Christine Lennon, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

State Manager in a Large National Corporation where I had 33 direct reports and 150 indirect reports. Was also a part of several management teams across the organisation working with and alongside a diverse range of people so had to have a high level of communication and leadership skills. In my role I had to analyse information and make informed decisions to benefit the business and my staff. I feel this translates into skills that would be a benefit on the Board. In this role I created an environment where I recognised my staff's achievements and strengths and encouraged them to use and enhance their skills for promotion.

When I was employed by a Registered Training Organisation in the training environment I was aware of the need to be inclusive and to cater to the diversity of the students I had in my training. Being aware of diversity and embracing inclusivity are skills that I believe would aid me on the Board and add to the collective strength.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

At the present time I am on a Board where we are working on a Strategic Plan to move the business forward in the next stages of its life and to make it viable business moving forward. To do this successfully we are currently working on a Strategic plan for the next five years.

Working in the Coporate environment in my Division I worked with a Team of Leaders to develop a Strategic plan for a time of change of direction for the Business.

As part of the District Team and as the District Director I have worked on our District Strategic Plan.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

I have several years of experience working in the Banking industry. From counter service to organising personal loans. In my Corporate role I assisted in preparing the budget for my area and ways in which we could operate more cost effectively. I have worked in small business where the areas of finance have been my responsibility. As part of the District Team I have been a part of calculating the District Budget and then as District Director in monitoring it.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

When employed by a Registered Training Organisation I worked in the Compliance Area, As National training and standards are very strict we had to develop and adhere to policy and procedures. I was a part of a State working party to formulate policy and procedures for determining language, literacy,and numeracy levels of people wanting to do qualifications to ensure that they had the required abilities in these areas. We then evaluated the policy and procedures before they were released for use.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

I enhanced my strategic thinking and planning skills. I was able to motivate people to realise their potential and to aspire and go for higher positions. The strength of collective ideas and team work to achieve a goal.- How I was able to analyse situations and make informed decisions. I learnt a lot about myself as well. The importance of leading by example.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I have been in Toastmasters for more than 29 years so I bring knowledge and experience of Toastmasters gained in that time. Through my experiences I have a global view as I am actively involved with Toastmasters in three countries . I have a high standard of ethics. I am a patient person and don't anger easily. My experience in the business world would, I believe be of benefit to the Board and any Team that I might serve on.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I feel that I could give back to Toastmasters by using the skills and experiences I have gained both within the organisation and outside of it to add value to the Board.. I have experienced personally the value that Toastmasters has added to my life and have seen wat it can do in other times. I feel that this is a crucial but exciting time for Toastmasters and I would like to be a working part of strengthening and growing our market.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

Worked with the Australian High Commission Australian Awards Papua New Guinea Woman's Mentoring initiative as a Mentor

With the Prisons Correctional Services Work Restart Entrepreneurs Program running two workshops for the male inmates

Reading program in schools with children who were experiencing learning challenges and need one on one attention

Giving of my time to Judge at Rostrum, and Rotary Youth speaking contests

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

I am currently serving on a Board of Directors for a business that is going through a time of change.It has relied on a lot of Government funding but now is looking to be more financially viable so is having to pivot and change the way it operates. We are currently looking at a Strategic Plan for the next five years.

I was the first ever female to be elected to the Motor Vehicle Dealers Institute Board in New Zealand. I had gained the highest marks in the Registered Car Salesman exam in my Province so was elected as a token female because of it. I was re-elected the next year on my own merits. I was working with men many who were many years older than me. When it became obvious to them that I respected their experience and knowledge in their fields of expertise they respected me in my and were more receptive to what I had to say and how I could assist them. Everyone has value

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

I believe that its Brand Promise is still the same and although we may now achieve the International Mission using different methodology meeting our members needs and how it done more effectively in the current environment is the key. I am a forward thinker and that coupled with my global experience will assist me when I contribute to the team that I am assigned.

Additional information about candidate:

Is an honest hard-working person with a strong working ethic. Is a positive person who always likes to find a positive in every situation.

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