Rhonda Williams, DTM

Member Since: 2002
Home Region: 5
Home District: 35
Supporting Districts: Founders, 1, 12, 52, 100

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

• 2016-2017 Immediate Past District Director
• 2015-2016 District Director
• 2014-2015 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training
• 2013-2014 Lieutenant Governor Marketing

Toastmasters’ honors and recognition:

• 2014-2015 Excellence in Education and Training Award
• 2013-2014 Excellence in Marketing Award

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

The Region Advisor is a consistent point of contact for District leaders, maintaining regular contact with them through monthly calls; is available for questions and is a resource on where to find answers; serves as a liaison between District leaders and World Headquarters; and coaches District leaders through their success planning.

I look forward to sharing my experiences and what I have learned with District leaders who are growing into their new roles, while I continue to learn from them. The synergy of people who are excited about Toastmasters is transformational. Because of Toastmasters, I have learned how to persist, find creative solutions to obstacles, and leverage successes. I hope I can help others develop those competencies and increase their self-confidence.

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

I have been asked to coach a lot of colleagues and teams throughout my career. I believe I am perceived as steady, thoughtful, and supportive. I have a good knowledge base, am compassionate but can hold my ground and maintain objectivity when frustrations start to build. I was told by one manager that I was intentionally paired with co-workers who were considered difficult to work with because I could work effectively with them.

There are endless opportunities to coach in Toastmasters, whether it is orientation for a new member or Speechcraft participant, negotiating differences of opinion within a Club or District Executive Committee, or helping a fellow member learn and perfect new skills or gain traction in an area of interest.

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

I believe in meeting people where they are and working as a team regardless of different leadership styles. I don't have a preconceived notion of what a leader looks or sounds like and feel that as someone who falls on the more introverted side of the MBTI assessment, I can model and make more space for quiet introspective people to share their ideas.

I also want to continue to progress as a leader while serving this great organization. I plan to be active in my District and see the growth that Jim Kohli and Cindy Laatsch exhibit from having served in this position, and I would like to grow my skills too.