Region Advisor Biography

Leslie Benfield, DTM

Leslie Benfield, DTM Member Since: 2016
Home Region: 5
Home District: 123
Supporting Districts: 31, 53, 60, 61, 86, 123, 216

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

  • 2024-2025 Immediate Past District Director
  • 2023-2024 District Director
  • 2022-2023 District Program Quality Director
  • 2021-2022 District Club Growth Director

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

The Region Advisor has a consultative role and is a critical resource to enable Districts to achieve their goals through education and continuous guidance. Before my current role as a People Manager in the Canadian Regional Government, I was an IT consultant for over 20 years. This collective experience has taught me how to best manage/resolve conflict and stay on track with your goals. I am also trained in Project Management, which helps me in building a team and working through the stages of team evolution, from storming to performing.

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

I have coached and mentored many people in various clubs (Some were newcomers to Canada or New Employees). I am currently helping 3 clubs build a mentorship program to engage the new and existing members. To serve a wider audience, I created a mentorship database (using a Google Form quiz) for clubs, which is now implemented across various clubs.

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

In my time as a Trio member, I benefited enormously from the support of our Region Advisor. Especially to resolve conflict and "Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing" (According to Dan Rex). I have been told that I have a good demeanor and have been able to navigate various stormy waters (AKA Conflicts). Also, as District Director, I was asked by a past Region Advisor to mentor another District Director who was on the brink of quitting. I shared my experience from my two previous years and gave them tips to stay on track and resolve the conflict in the team.