Hall Of Presidents
Welcome to our “Hall Of Presidents” where we have listed each and every one of our presidents who, during their terms, have influenced the club’s growth through their leadership, support, guidance and unique personality.
Preety Ghera
Lai-Yee Pak
Joel Morales
Marijana Bosnjak
Mohammed Al Bayati
Joy Brollo
Zeph Fanton
Mohammed Al Bayati
Sonia Araujo
Lucia Mary Graves
Paul Walsh
Carolina Castillo
John Viney
Stephan von Posern
Laura C. McCracken
Jessie Macneil-Brown
Gillian M. Cutts
Paul Walsh
Jo Holmes
Tory Craddock
Gary Cooke
Cole A. McInnes
Nigel Cutts
As the current President, Preety Ghera leads London Cardinals with a clear vision and a strong focus on growth, engagement, and excellence. Her goal for the year is to strengthen member experience, elevate meeting quality, and nurture confident, well-rounded speakers and leaders. With energy, creativity, and a collaborative leadership style, Preety is committed to building a supportive, high-performing club culture while ensuring London Cardinals continues to evolve, inspire, and deliver lasting value to its members.
Stepping into leadership at a pivotal moment, Lai-Yee assumed the role of President following Joel Morales, after the then-President stepped back and left the club. Having been a member for just one year, Lai-Yee demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment by taking on the presidency when stability and direction were most needed. She led the club with passion, care, and determination, ensuring continuity while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for members. Her presidency stands as a testament to stepping up when it matters most and leading with heart and purpose.
Joel is our second Mexican to serve as London Cardinals’ President and, like our first Mexican President, Caro Castillo, is an alumnus of LSE. In front of a room, his enthusiasm and joy were truly infectious. He diligently served the club as Treasurer (pardon the pun) and, prior to becoming President, was an active and enthusiastic contest participant, particularly in Humorous Speech. A Supply Chain and Programme Management specialist in transnational enterprises, Joel’s presidency contributed to the continued strength and success of London Cardinals.
A marketing expert, passionate and committed, Marijana’s presidency built upon the foundation created by Mo, which itself built upon the ‘COVID’ Presidencies of Zeph and Joy….. and so much more! Under her presidency, London Cardinals was a leading club in District 91, achieving ‘President’s Distinguished’ Club status in record time, attracted many guests and increased its membership rosta. Furthermore, London Cardinals was successful in speech contests at Area and Division level. Marijana also oversaw the re-establishment of in person meetings at London Scottish House and hybrid meetings becoming the norm. She quite rightly received a ‘Recognition’ District award for her efforts. Marijana comes from beautiful Croatia and as well as being Immediate Past President, is now in Toastmasters’ District Management.
In 2021, Mo once again stepped into the role of President during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding London Cardinals through a critical and uncertain period. His experienced leadership and strategic vision laid the foundations not only for the club’s recovery but also for a renewed phase of growth. Mo’s adaptability and unwavering commitment to the club were evident throughout this time, and his involvement in Toastmasters’ District Management further demonstrated his dedication, cementing his legacy as a resilient leader who ensured the long-term success of London Cardinals.
Joy by name and Joy by nature, her warmth reflects her South African roots. Joy’s presidency faced the challenge of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID. During her term of office, Toastmasters prevailed in an online environment and we got used to on line contests, conferences, conventions and attending meetings in such places as Mexico! As President, Joy consolidated our on line success and worked tirelessly, using her Project Manager skills to ensure the successful delivery of meetings and contests. Joy went on to District Management.
Little did Zeph know when he stepped up as President that his tenure would coincide with the COVID pandemic. March 2020 was a critical time and one cannot underestimate Zeph’s role in ensuring London Cardinals’ survival. His leadership and natural optimism enabled London Cardinals to embace ‘Zoom’ meetings, turning them into an opportunity, that continue to deliver dividends. –(Even Zeph’s Mum joined our Zoom meetings from his native Australia!). Zeph is a sports physiologist who is a free spirit, cycling enthusiast, Francophile.. and makes excellent Kambucha!
In 2018/2019, Mo took the reins as President of London Cardinals, marking a pivotal moment for the club. At that time, the club had encountered a membership plateau following years of growth, both locally and globally. Mo’s leadership during this period was instrumental in preserving the core values of London Cardinals while also pioneering the club’s first steps into the realm of social media marketing. His dedication to the club and willingness to embrace new challenges were evident in his proactive approach to revitalizing the club’s membership base and strengthening its online presence. Mo’s first presidency set the stage for future growth and innovation within London Cardinals, ensuring that the club remained dynamic and adaptable in the face of change.
Sonia is from Portugal – (who can forget her speech about her family’s Port vineyard!) — a perfect reflection of her smoothness and precision. A successful business-to-business Product “Crusader” in life science–based products, Sonia brought the same clarity and professionalism to her leadership within Toastmasters. Alongside successfully leading London Cardinals, she also facilitated an online District 91 Conference during COVID, showcasing her adaptability and calm leadership in challenging times.
Lucia has the unique achievement of being VPE when pregnant and being President with a babe in arms. She carried it all off with aplomb! Lucia is a communications expert ranging from corporate communications to writing speeches for the Lord Mayor of London Lucia is thoughtful and empathic with a ready smile and led London Cardinals with ‘Reserve power’!
When Paul Walsh assumed the role of Club President for the second time in 2015/2016, his leadership was marked by a strong and experienced hand at the helm. His return as President demonstrated his unwavering commitment to London Cardinals, and under his seasoned leadership, the club continued to thrive. Paul encouraged members to broaden their horizons by actively participating in District Conferences, International Conventions, and District Management. His presidency during this period left an indelible mark on the club’s history, reaffirming his dedication to excellence in Toastmasters leadership.
Caro is as passionate and colourful as her Mexican roots. She is a successful salesperson in financial services, an alumna of London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and a non executive director in the voluntary sector. It was Caro who undertook a club member survey which captured the values of London Cardinals, established intuitively by Nigel and Gilly Cutts as ‘Quality, Caring Support’. Caro is competitive, as shown by her successful leadership of London Cardinals and her continuing success as a Championship Speaker. She founded Centurion Speakers, American Express in house club, which celebrated its 5th Anniversary in 2023
Honesty, Integrity and Sincerity are much used but sit comfortably with John, an industry leader in innovative Wealth Management. A committed Christian, in action as well as belief, (such as raising funds for a church restoration), he has a radiant smile and puts everyone at their ease when he addresses a room. His business skills and effective coaching style were evident in his leadership of London Cardinals and his committee.
Stephan was introduced to Toastmasters by his friend, Past District Director Freddie Daniells. Stephan works in finance. He is charming, calm, erudite and has an excellent sense of humour. He led London Cardinals in a caring and thoughtful manner. He now resides in Bordeaux with his family
Laura is a global industry leader in payments, fintech and social media, with an excellent academic record, London Business School being just one of the seats of learning she attended. She is also a proud Texan, a talented speaker and a Champion District Evaluator! She fills a room with energy and a beaming smile and her business leadership skills were evident in leading her Cardinals Committee.
An Australian who exudes passion and belief – a straightforward, honest and courageous advocate, who walks the talk, working with Brands with real ‘Purpose’, inspiring the public and driving long term sustainable change. It was no surprise that Jessie led London Cardinals with energy, cause and enthusiasm, which came across in front of the room!
Co-founder with Nigel, they personify a successful marriage – a loving partnership and yet retain their unique identities. Gilly is warmth, empathy, feeling, caring and tremendous energy. It radiates whenever she is in front of a room. And of course, excellent style and ‘Pzazz’! An excellent Table Topics speaker who created the concept of ‘When you walk up to give your Table Topic, “Think loose!”’ Gilly led her committee and club to success in contests and the the Distinguished Club Programme.
Paul Walsh, a founding member and visionary leader, played a pivotal role in shaping the success of London Cardinals. As Division Director B for London, he skillfully orchestrated the division’s transformation into three, creating greater opportunities for Toastmasters’ growth across the city. Paul cherished the evolution of London Cardinals into a cosmopolitan, international, and diverse community, embracing the richness of perspectives it brought. He also recognized the value of Pathways as an invaluable resource for members to enhance their Toastmasters journey. Paul Walsh’s leadership left an enduring legacy, inspiring Toastmasters to aim higher and reach further.
A Kiwi who specialises in marketing communications and business strategy, she has a warm demeanour and is full of fun, which belies a steely resolve. She used this strength to great effect as London Cardinals grew into a powerhouse, with 60+ members becoming the norm. Her leadership combined energy with strategic focus, creating a strong and vibrant club culture. She later relocated back to New Zealand, successfully managing the transition, as her career clearly demonstrates.
Tory was one of several husband and wife teams that helped establish London Cardinals in its formative years – Tory & Tony Craddock, Nigel & Gilly Cutts, Gary & Abbie Cooke, David & Minna Sellman – Full of energy – A Mum, a career in consulting, training and general management, supporting Tony in his business venture, with a bit of triathlon on the side! A calm, clear, precise and empathic speaker, who led the club successfully whilst it was at Rubens Hotel.
Tall and languid, the Australian Cole picked up the mantle from Nigel and led London Cardinals from start-up to becoming firmly established. During his presidency, the club strengthened its foundations and momentum. It was also in this period that Simon Bucknall won his first District Championship in the International Speech Contest, marking a milestone in the club’s history.
