Region Advisor Biography

Sundaresan Rajeswar, DTM

Sundaresan Rajeswar, DTM Member Since: 1999
Home Region: 11
Home District: 116
Supporting Districts: 79, 104. 105, 116, 122-PTC

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

  • 2019-2020 Immediate Past District Director
  • 2018-2019 District Director
  • 2017-2018 Program Quality Director (D20)

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

  • 2018-2019 Smedley Distinguished District Director
  • 2017-2018 Excellence in Program Quality Award

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

The Region Advisor role is to support District leaders in achieving the District mission measured by the accomplishment of District Recognition Program. My knowledge, experience, and exposure sharing can replicate the success in the management of the District across the region.

I served five years on the District leadership team. The skills that I acquired, the lessons I learned, the challenges I faced, and the experience I gained together with teamwork will help me guide, coach, and mentor District leaders in fulfilling the District mission. I have a good knowledge of the organization's structure and policies.

As Districts differ even within regions, it is essential to understand each District and build a strong relationship with the District leaders based on mutual trust. I had traveled across the Middle East, Africa, North America, Europe, Far East, Asian subcontinents, Japan, Philippines, about 50 nations, thus having familiarity and knowledge to deal with international members in a multicultural environment.

The Region Advisor role is a combination of several competencies. My professional qualifications, senior corporate executive experience, being part of a Global board of a voluntary association for a decade, benevolent forums, etc., should benefit me for handling a critical role.

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

As Program Quality Director, I was responsible for Pathways implementation that included the appointment of Ambassadors, Coordinators, Trainers and coaching them to work as a team to ensure program delivery within timelines and ensure adoption.

I have been coaching members of the District Directorate, particularly the District leadership team, District Administration Manager, and the District Public Relations Managers for their functions and responsibilities with emphasis on delivering quality delivery. As a District leader, I have constantly coached District Finance Managers of various Districts related to documentation, policies and protocols, reporting, and stewardship roles.

Professionally, I am one of the top Auditors in Qatar, as President of the Auditors Association and on the Board for over 15 years. Upliftment of the internal audit profession in Qatar is our Mission.

At Workfront:

  1. Coaching employees to be professional auditors is part of my job.
  2. As a Chief Advisor of the Institute of Internal Auditors Qatar, I coach many members to improve their work effectiveness and value add to their organizations. Team building, team conflict resolution, team productivity, and team goal congruence are all part of my day-to-day engagements either at work or in my professional arrangements outside in various capacities

 

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

My primary motivation to serve as a Region Advisor is the passion for sharing learnings in Toastmasters and outside and facilitating Districts towards achieving excellence. I led the newest District in 2018-2019 as the first and only Smedley Distinguished as of March 2019 and World Number 1 that year. I continued to guide District leaders for two successive years as the Number 1 District globally, proving that the practices were pragmatic, sustainable, and sagacious.

Region Advisor is primarily for operational advice and to guide and support District leaders. I consider as a privilege to transfer my knowledge, provide practical tips, intricacies, strategies, etc., of managing the District successfully to leaders across Region 11. The District leaders require support to make a difference in positively impacting members at every level in their Districts. Serving in this role also provides knowledge and experience sharing as a positive role model, influencer, and motivator.

I continue in Toastmasters with a focus on continuous learning. The Region Advisor role is an opportunity to apply my skills and expertise and to grow. The opportunity entails working collaboratively to find solutions and ideas.