Joel Dawson, DTM

Member Since: 2013
Home Region: 5
Home District:  68
Supporting Districts: 28, 60, 62, 86, 123

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international, region and District level):

• 2020-2021 Immediate Past District Director
• 2019-2020 District Director
• 2018-2019 Program Quality Director
• 2016-2017 Club Growth Director

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

• 2018-2019 Excellence in Program Quality Award
• 2016-2017 Excellence in Club Growth Award
• 2016-2017 WCPS Semifinalist (Second Place)

What is your understanding of the Region Advisor role and how does your experience relate to the role?

The Region Advisor is a personal coach/mentor/trainer to the individuals of the core team (District Directors, Program Quality Directors, Club Growth Directors, and District Public Relations Managers, as well as Finance Managers). The Region Advisor is also someone who has demonstrated success and knowledge, in assisting District leaders to create and execute a strategic plan that is in total alignment with fulfilling the District mission. In my profession of coaching entrepreneurs and their teams, the situations are the same. My saying is, “you have to keep the main thing, the main thing.” When you have a random group of people, with different backgrounds/beliefs, and they're trying to work together on a common goal (or mission), I know that there are certain problems that are predictable. My worth as a coach/facilitator professionally, is alleviating those problems before they happen (i.e. "Potential Obstacles" in a success plan) or coaching them to come up with their own solution. I don’t tell people what to do, nor do I tell them how to do it. My job is to help them determine if what they’re doing is in total alignment with their company and team's goal, and to help them maintain agility in their efforts guaranteeing success.

What is your experience with coaching individuals and/or teams?

By profession, I am a Pitch Coach and Trainer. I coach entrepreneurs preparing for a pitch competition “Shark Tank” style” which includes presentation and Q&A skills. I also consult with companies preparing for investor meetings. These are more in-depth sessions which include reviewing financials and interviewing external team members. I also teach them collaboration and accountability skills. The purpose, to create a culture of progressive, agile thinkers for the benefit of one another, as well as their company mission!

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

I am still learning new skills and I have a lot to offer. I have proven that I have the skills necessary to fulfill the role of Region Advisor. I have been coaching District leaders for the past four years. Being a Region Advisor will give me the opportunity to focus my energy and skills in one region, as well as develop new leaders for the future, which is a focus of mine.