Angelie Bharwaney – Nominated Candidate for Division L Director

Toastmasters member since

2018

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service

December 2018 until 30th June 2020 – Treasurer, Harrovian Speakers Club.
1st July 2020 – 30 June 2021, Harrovian Speakers Club President.
1st July 2021 – to date – Area Director L61 and VPM Harrovian Speakers Club.

Candidate Statement

I heard about Toastmasters thru my sister in Canada who joined several years ago to improve her communication and leadership skill. When my husband decided to attend his first toastmasters meeting as a guest in 2018, he asked me to join him.

From the outset, Harrovian Speakers Club was very friendly and at that first meeting made us feel welcomed, and even straight away, as a guest asked me to be the timer and there was an amazing feeling of fellowship between the members.

Since joining Toastmasters International in October 2018, I have been on a learning journey.

During my relatively short time at Toastmasters, I have learned so much and feel more confident and I want to pass that knowledge to others and guide them, empower them and to be the best they can be and along the way, at the same time learn from them. As life is a journey, and each person you meet helps you learn and grow.

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:

In my own personal career, I worked in a major shop as a Manager before moving into the airline world and becoming their Administration / Customer Services Manager, UK.

I am also a member of Rotary International. I joined my present club in October 2014, and by November 2014 I was appointed to organise the showcase at the yearly London District Conference. My job was to find the charities who will showcase their work. I held that role until 2020, and in 2019/2020 I became the Club President of my Rotary club.

In July 2021 I took over the role Chairwoman for the Rotary in London Conference, which was held in person in October 2021 in Eastbourne, the first woman to take up this role in the London District.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As a President, I learnt how to deal with a club which became completely online and leading a team who was adjusting to an online world. This was particularly challenging as it was a new world for all of us and also for our members, but we overcame this challenge.

Then I learnt in the second half of my presidency about the DCP program which meant coordinating with the VPE to ensure that as a club we achieve 9 DCP point.

I then discovered the incentives available at District level and lead the club to achieve and receive the First-Class award in 2020-2021.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

As a Treasurer, I had to sort out the account as soon as I took over the role and I learnt how important it is to ensure members dues are paid on time to Toastmasters International. We also moved premises in 2019 and I had to calculate the new dues while ensuring that the increase was not substantial.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

As VPM, I have learnt the importance of keeping in touch with the guest replying quickly to their query and ensuring that they are aware of the benefit of Toastmasters without pushing them too hard to join.

As an Area Director, I have learnt the importance of keeping in touch with the club in my area and supporting the Club Presidents, listening to their challenges and helping them to the best of my abilities. Also, the importance of informing the Division Director of any challenges faced by clubs so that District leadership could be aware of the clubs needs.

Also helping organising COTs and actively participating in them has help me learn about time management and looking for information.

My other accomplishments include taking roles in the planning and execution of contest at club and Area and gaining experience as a functionary in other contests.

Why do you want to serve as a District leader?

This new role will help me share the benefits of Toastmasters and empower Area Directors in the Division especially as we are moving to a new world of mixed type of meetings, in person, online and hybrid. Clubs may need guidance and support especially after the challenging last two years.