Andy Hessey – Nominated Candidate for Division J Director
Toastmasters member since 2016
Education :
Level 5 Pathway in Strategic Relationships
Level 4 Pathway in Engaging Humour
CC, ACB, ACS, ACG, CL, ALB, ALS
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
Area J4 Director – 2018 – 2019
Club President, Berkhamsted Speakers – 2019 – 2020
Club President, Pegasus Speakers Advanced – 2021 – 2022
District Webinar Manager, 2020 – 2021 (unofficial position)
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
Distinguished Toastmaster
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
As an IT consultant, my job is to lead teams to success and that is critical for the role as Division Director as well as the inevitable problem solving that comes when success isn’t immediate. I am used to dealing with a wide range of skills and experience and my mentoring experience also helps when people find themselves struggling
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
As a former Project Manager, I am very used to planning and have planned multi-million pound transformations. I have previously helped mentor people on planning and shown how effective it can be. With such a rigid programme as Toastmasters, it is vital to understand what needs to be done and when
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
As a Company Director, it is vital that I understand finance. Without fiscal oversight, the small budgets that the District has to work within could leave many without support. I am very familiar with the Concur expense system and how the budgets for Division Directors feed into the wider District.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
My current role as a consultant sees me writing and amending procedures to make sure they fit in with the corporate values and ideals. I have been involved in a number of public sector organisations similar to Toastmasters.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
The key learning was that I can’t do everything myself. While I still struggle occasionally, I know I have to rely on my team to carry out their jobs. I’ve also learned that having a strong team is the only way that success will happen – everyone pushing forward together.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
Starting a District role mid-term is never easy and I feel that I have unfinished business. I want to be able to start the year in July as opposed to playing catch-up in October and make sure the support is there from the start. As well as this, those in the District know how much I enjoy working with the clubs and members.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
The major objective is the 5000 unique members. My role is to help the clubs with events such as Open House meetings and contests to bring visitors in then help convert to members. Helping VPMs and VPPRs to deliver strong membership growth across the Division is vital to the wider District goals.
Additional information about yourself:
The major objective is the 5000 unique members. My role is to help the clubs with events such as Open House meetings and contests to bring visitors in then help convert to members. Helping VPMs and VPPRs to deliver strong membership growth across the Division is vital to the wider District goals.