Executive Corner

Leadership

pathways

Pathways features online learning, cutting-edge content, interactive tools, strong mentoring, and evaluation components, and a multitude of options. Exciting learning paths include Motivational Strategies, Presentation Mastery, and Effective Coaching. In Pathways, members can learn nearly 300 competencies—practical skills that are transferable to the world outside Toastmasters.

LEADERSHIP TOOL KIT
LEADERSHIP ARTICLES
CLUB OFFICER MONTHLY CHECKLIST

Leadership Tool Kit

The leadership tool kit enables leaders, at all levels, easy access to various resources needed to get their jobs done efficiently and effectively.

Club and District Officer Tools

Club Officer Tools

Club Central – an online resource for club officers to conduct their club business
Club Central Tutorials – videos to help club officers navigate Club Central
Club Officer Tool Kit – fliers, templates, guides, manuals, and more
Club Officer Tutorials – fundamental principle videos for club officers to fulfill their duties and achieve success
District 56 Incentives – listing of annual club incentives offered by the Program Quality Director and Club Growth Director

District Officer Tools

District Central – an online resource for district officers to conduct their district business
District Executive Committee/District Council – overview of district committees
District Executive Committee/District Council Documents – executive meeting agendas and notes
District Officer Roles – overview of district officer and committee chair opportunities
District Tool Kit – fliers, templates, guides, manuals, district strategies, and more

Leadership Articles

This column will provide leadership advice and inspiration to help you become a more successful Toastmaster leader because every good leader knows that leadership is a skill that needs to be developed and nurtured.

New Toastmaster Year, New You, New Goals

By Marcia Hudgens, DTM, PDDG | May 2024

We had an outstanding 2023-24 year; and we are ready to have a red-hot, golden new 2024-25 Toastmaster year. Our Toastmasters clubs provide a familiar, honest, and safe environment to invest in your skills and goals. Let’s once again, reflect and build an ROI for you in Toastmasters. I offer the following steps to take:

Make a goal for the year. It may be to get out of your comfort place, for example, speak at other clubs to get a new perspective, serve on a club committee, compete in annual club contests, or start your path to Distinguished Toastmaster. Write it down!
Write what steps you may need to take action to achieve this goal.
Discuss your goal with your Club President, V.P. Education, and V.P. Membership to confirm the steps required. They will add your goal(s) to their Club Success Plan. Your success leads to your club’s success. You are a beacon to your club.
Keep your work manager involved. Sign off your accomplishments so that your manager knows. If your company pays your dues, you show accomplishments in Toastmasters

Have more goal(s)? Simply rinse and repeat. Cheers to you!

Promise Keepers

By Rose Williams, DTM, PDD | May 2024

A promise can give hope. It is a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified. Making a promise is serious, and breaking a promise can be detrimental. In short, promises should not be taken slightly or made hastily. You may have heard the phrase “your word is your bond,” which I interpret to mean you will always keep your promise.

Maximizing Success: Strategies for the Last 90 Days of Toastmasters’ Term

By Angela Tornes, DTM, 2015-2016 D43 Director | April 2024

Approaching the final stretch of any endeavor, including the end of a Toastmasters term, June 30, 2024, can be exciting and an opportunity to finish strong. As Toastmasters leaders the last 90 days present a critical opportunity to solidify your achievements and leave a lasting impact. Let’s explore some strategies to maximize success during this vital period and ensure a Distinguished finish.

What’s Outside of Your Comfort Zone?

By Andrea Tantillo, DTM, PRM | March 2024

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it 100 times – get out of your comfort zone! Why in the world would I want to do that? I’m comfortable there.

I’m safe in my comfort zone. I have my routine, and I know where everything is and what’s going to happen. Why would I ever want to leave that place?

Where Are You?

By Martha Elias, DTM | February 2024

Have you accomplished what you set out to accomplish so far this Toastmasters year? If you are a fairly new toastmaster, did you complete at least one Level in Pathways? Or, as a seasoned member did you lay the groundwork to achieving your Distinguished Toastmaster award? Having clearly established goals aids tremendously in the process of achieving those goals. Do not forget to have “SMART” goals. Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Serve from the Overflow

By Sheryle H. Warren, DTM, PDDD | December 2023

Diane, a two-time District Director (DD), showed up to mid-year training with her Dynamic Duo, her Program Quality Director (PQD), and her Club Growth Director (CGD) in tow. Diane and her team took their Mid-Year prework assignments seriously, completing every single one before mid-year training.

Mastering the Art of Listening

By Andrea Tantillo, DTM, PRM | November 2023

In a culture that focuses on speaking, it’s easy to forget the important role listening plays in good communication and effective leadership. The ability to listen attentively is an essential leadership and communication skill that is tied to our personal growth and is cultivated in Toastmasters.

Do You Have the Time?

By Pamela McCown, DTM | 2009-2011 International Director | October 2023

Pamela McCown has served in many leadership roles at the club, district and Toastmasters
International levels over her 22 year journey in Toastmasters. Some important discoveries she
has made are that time is a non-renewable resource and “what gets scheduled, gets done.” A
favorite quote from her father is, “I wake up every day, KISS THE ALARM CLOCK, and say,
It’s going to be a GREAT day!”Taking the first step in Toastmasters can be easier with support. Check this article out for the details.

Mapping Your Leadership Path in Toastmasters, at Work

By Andrea Tantillo, DTM, PRM | September 2023

Leadership is a critical skill that can be honed in Toastmasters and the workplace. If you are looking to take charge in a Toastmasters club, volunteer for District service, or inspire your team at work, being a good leader is built on certain strategies and continuous growth.

A Little Advice, Support Goes a Long Way

By Kathy Kest, DTM, PDD | August 2023

Taking the first step in Toastmasters can be easier with support. Check this article out for the details.

Toastmaster Leadership and the Workplace

By Melissa Atchley, DTM | April 2023

Toastmasters is an effective tool for anyone looking to improve their communication and leadership abilities, especially in the workplace. Why? Check this article out for the details.

The Ultimate Leadership Checklist

By Margaret Page, DTM, International President | January 2022 Toastmaster Magazine

If you need a guide to help you navigate your Toastmasters’ leadership journey, check out this article with Margaret’s go-to checklist.

Revamp Your Resume

By Victoria Salem | August 2021 Toastmaster Magazine

Have you showcased the leadership skills you have developed as a Club Officer? If not, check out this professional growth article in the August 2021 edition of the Toastmaster Magazine.

Club Officer Monthly Checklist

The club officer checklist, available in English and Spanish, shows monthly duties, responsibilities, and activities by role. Officers should refer to the Club Leadership Handbook for more details.

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English

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CLUB OFFICER TRAINING

Trained club officers result in more satisfied members, more exciting club meetings, more new members, more Distinguished Clubs and more Distinguished Districts.

DISTRICT OFFICER TRAINING

Well-trained Area and Division Directors lead to successful teams, enhanced club quality, quality speech contests, distinguished clubs, and more.

SMAC TRAINING

Providing training to our Club Sponsors, Mentors and Coaches ensures they have the knowledge and resources necessary to be successful.

Chris Lipp

FEATURED SPEAKER

Lecturer in Communication, Rice University

Chris Lipp trains thousands of individuals through his corporate workshops at companies, including Google and Microsoft, and he regularly coaches entrepreneurs worldwide. Chris is the author of two books, The Startup Pitch and Magnetic: How Great Leaders Persuade and Inspire. He has helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital for entrepreneurs. Chris spent the last fifteen years studying power and persuasion. He currently lectures at Rice University. A long-time Toastmaster, Chris was President of the Stanford club in 2010. In 2011, he won the District evaluation contest and scored second in the District humorous speech contest. In 2012, he served as an Area Director.

Mike Carr

FEATURED SPEAKER

World Champion of Public Speaking 2020

Mike Carr and his wife Julie live in Austin and have 8 kids and many stories. Mike is an active member of Toastmasters in Austin, Texas, and when not being a dad, he is a partner in a financial firm and runs his own business. He frequently speaks internationally to large organizations like Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Hewlett Packard and innumerable small ones about the stories we tell others, the stories we tell ourselves, and the stories we choose to listen to. Mike is the 2020 World Champion of Public Speaking and is known in the financial world as the “Economic Storyteller.”

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

Leadership