Toastmasters International Reviews

The management here is very toxic. The focus from them is finding out WHO did something wrong, and not about figuring out the problem in a productive way so that it can be avoided in the future. Experts and developers are never consulted in the deadlines for projects, so unrealistic deadlines are frequently made, and then the programmers and project management are blamed if there are issues. There is also a lot of fear of direct communication. If someone in management has something to say, they will typically go through a proxy. I've even been gaslit a few times due to this behavioral pattern. If you are a woman, then you typically get slotted into a "problem" category in their minds if you are outspoken or willing to fight to do the right thing. This environment is also very alienating, where you are constantly unsure where you stand in the grand scheme of things. Resource management is also a huge issue, where entire teams will be given nothing to do, have their suggestions and improvements fought over endlessly in behind the door politics and fear. Appearing to be doing work is more valued than actually getting any work done. If you have depression, STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS. Due to the pressure, blame, and general toxicity, I attempted to take my life. It was dumb, but no work environment should ever leave someone feeling so broken that suicide seems like the only way out.

This is regarding World Headquarters employment, not the volunteer staff. You better be under 40. Way under. And it wouldn't hurt if you're pretty, if you're female. My career at TI started during the prior leadership and survived the bloodbath that ensued when the current leadership took office. I was a highly trained staff member who was told I was too old to show my face at the International Convention, even though I needed to be there to successfully perform my job. In regard to regular days at the office, I was told by my boss that (in my late 40s) I was too old and that I should hide at the back of the room during company meetings and never draw attention to myself. During the couple of years I stayed after the leadership change, I saw my role shrinking while much younger employees (some without the training) were handed my former assignments (that, in the past, had earned me praise for excellent work). I can understand why a new company leader would have a "housecleaning" of sorts, but this was truly a bloodbath, and it was clearly age related. Most employees older than me were fired, and the executives were working their way down to me. I eventually quit after two secretaries were given promotions that I deserved - yes, hopscotching right over me. And by the way, they both quit too. It wasn't a pleasant situation for anyone.