About Me

So many times, we hesitate to take up a challenge that is placed in front of us. Be it because we are afraid, unsure of what the future may hold, or just doubting our own abilities.

I am one that likes a good challenge, because it is through these challenges that I get to know myself better: my limits, abilities, personality, and the possibilities that is still out there. It is only by pushing our personal boundaries, that we can truly know where our limits lie.

As a Toastmaster, I have reached my next boundary, and the next challenge for me is District Director. This challenge brings with it one big responsibility: Not only am I pushing my own boundaries, but I also have to take with me the whole district, and each and every member. Together, and individually move our boundaries to give us space to grow.

I truly believe that when working towards something, the only way to achieve it, is to buckle down and take it one step at a time. All the time focussing on two things: enjoying the moment, and achieving the goal, not the result (read further below to understand better what I mean)

I have been a Toastmaster since 2009 (my full TM resume is below). Professionally I am a Mechanical-Electronic engineer. I am a keen endurance sportsman: I have completed multiple marathons, and an Ironman.

Vision '19-'20

When I was thinking about running for District Director, I had to ask myself what I would like to achieve during my term. Why do I want to do it?
After some reflection, I was able to distil the following key aspects. Together they form my vision for my term as 2016-2017 District Director.

Part 1

The Member

The member is always number 1. What do I mean?

We as the district have the responsibility to create an environment, supported by the district, so that each and every individual has the opportunity and support to grow the most. We will challenge them to take that step they have always been afraid to take, and at the same time challenge ourselves to lead as an example.

As District Director together with my team, we will ensure that all district officers are equipped to assist and encourage the clubs, to inturn encourage their members.

Part 2

Goal vs Result

More often than not, we are so focussed on achieving the required results, that we forget about the goal and why we do what we are doing.

When we focus on the goal (why we are doing something) and direct our actions towards achieving it, the results will come by itself. Achieving the numbers (results) is not unimportant, because it gives us a concrete measure of our success. When the results become the focus, we rob ourselves and others of the opportunities that awaits us on our journey.

Put in other words, we should focus on the journey, not the destination.

Part 3

Stability

Over the last couple of years, our district leadership team has experienced an unusually high turnover rate. The traditional line of succession gotten lost a bit. With this line of succession comes knowledge and experience that is necessary to run a successful district.

By leading a team that will continue as members of the district leadership the year after, we - the district - put ourselves in a position where success is inevitable.

Listening

Leadership

Shortly after I attended my first meeting, the club – which was not yet chartered – started to get organised and I was asked if I would like to be part of the officers team. I became the club treasurer as well as Vice President of Public Relations.

The next year, I took up the role of Vice President Education and followed that with Club President. In both years we were able to take the club to being a Toastmasters Distinguished club.

In 2012 I took it a step further. I became the division Governor. The division covered all of Belgium at that time. Together with my team of area governors we lead the division to achieve Select distinguished status.

After my year as division governor, I thought I would take a year to relax as a Toastmaster. I ended up co-founding the first advanced club in Belgium – the Artful Orators.

And just as I thought I would take a little break, I was asked I would like to take it up a notch. And I became the district secretary.

In all these positions I learnt a lot. Lots about TM as an organisation, about being a leader and working together as a team.

All that is missing now for my Advanced Leadership Silver Award is a High Performance Leadership project. It could have been completed a long time ago, if only I formalised some of the projects I had done in the past.

Below is everything listed together:

  • 2018-2019
    • District Administration Manager, District 59
  • 2017-2018
    • Division Director, District 74
    • President's Distinguished Division
  • 2015-2016
    • Program Quality Director, District 59
    • Excellence in Program Quality award
  • 2014-2015
    • District 59 Secretary
    • Club treasurer
    • Revitalised Education Ambassador November 2013 - May 2015
  • 2013-2014
    • Club Treasurer
    • Co-founded first Belgian Advanced club the Artful Orators
  • 2012-2013
    • Division Governor
    • Select distinguished division
  • 2011-2012
    • Club President (Distinguished club)
  • 2010-2011
    • VP Education (Distinguished club)
    • Treasurer
  • 2009-2010
    • VP PR
    • Treasurer
    • Charter member

Communicating

Speeches and Presentations

As most people who join Toastmasters, I too joined to improve my speaking skills and confidence when giving presentations.
I took every speaking opportunity that I could manage and really enjoyed working through the CC manual.
For my ACB I chose to complete the Storytelling and Entertaining speaker advanced manuals.
At the moment I am working on the following manuals simultaneously depending how the inspiration strikes and opportunity arises:

  • Storytelling (again, I really enjoyed it)
  • Interpretive Reading
  • Speaking to Inform
  • Special Occasion Speeches
  • Facilitating Discussion
Other than speaking in the club, and completing a manual project, I have given presentations at the local area and division contests. Most recently I presented a training session during the district 59 officers training. In 2012, I managed to reach the division International Speech finals.

Skills

Other valuable skills

When I am not a Toastmaster, I am a Mechanical/Electrical engineer. Professionally I am tasked with helping the client solve their quality problems, and then help them improve it. The details matter, and as such I have learnt that to be achieve great results, nothing can be left un explored. Especially the seemingly small things.

Vote for me

Manie Conradie for District Director

Your vote is your voice. Don't miss the opportunity to make yourself heard.

Testimonials

  • Manie nourishes his TM work relations with quality time and by keeping in touch with the needs at club level (so important!). He has the capacity to guide and delegate, including everyone in the District’s vision. I wish for myself to elect a worthy District 59 Director as Manie.

    Margarida Brites Nunes, DTM, Luxembourg, Area Governor D59 of the year 2014-2015

  • “Sometimes getting anything done is like mating elephants: It's done on a very high level, there's a lot of stomping and screaming involved and it takes two years to get any results!
    Not with Manie… low profile, noiseless and he gets things done before you know it.

    Luis Caetano, DTM, Past D59 Club Growth Director (LGM)

Get In Touch

I would really like to hear from you, to discuss any questions you might have. Please send me a message on facebook: facebook.com/manie.tm