Panel of entrepreneurial experts


Ten aspiring or actual entrepreneurs will have their pitch verbally evaluated by a panel of presentation and entrepreneurial experts.

Think of Dragons’ Den or Shark Tank, but without the aggression. 

The feedback will be focused, positive and immediate, with the aim of helping the participants to polish their pitches.

How are the components of the panel?

Let's get to know them better:

  • Danielle Diamond

Danielle believes that constructive feedback is the best way to learn and that the safe environment Toastmasters has offered her to 'fail' with success led her into being our 2019 Division and District 59 winner, and gaining worldwide recognition as one the top 10 European Toastmasters in Europe last year.

Her favorite Toastmaster role is Evaluator, this along with her mentorship experiences for startups, makes her a perfect fit for this year's Pitchathon panel.

  • Diane Ries

Diane has always believed that having good communication skills is one of the most important differentiators in the professional space, and has been an active member of Toastmasters International since 2006. Her combined marketplace, professional, coaching and communications knowledge make her ideally suited to take part in this Pitchathon panel.
Diane Ries is a senior Human Resources professional, Trainer & Coach. She is the founder and owner of HR Services S.A. and over the last 20 years, she has shared her extensive HR expertise with multiple clients from different sectors.


  • Guy Benzeno

As pitching coach, Guy  pushes startupers to make their ideas shine brighter. 

Guy has extensive experience of events and onstage content development.  As the former director of the Paperjam Club, he has led the production teams for over 50 conferences and hundreds of speakers.