Candidate’s Name:
Steve Vear MBE
Position:
District Director
Toastmasters member since:
January 2014
Education:
Bachelors Degree Business Studies – The Open University
Professional Management Certificate – The Open University
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Coaching
Diploma in NLP Coaching Practice
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
Program Quality Director 2023/24 District 91 Parliamentarian 2022/23
Wessex Speakers : Secretary 2014/15, VP PR 2014/15, VP Ed 2015/16, President 2016/17, VP Ed 2019-2021 Tech Data : Founding President 2016/17
Mayflower Conference Logistics Director May 2017 Division A Director Dec 2016 – June 2018
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
Distinguished Toastmaster – July 2018
Club Toastmaster of the Year – 2015
President Distinguished Club as President 2016/17
Select Distinguished Division 2016/17
President Distinguished Division 2017/18
Division Director of the Year 2016/17
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I have held senior operational management roles in both the IT and educational services industry for the past 15 years with a proven track record in the leading and developing of diverse teams and complex processes. In my professional life I am not only experienced at leading but also with budget , performance and supplier management, including setting the strategic direction of my department and wider business projects.
Within the voluntary sector, I was previously Chairman of Trustees at my local Samartians branch for 3 years and for the last 6 years have served as Chairman of the Southern Premier Cricket League. From 2018 to 2021 I was also Chairman of the North Hampshire Bench, responsible for 120 magistrates across two court houses.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
As a previous trustee of University of Winchester Student Union and most recently the Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance I have been involved in the forming and monitoring of strategic goals. In my professional life my current role as Head of Production and Logistic for a leading exam board requires me to shape and drive strategy to ensure a best in class experience for our contractors and efficient processes to deliver service to our candidates. This is outside of my recent experience as a member of the Trio within District 91
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
Chairman of Resources Committee at Limington House Special Needs School, Basingstoke Budget management at the department level circa 2.5m in size within the workplace
Trustee of Winchester Student Union SU and HIOW Air Ambulance & Chairman of an ECB Premier Cricket League
As Chairman of Salisbury Samaritans which involved oversight of the financial health of the organization and fundraising strategy
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
In my previous organization I was one of the major leads on an ERP implementation projects where the review and re-engineering of processes was a main part of the role.
I also took the lead in change management – which included a unique ‘simulator’ training day to try and emulate a typical day with the next systems. I have been involved in several constitutional reforms and lead the disciplinary procedures and investigations in an number of organisations, complimented by my work as a member of the lay judiciary.
Continous improvement is a expected skill and mindset at my grade of senior management within my organisaiton. I have a six sigma yellow belt.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
Every position has given a separate and often rich experience, I will focus on my top 6.
- It is a privilege to lead people or organizations and that trust should never be betrayed
- As leaders, we and the people we support have not yet discovered what the best versions of ourselves look like
- Everyone is different – including their view on the world. Seeing different view points, understanding styles and personal value sets is critical to getting the best from people
- No matter how difficult something might seem – you are not alone , and no leader should live on an island
- Your own well being is as important as the well being as the people we lead – neglect either at your own risk and indeed at the risk of others
- Don’t try and boil the ocean – be specific, be determined and be successful
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
To give back to the organization ensuring that we can continue to provide an experience that can be life changing
And as District Director to continue the legacy left in the past by some of the best leaders I have had the pleasure of working with
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
- To support our clubs to continue to thrive and provide the best member experience
- To grow our district to increase the opportunity for more to commence on their journey
- To attract and develop the future leaders of our District
- For us all to have fun / enjoy what we do
Additional information about yourself:
I was made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by her late majesty QEII in 2018 for my voluntary service to Hampshire
Since birth I have suffered from cerebral palsy – and I live life by the ethos that ‘it is not a problem until it becomes a problem.
Last Updated on 6th April 2024 by Diane Richardson