Emily McQuillen – Nominated Candidate for Division C Director

Toastmasters member since

2016

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service

District Administration Manager
Area Director
Club President
Club VP Education

Toastmasters honors and recognition

Innovative Planning Level 4.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

Within the past year I have successfully led organising multiple online DEC meetings and a District Council meeting. I was responsible for the agenda and timings, set-up of room and managing registrations, and completion of minutes. The Council Meeting pack involved collecting written reports from all Divisions and the DLT, reports and updates. I also arranged a credentials committee to test and validate the new proposed voting system for the Council.

The challenge in my current leadership role as Administration Manager is managing the balance of unexpected tasks with the usual business scheduled. For instance, the recent request from WHQ to participate in the ad campaign required securing approval from the DEC within two weeks. Multiple meetings were arranged with the Parliamentarian, Credentials Chair, District Director to confirm the voting procedure.

I have learned how important it is to plan ahead as far as possible to minimise the pressure on myself with unexpected tasks. It is also integral to not work in a silo; leading is not doing and a goal is much more attainable by having others support you – and is more enjoyable too!

Why do you want to serve as a District leader?

Why me, why now?

Leaders are not born, they are made and they can never stop learning. I am always looking for ways to develop myself as a leader. After a term on the District Leadership Team, I have had insight into building the strategy for the District and now possess a ‘bigger-picture’ lens towards Toastmaster leadership. In my professional career I have progressed into a senior management role and I am continuously thinking more strategically and longer-term. I enjoy challenging the way things are done and how it could be done better.

I am excited at the opportunity to exercise and experiment my leadership skills as a Division Director, through applying my bigger-picture thinking, creativity and fresh ideas to focus in on this area of the District. I relish in the satisfaction of setting a goal and driving this forward to completion. I will empower my team of Area Directors through delegation opportunities and consistent support.

Finally, I am currently studying a Management master’s degree which will complement my practical experience at work and Toastmasters and support me in applying techniques to lead the Division to success.