Lynda Starr, DTM

Member Since: 2006
Home Region: 9
Home District: 83
Supporting Districts: 31, 45, 46, 53, 61, 65, 83, 119

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

• 2020-2021 Immediate Past District Director
• 2019-2020 District Director
• 2018-2019 Program Quality Director
• 2017-2018 Club Growth Director

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

• 2018-2019 Excellence in Program Quality Award

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

The Region Advisor supports District leaders in fulfilling the District mission to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. The Region Advisor is an advisor and guide for the District leaders and helps them to determine goals and strategies and to solve problems; the Region Advisor is not a ruler or dictator. As a Toastmaster leader (and extending to other volunteer and professional roles), I have learned the power of servant leadership. A servant leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people, putting their needs first. It is not about the Region Advisor, it is about how to help each District achieve their goals. As a District Director, I learned to put the needs of the District first and letting others know that I was there to support them. I would bring this same approach to the role of Region Advisor.

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

Both professionally and in Toastmasters, I have mentoring/coaching experience. Coaching/mentoring is one of the most important responsibilities for a leader to help others to achieve goals and become leaders in their own right. I have acted as a Toastmasters club mentor, individual mentor to 10 members including Area Directors, Division Directors, and District Directors. I have mentored Program Quality Directors and Club Growth Directors and have been responsible for club member mentoring programs and a District program to match mentors and prodigies. At work, I have trained marketing agency staff, mentoring account coordinators, account executives, and account directors, and been involved with a study buddy program.

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

My Toastmasters career began with a recommendation in a performance review. Not long after I joined, I began to love the club experience. I moved beyond the club only when my mentors encouraged me to take on the Area Governor role. From then on, I was hooked on the leadership-building experience in addition to the communication skills I was already honing. With each role I took on outside the club, I learned more, connected with other members, and built a support system. As a Region Advisor, I will be able to pay it forward and back for all the help I have received. Based on my experience in Toastmasters, especially as a member of the District executive team and beyond, I have become a valuable resource for members, clubs, District officials in my and other Districts. Knowing what they are going through based on the roles I have held, I would love the opportunity to help other Districts to work to fulfill the Toastmasters mission.