There is an increasing demand to have exceptional verbal, presentation, and written communication skills. I joined Toastmasters in October 2017 as I heard it was the perfect platform to develop as a public speaker. What I did not realise when I joined Toastmasters was it is also a perfect platform to develop as an effective leader. In January 2018, I was asked to become the Treasurer of the club after the resignation of the club treasurer mid Toastmaster year. As a Chartered Accountant, this was an easy role to volunteer in to assist in running the club. I stay in Mariswe EXCO for the 2018/19 year, where I continued to serve as a Treasurer. In 2019/2020 I became the Vice President of Membership and currently serving in 2020/2021 year as Vice President of Education.
As I am further developing in my career, there is a need to become:
- Comfortable in leadership positions and participate as a member of executive structure of the organisations
- Engage able to engage executive leaders of the organisation on strategic and operational matters
- Assist in formulating the company’s future direction and provide strategic input to decisions and discussions
In my journey as an EXCO member at Mariswe Toastmasters, I have been exposed to the above skills in a non-failure environment. I have interacted and collaborated with a diverse group of EXCO members to work together to make Mariswe Toastmasters one of the best clubs in District 74. Mariswe Toastmasters EXCO was also my first exposure serving in a committee role. I have transferred the skilled acquired at Toastmasters to become effective EXCO member to other committees I have subsequently been involved in.
I will always be grateful to Toastmasters organisation to providing necessary skills and exposure to the necessary skills that I need to progress in my career as competent leader. My journey at Toastmasters has been invaluable and looking forward to more years at a member of Mariswe Toastmasters Club.