DTM Joseph Gomez, our Immediate Past District Governor (IP DG), spent some time with us on 3 December to share with us his leadership journey in Toastmasters.



It was a session filled with laughter and insights, and we found out that our IP DG is someone who is not only humorous, his earnestness and commitment to help our fellow Toastmasters improve was unquestionable.

Although it was a transition for Joseph to manage 82 staff, at Servicom Sdn. Bhd., to 7200 Toastmasters members, he decided to take this as a training ground to improve his leadership skills with a 12 months mandate to complete his responsibility as DG of District 51, comprising of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

While we club officers have our TLI training twice a year, DGs are flown to US for a 3 days training session. District Officers were told that their mission is to motivate members to achieve more, so that each and every member will have the learning opportunity to be better speakers and leaders.

Joseph believes that the Toastmasters learning program should be fun, as we learn more in times of enjoyment, and a continuous process. He sets his personal goal of one project speech a month and reads various publications to update his knowledge.

As our DG, Joseph was constantly reading his 3 inches thick DG manual, to be prepared for any question that any member might ask him. During peak periods, he was answering about 100 emails a day as well as phone calls, as he believed in constant communication, not only with his District officers but also with any Toastmasters who needed his help.

Here are some of the insights that our IP DG have shared with us.

Q: Can you tell us briefly your progression from club Exco member to District Governor ?
A: I became the club SAA sometime in 1999 and progressed yearly till I became the District Governor. I learnt a lot when I was the SAA and VPE of my club, MIM KL.

Q: Any words of advice or encouragement for members who will be asked to consider club Exco positions ?
A: You will learn a lot in the leadership track. Go for it.

Q: What are the indispensable qualities that a club Exco should have ?
A: A club exco should always have the club member's interest at heart. The club member is our customer and we should serve our customers well.

Q: How did you juggle your time as a District Governor and a club member and work ?
A: On time management, it was District Toastmasters work and my office work. I did not have time to spare for my own club activities. I was serving about 300+ clubs and attended many other club meetings.

Q: Did you initially hesitated when approached by Dr. Arul to be part of the District Council team ?
A: Yes. I took 1-2 months to decide if I wanted to commit to the District Secretary position. Once I committed, I never regretted it and gave the best that I could. It was a good decision. I enjoyed serving our members and always motivating them. When our members succeed, I feel satisfied.

Q: What was the most difficult task you had to do as our District Governor ?
A: In the months of May & June 2009, were the most difficult times in my life in Toastmasters. The term of 2008/2009 was coming to an end and we had to achieve the goals that we set for our District. It was not easy but as a TEAM, we achieved President Distinguished District.

Q: Is the District Governor position a full-time job and you had to take a leave of absence from work ?
A: Yes, it was a full time job in the months of May & June 2009.

Q: Last but not least, any thoughts to share with our members as to why should we should do the CL manual, the ALB and ALS track ?
A: In order to improve your leadership skills that you already have, you will have to embark on the leadership track. The positive results are almost certain.



Contributed by Angeline Lee, Elaine Tan, Andrew Ng and Chee Yoong, Lai