VENILLA RAJAGURU
Houston,TX
Summary
Results-focused professional offering many years of management and mentoring experience. Successful in managing multiple programs, research, communications, and teams for community outreach, corporate social responsibility, and cross-sector partnerships. Willing to take on added responsibilities to meet shared goals. Excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Management Consultant
KeyVisory, LLC
09.2020 - Current
- Developed multi-sector partnerships for sustainable growth.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and key stakeholders to develop comprehensive business plans and strategies.
- Improved communication at all levels and transformed company culture into more productive atmosphere.
- Developed and implemented social media publicity on business services.
- Advised clients on franchising and licensing procedures, methods, pitfalls, benefits, and gains.
- Delivered tailored solutions for clients in various industries, addressing unique challenges and needs.
- Implemented technology solutions that streamlined processes and improved efficiency.
- Advised clients on risk management strategies, mitigating potential threats to their businesses.
Chair, Ocean Frontiers Research Group
Science For Peace, Canada
09.2015 - 01.2020
- Enhanced board communication by implementing a structured meeting agenda and minutes system.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring securing of research grants, responsible budgeting and resource allocation.
- Managed conflict resolution among board members, fostering a positive working environment.
- Mentored new members and research participants, providing guidance on roles and responsibilities.
- Planned and oversaw meetings in accordance with governing documents.
- Helped record, compile, summarize and analyze data.
- Composed annual reports, project proposal documents with minimal supervision.
- Chaired research and administrative meetings, initiating stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships.
Course Director
York University
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Reviewed, revised and enhanced course curriculum by incorporating industry trends and guest speakers, resulting in a more relevant course experience for students.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans that aligned with department goals, contributing to overall program success.
- Mentored grad students in writing and research criteria, and teaching assistants in tutoring methods and assessment criteria.
- Collaborated with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, connecting course content across subject areas.
- Customized instruction for diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had access to meaningful educational experiences.
- Organized workshops and seminars related to course topics, broadening student exposure to industry professionals and current practices.
- Served as an academic advisor for students enrolled in the program, providing guidance on coursework selection and career planning.
- Increased student satisfaction rates by actively soliciting feedback and implementing changes based on their input.
- Fostered an inclusive classroom environment that supported open dialogue among diverse learners with varying perspectives.
Director, Corporate Communications
Weber Shandwick
09.2011 - 08.2012
- Internal Communications: Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Managed daily operations while overseeing multiple locations to foster increased productivity.
- External Communications: Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company's overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced corporate clients' reputation in the community and industry at large.
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
- Key consultant advisor on transnational brand positioning and development as well as corporate public affairs including crisis and change management communications.
Chairperson (Executive Head), ASEAN Women's Office
ASEAN Secretariat
04.2009 - 04.2011
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for organizational growth, resulting in increased revenue and expanded services.
- Mentored executive team members to strengthen leadership skills and improve decision-making processes.
- Improved stakeholder relations by proactively engaging with community leaders, partners, and donors.
- Oversaw fundraising efforts, leading to greater financial stability and resources for the organization.
- Provided guidance on policy development, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
- Navigated complex negotiations successfully, securing beneficial partnerships and agreements for the organization.
- Established strong working relationships with government agencies and other organizations to support advocacy efforts.
- Chaired annual conferences that provided valuable learning opportunities for industry professionals.
- Composed annual reports and oversaw production of publicity campaigns for developmental programs.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
Lecturer & Teaching Consultant
Singapore Management University, And Polytechnic
09.2006 - 08.2007
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Promoted collaboration among students through group projects and presentations, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
Radio News Anchor
MediaCorp News
12.2000 - 08.2006
- Consistently delivered accurate, timely news updates and captivating stories.
- Collaborated with producers to develop engaging, informative segments for daily broadcasts.
- Conducted thorough research and fact-checking for accuracy in reporting, ensuring credibility and trustworthiness.
Editor
The British Council
04.1995 - 03.1997
- Managed quarterly publications, monthly newsletters, and bi-annual journals in coordination with several government and corporate offices in India and in the U.K.
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
- Launched 2 English Studies Journals directly related to English Teaching in India, in consultation with First Secretary, Cultural Affairs and the Indian Education Minister's office.
Education
Ph.D. - History And Philosophy of Science And Technology
York University
Toronto, Canada12.2025
Post Graduate Certification in Strategic Space Law - International Space Law
McGill University
Montreal, Canada10.2019
Master of Arts - International Development
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of Oxford
Oxford, U.K05.1994
Skills
- Mentoring & Training teams
- Communications Management
- Change Management
- Brand Development Consulting
- Problem-Solving skills
- Time Management
- Stakeholders Engagement
- Client Relationship Management
- Grants & Philanthropy Management
- Excellent Oral Presentation skills
Timeline
Management Consultant
KeyVisory, LLC
09.2020 - Current
Chair, Ocean Frontiers Research Group
Science For Peace, Canada
09.2015 - 01.2020
Course Director
York University
01.2015 - 05.2017
Director, Corporate Communications
Weber Shandwick
09.2011 - 08.2012
Chairperson (Executive Head), ASEAN Women's Office
ASEAN Secretariat
04.2009 - 04.2011
Lecturer & Teaching Consultant
Singapore Management University, And Polytechnic
09.2006 - 08.2007
Radio News Anchor
MediaCorp News
12.2000 - 08.2006
Editor
The British Council
04.1995 - 03.1997
Ph.D. - History And Philosophy of Science And Technology
York University
Post Graduate Certification in Strategic Space Law - International Space Law
McGill University
Master of Arts - International Development
Cornell University
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of Oxford
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