#286: Sabyasachi (Saby) Sengupta — Meet the 2025 World Champion of Public Speaking

The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin

The Toastmasters Podcast is like a radio talk show featuring interviews with Toastmasters usually featured in the Toastmaster magazine. The purpose of the podcast is to amplify the magazine - to dig deeper or to put a voice to a face or written wordBut unlike a radio show, a podcast is on the Internet, and available, for free, to anyone in the world with an Internet connection, and a connected device capable of playing audio. 260+ episodes are at ToastmastersPodcast.comThe Toastmasters Podcast is co-produced by Toastmasters International and Archieboy Holdings, LLC, for our global audience of Toastmasters and those interested in public speaking and leadership.

[36:05] On the Toastmasters Podcast, it’s our annual tradition—and a true pleasure— for us to speak with the newest World Champion of Public Speaking. This year, we’re thrilled to feature Sabyasachi “Saby” Sengupta, who captured the 2025 title this past August at the Toastmasters International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his speech titled “Just Nod.”

Saby, a behavioral change expert based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, rose above seven other finalists after several elimination rounds that began earlier in the year with thousands of participants from more than 100 countries. A two-time TEDx speaker and host of the Method and Madness podcast, he helps organizations embrace the human side of change—with energy, humor, and heart.

Kissing the Stage

In this inspiring episode, Sabyasachi shares the story behind his winning speech and the powerful symbolism behind kissing the stage—a gesture of respect and gratitude rooted in his Indian heritage. He reveals how “Just Nod” evolved from a 2014 humorous contest piece into a masterful reflection on creativity, resilience, and performing with authenticity. Saby also opens up about nearly missing this year’s contest due to travel and self-doubt, the lessons he learned from past setbacks, and how detaching from outcomes allowed him to rediscover the pure joy of performing.

We also discuss his semifinal speech, “Donkey,” his love for storytelling, and his belief that humor, when authentic, can inspire just as deeply as a serious message.

You can read more in “Meet the Winners of the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking,” by Laura Amann, in the November 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine (link to come).

About Sabyasachi “Saby” Sengupta

Originally from India, Sabyasachi Sengupta is a behavioral change expert, consultant, and keynote speaker based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He also helps organizations and individuals embrace change through communication and creativity. He's worked with global brands including Domino’s Pizza, LinkedIn, Uber, Shell, Nike, and Universal Studios. He’s also a two-time TEDx speaker, host of the Method in Madness podcast, and author of the book What’s Your Plan B?

He is a proud Toastmaster for 14 years and a member of Fusion Toastmasters Amsterdam.

Saby lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands. You can connect with him on LinkedIn, Instagram, or by email at sabyasachi@method-im.com.