has a deep interest in human psychology, communication, and team dynamics, which he integrates into his coaching methodology. Through his workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions, he helps entrepreneurs and executives enhance their leadership skills, improve decision-making, and build resilient, high-performing teams. His approach is centered on empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and create meaningful impact within their organizations.

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Ali is a frequent speaker at conferences and industry events, where he shares insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of technology. He is also an advocate for ethical business practices and sustainable development, believing that technology should be used as a force for good. His ability to inspire and motivate others has made him a respected figure in the tech and business communities.

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With his vast experience in software engineering, business strategy, and leadership development, Ali Parandeh continues to push the boundaries of innovation while mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs and tech leaders. His passion for creating lasting impact drives his work, making him a thought leader in both the business and technology worlds.

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Alena Huberová is a leadership coach, speaker, and founder of SHELeads, a holistic leadership program on a mission to help women leaders rise, thrive, and own their success—at work and in life.

After 15+ years in corporate marketing, sales, and communication across Europe and Asia, and more than a decade building her own business, Alena knows what it takes to lead—and to last. She’s coached over 500 executives and entrepreneurs from 18+ nationalities, helping them speak up, lead boldly, and unlock their full potential.

Her work blends sharp business insight with deep training in Emotional Intelligence, NLP, Mindfulness, and Coaching.

Highlights along the way? Speaking at TEDx UNYP. Winning 2nd place in the Czech National Championship of Public Speaking. Coaching a student team to world victory at Microsoft’s Imagine Cup in Seattle.

In 2025, Alena took resilience to a whole new level—joining a Czech scientific expedition to Antarctica, testing herself in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The lessons she brought back now power her newest course: Leadership Resilience.

Driven by a love of growth and adventure, she’s also trained as an 'Enlightened Warrior' in the Malaysian rainforest and completed two month-long silent meditation retreats to sharpen her inner strength.

Alena believes leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about heart, grit, and living fully on your own terms.
When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find her hiking wild trails, meditating under the open sky, getting lost in a Murakami novel, or lighting up the dance floor.

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Michal Dvořák is a mindfulness coach, leadership trainer, and expert in workplace well-being, dedicated to helping individuals and organizations cultivate focus, resilience, and emotional intelligence. With years of experience in corporate environments and personal development, Michal understands the challenges professionals face in today’s fast-paced world and provides practical tools to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

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As the founder of BeMindful.cz, Michal works with businesses, teams, and individuals to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines, helping them develop a more balanced approach to work and life. His training programs combine neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness techniques to support sustainable high performance, creativity, and effective decision-making. Through workshops, coaching, and keynote talks, he helps professionals shift from autopilot mode to intentional awareness, enabling them to handle challenges with greater ease and confidence.

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Michal’s expertise extends to leadership development, where he coaches executives and managers on how to cultivate mindful leadership. By incorporating mindfulness into leadership practices, he empowers leaders to enhance their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and ability to inspire teams. His approach fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety, which are key to building resilient and high-performing organizations.

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A frequent speaker at corporate events and conferences, Michal shares insights on stress management, focus training, and the role of mindfulness in modern business environments. His engaging and evidence-based approach makes mindfulness accessible to professionals across industries, dispelling myths and demonstrating its tangible benefits. His work is particularly relevant in today’s remote and hybrid work settings, where maintaining work-life balance and mental well-being are more critical than ever.

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Beyond his professional work, Michal is an advocate for mental health awareness and regularly collaborates with initiatives aimed at improving emotional well-being in society. His passion lies in helping individuals reconnect with themselves, improve their quality of life, and bring mindfulness into their everyday interactions. Through his work, Michal continues to inspire and support professionals in achieving a healthier, more focused, and fulfilling life.

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Toni Purdy is an Australian Toastmaster. Her involvement with Toastmasters has seen her active in clubs in Australia, China and Europe. She was bitten by the public speaking bug while undertaking a Speechcraft course at the Australian National University in Canberra, had her chequebook ready and joined a campus club at the third session. Since that time, she has initiated and facilitated several additional Speechcraft courses. She is an avid traveller and worked as a teacher of English in China and The Czech Republic.

 

She was awarded her DTM while living in China in 2008. In Prague Toni worked with the District team as Area Governor and Division Governor. Her first year as AG began with six clubs in the Czech Republic and closed with ten. She has chartered two clubs and mentored several others. She has been awarded Area Governor of the Year twice – in Australia and Europe.

Toni lives in Melbourne. Her leisure time is divided between exploring her own country in her campervan, reading, writing, sewing and attending live music events.

Balazs Somogyi is a highly experienced project manager, process improvement consultant, and public speaker. Throughout his career, Balazs has helped organizations and individuals navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals in ever-changing environments. He specializes in providing practical guidance on project management, leadership development, and process optimization, empowering people and businesses to succeed in dynamic conditions.

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As a passionate advocate for the essential role of project management and leadership in both personal and professional settings, Balazs firmly believes that "projects are all around us." He emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their role, needs to possess key organizational, communication, people management, and business skills to excel. His expertise in these areas has led him to train and mentor professionals, including executives, entrepreneurs, and employees at all levels, helping them build the confidence and competence needed to lead and manage successful projects.

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Balazs is also an accomplished public speaker. His dynamic and engaging speaking style has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences, corporate events, and professional development workshops. As a volunteer, he has dedicated significant time and energy to supporting various community initiatives, including his involvement with Toastmasters International. He served as the District Director of Toastmasters District 110 (2023–2024), affectionately known as "Wild East Europe." In this leadership role, he worked tirelessly to promote the development of communication and leadership skills across the region, overseeing a district that spans multiple countries and cultures.

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In addition to his achievements in project management and Toastmasters, Balazs is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds the prestigious Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation. His credentials and experiences have enabled him to consult for various global organizations.

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Outside of his professional life, Balazs is a dedicated father of three and is passionate about personal development, continuous learning, and helping others unlock their potential. Based in Budapest, Hungary, he continues to inspire individuals and organizations to embrace change, enhance their skills, and achieve sustainable success.

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Clara helps leaders and organizations navigate their biggest pivots — because she knows what it’s like to feel stuck, even when everything on the outside appears to be working. That personal experience deeply transformed her approach to leadership and became the driving force behind the work she does today.

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A former tech product leader turned business and leadership coach, Clara supports ambitious individuals and teams through change with clarity, courage, and grounded strategy. Her approach combines product thinking, mindset transformation, and strategic focus — always rooted in the realities of life and leadership.

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Clara isn’t one for endless coaching sessions or theoretical fluff. She’s known for helping people shift quickly from confusion to clarity, from stuck to strategic direction — with honesty, insight, and purpose.

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Toastmasters has played a significant role in Clara’s journey. She has served as Area Director, twice as Club President, and has founded, coached, and sponsored new clubs. Among her proudest contributions: stepping into the spotlight as Contest Master at the District Conference in Warsaw, and leading quietly but powerfully behind the scenes as Contest Chair in Timișoara.

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Clara thrives in working with driven leaders who are navigating complexity, transition, and growth. She is especially passionate about partnering with those who want to lead with depth — not just drive — and who are ready to pause, reflect, and take bold, aligned action toward meaningful change.

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With over 15 years of experience spanning software development, product leadership, and public speaking, Clara brings a unique blend of strategic insight and deep human connection to her work. As a certified business and leadership coach, she is driven by a mission to transform workplaces into spaces of purpose and passion. Clara believes the world needs more compassionate leaders, empowered teams, and products that people truly love. Guided by her core values of love, service, freedom, and authenticity, she helps individuals discover their inner light — and lead with it. Her journey from tech to transformation is not just professional — it’s deeply personal, and it shapes the empowering presence she brings to every stage, session, and conversation.

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Tomáš Bakos is a certified MBTI® Practitioner with a rich background in personality typology, communication, and personal development. With a passion for helping individuals and teams thrive, Tomáš brings clarity to how people work, think, and collaborate. He has delivered impactful workshops and one-on-one sessions for organizations such as Hays Recruitment, Johnson & Johnson, and Landis+Gyr — guiding professionals in understanding their personality types to unlock more effective communication, stronger collaboration, and higher team performance.

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Tomáš blends deep psychological insight with a practical, engaging facilitation style. He is known for creating safe and enlightening spaces where participants not only learn about themselves but also connect more meaningfully with others. His work spans individual consultations, team workshops, and organizational development initiatives, always tailored to meet the unique dynamics of each setting.

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A long-time member of the Toastmasters community, Tomáš is an active speaker and facilitator at Good Morning Toastmasters club. He combines his love for personal expression with his knowledge of psychological tools to help others find their voice and lead with authenticity. His speaking and coaching style reflects his belief that understanding ourselves is the first step toward understanding others — and building better relationships, teams, and leaders.

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Beyond the professional sphere, Tomáš brings a holistic approach to growth and well-being. He is also a trained massage therapist and the founder of 3 Senses Massage, where he integrates body awareness and relaxation techniques to support people’s physical and emotional resilience. An avid singer and creative soul, he often uses music and mindfulness to deepen his connection to himself and others.

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Whether in the boardroom, the Toastmasters stage, or a wellness space, Tomáš Bakos helps people get in touch with who they are — and how they can show up more powerfully in the world. You can find more about his work at 3 Senses Massage on Facebook.

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