Rajat Santhosh, DTM
Toastmasters member since : March 2021
Education: Finished 12th Standard from Assisi Vidyaniketan Public School, Chembumukku, Kochi, Kerala (2014)
B.Com – Bhararta Mata College, Choondy, Aluva, Kerala (2015-18)
CA Intermediate Qualified (May 2023)
Currently preparing for CA Final Exams
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
Club Vice President-Education (CASK Orators) – 2021-2022
Club President (CASK Orators) – 2022-23
Area Director, H2, D121 (2022-23)
Club Vice President – Public Relations (CASK Orators, V R Advanced Toastmasters) – 2023-24
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
Triple Crown (2022-23, 2023-24)
Pathkeeper (Presentation Mastery, Team Collaboration)
Pathways Mentor Program
Table Topics – First Runner Up at Division Level (2022-23)
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I am serving District 121 in the PRM Team for this program year 2023-24. This opened my eyes on how the right technique of PR is crucial for spreading the word of Toastmasters to everyone, and how it can have a great influence on people attending any event related to Toastmasters.
I was honored to be selected as Co-chair for the District 121’s first edition of Leadership Enrichment and Advancement Program (L.E.A.P). Mapping out the entire program with the chair and rest of the District team was truly an eye opening experience on how it feels to build a road map for 55 aspiring leaders to become better leaders. It was a road map for me on building my thinking process on how to think like a leader to another level.
My tenure as an Area Director was an eye opener, and taught me how small consistent efforts can do miracles.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
I strongly believe in breaking down a dream into small boxes of tasks. During my tenure serving as the Club President and Area Director, focusing on the small tasks with consistency enabled me to preform with less stress, and achieve better results, especially during the time of hardship.
Starting with allotting speeches so as to attain educational points, then enabling good PR for the club so as to get more guests, which can result in more members, pushing the clubs to have meetings regularly despite of attendance, are the small tasks that saved clubs.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
Being a CA student, I have theoretical knowledge and practical experience when it comes to finance. For the past 3-4 years, I have been actively engaged in auditing the finances of companies, firms, and individuals, and also preparation of their financial statements.
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
I had a great exposure in developing procedures during my tenure serving as the Club President and Area Director, with respect to conducting quality meetings, my area contest, creating a plan for LEAP sessions with respect to planning educational sessions, CIP programs, and so on.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
1. Breaking down a big task into small ones, and consistently putting in small efforts, goes a long way in bringing in quality results
2. A leader is a servant. More than someone who is looked up to, a leader should be someone who is more approachable.
3. If you can’t be available for people in their needs, don’t try to be a leader in the first place.
4. If you are not able to offer solutions to someone, be there for them. Shed your ego, and be willing to ask for help when you’re in need.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
1. To give back what I received from Toastmasters, in the form of learnings and experiences. I can guide those who are looking to gain more from what Toastmasters have to offer.
2. In times of need, I will be there no matter what, even if I don’t have the answers. But rest assured, I will seek the answers.
3. District 121 is my home, where I became a better person. I want to give back something for my home to be stronger.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
1. To strengthen the existing clubs – Lack of public awareness and quality meetings result in clubs being dormant. I will make a sincere effort to rise these clubs to their glory using my team to be there for them at the time of hardships
2. Increase in the number of clubs – Opening new clubs with a purpose, by venturing into those locations where the presence of Toastmasters is little or zero.
3. Creating new leaders – I strongly believe in giving new people challenging opportunities. The reason for my growth is because of the kindness and trust of many senior toastmasters who entrusted me with challenges and opportunities. I want to give that chance to many promising toastmasters.
Additional information about yourself:
I am a human being with limitations, like every one of you. I don’t make promises if I feel there’s a chance I won’t perform them. So, I promise you that I will be sincere in my efforts, and kind to those in need.