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
Humble
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
Toronto, 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
Toronto, Canada
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
Singapore
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
Jakarta, Indonesia
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
Singapore
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
Jakarta, Indonesia
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
New Delhi, India
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