From Speaking Anxiety to Community Leader: Sydney Lion's Inspiring Journey
Suben Subenthiran has achieved a remarkable personal transformation, overcoming significant public speaking anxiety to become the president of the Sydney Ceylon Lions Club. His journey from personal struggle to community leadership serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can conquer their fears to make substantial contributions to society.
A Reluctant Beginning Leads to Presidential Role
When initially invited to join a newly forming Lions club, Subenthiran expressed uncertainty about the role and whether it would suit his personality and capabilities. "I wasn't sure what would be involved in the role and whether it would be a good fit for me," he recalls of those early days. This initial hesitation makes his current position as club president all the more remarkable, demonstrating how stepping outside one's comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and community impact.
Conquering Public Speaking Through Dedication
Subenthiran's path to leadership involved confronting his speaking anxiety head-on through participation in Toastmasters International. "I have speaking anxiety and public speaking issues so I was there for a long time, I was there for 20 years," he explains. His commitment was so profound that he served as Toastmasters president on three separate occasions, gradually building the confidence that would eventually enable him to lead an entire community organization.
Despite his achievements, Subenthiran maintains a humble perspective about his nomination for a local legends award. "I still have this imposter syndrome, there are so many people worthy of being nominated as a community legend and I am still coming to terms with being nominated," he admits, highlighting the ongoing nature of personal growth even after significant accomplishments.
Expanding Community Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
Under Subenthiran's leadership, the Sydney Ceylon Lions Club has developed a diverse portfolio of community initiatives with both local and international dimensions. "We do a few things in Australia and a few things in Sri Lanka," he notes, emphasizing the organization's dual focus. The club's Australian activities concentrate primarily on environmental projects and community clean-up efforts, while maintaining connections to humanitarian work in Sri Lanka.
The organization has established valuable partnerships that amplify their community impact:
- Traditional fundraising through Bunnings sausage sizzles that create win-win situations for both the charity and the hardware retailer
- Collaboration with the Bill Crews Foundation to support their Ashfield center, which provides comprehensive services including meals, showers, haircuts, and dental care
- Exploring food drive initiatives that would collect perishable items from supermarkets to distribute to those in need
Subenthiran explains the depth of their partnership with the Bill Crews Foundation: "They not only serve meals, they have a safe space in the facility where people can come and take a shower and then they can get a free haircut and they can get free dental service including medical surgery. This is more than just freedom from hunger."
Broader Community Recognition Through Back Australia Series
Subenthiran's story forms part of the broader Back Australia series, which highlights community contributions across the nation. This initiative receives support from numerous Australian corporations including Australian Made, Harvey Norman, Westpac, Bunnings, Coles, TechnologyOne, REA Group, Cadbury, R.M.Williams, Qantas, Vodafone and BHP. The series showcases how individual efforts, when supported by community networks and corporate partnerships, can create meaningful social change.
The Sydney Ceylon Lions Club president reflects on his transformative journey: "I can't believe how it has transformed my thinking to make a difference in our community." His story demonstrates that leadership often emerges not from natural confidence but from determined effort to overcome personal limitations, ultimately creating positive ripple effects throughout entire communities.
