Feeling incredibly energised and inspired after organising Division D’s inaugural Education Session, “Legacy in Action,” as Division D Director. in collaboration with the District 127 Programm Quality team, including District Director DTM Sujil, PQD DTM Shakeel Anwar Chaudhary, and CGD DTM Sowmya Shetty. This impactful event was the first session in the series Building Leaders Across Boarders
Q: TM Nant A Kalain
As a newly joined Toastmaster, what leadership lesson have you learned at the international level that you wish every new Toastmaster knew from day one?
A: DTM Mohammad Murad
That’s a profound question. Leadership in Toastmasters evolves at every level—from club to area, division, district, and ultimately, the international level. What I’ve learned is that with each step up, the perspective widens and the responsibility deepens.
At the international level, especially during my time as International President, I realized I wasn’t just making decisions for a single district—I was influencing the entire global community of Toastmasters. Even small policy decisions can impact thousands, even millions, over the years.
The key lesson? Don’t treat leadership as limited to your term. Build a solid foundation that outlasts you. Think long-term. Leadership is about continuing a legacy, honoring what others built before you, and paving the path for those who come after.
Q: TM Mohammed Siddiq Khan
When did you first realize that Toastmasters was truly changing you, and how long did it take to see that shift?
A: DTM Deepa Surendran
That’s a tricky question—it’s hard to pinpoint a single moment. But I believe the transformation began right from my first Table Topics attempt. When fellow members stood and appreciated that impromptu speech, I felt recognized.
Soon after, I stepped into the role of Vice President Membership just three months into joining. It was my first major growth experience—I learned how to follow up, close a sale, and earned a reputation as a go-getter. I still remember following up with a guest for three years—by the time she joined, I had already become the Club President.
Another turning point was serving as Vice President of Public Relations (VPPR) in six different clubs. I mastered tools like PowerPoint, Canva, and Excel. These skills proved invaluable during my time as a District PR Manager and Club Growth Director—and even in my professional life.
Toastmasters also helped me grow as a person. I used to be very direct, which came across as arrogant. I learned to be kinder, more polite—especially important when leading large teams.
Over many months of participating regularly, delivering speeches, organizing events, and embracing feedback, I noticed a major boost in confidence and spontaneity. I conducted interviews with international leaders, organized large-scale events, and gave keynote speeches.
More than just public speaking, Toastmasters gave me leadership abilities—how to delegate, resolve conflicts, and connect across cultures. Those experiences deeply shaped my personal and professional growth.
Q: TM Betsy Raj
What was the feeling when you gave your first speech—the Icebreaker? How did you feel, and what did you learn from it?
A: DTM Balaji Nagabhushan
Ah, that takes me back to October 1998. Back then, we didn’t have online resources—only our mentors. Mine scheduled my Icebreaker two months in advance and asked me to rehearse it three times: in a park, in front of a mirror, and at home.
Writing the speech itself was the hardest part—how do you condense 34 years of life into 6 minutes? My first rehearsal went over 8 minutes and earned a scolding. The second one was 7 minutes—still too long. I had to cut content I loved, then reshuffle it to meet the time limit. When I finally delivered the Icebreaker, it was 6 minutes and 10 seconds—within time.
What stuck with me most was the warmth. Everyone clapped. The evaluator told me he wouldn’t give any suggestions because it was my first speech—just encouragement. I realized then that Toastmasters is a family that lifts you up. And the biggest lesson? Learning to prioritize what truly matters when speaking to an audience.
Q: TM Haris Khan:
“Was there a powerful moment when mentoring someone else taught you something unexpected about yourself?”
A: DTM Sunil Kottarathil:
Over the past year, I had the privilege of mentoring five district directors from different backgrounds, with different strengths and leadership styles. They all came seeking guidance on how to be successful in their terms, how to become distinguished.
What I realized early was this: our conversations about their goals became a mirror into my own values, beliefs and purpose. I could reflect on my own journey as district director and mentor.
But this didn’t start last year. Earlier, I guided District 127 to become world number one – many of you were part of that journey with Deepa as district director. We proved visionary leadership can make dreams come true despite challenges.
Even before that, I mentored Sujit Sugumaran through his journey to Regional Advisor and International Director. That multi-year mentorship showed me how nurturing leadership creates deep impact.
Here’s what surprised me: each mentoring experience was different. A single approach doesn’t fit all cases. But in every instance, the most powerful realization was this – the greatest joy doesn’t come from your own success, but from helping others achieve theirs.
This was a complete shift from when I first joined Toastmasters, focused on public speaking and recognition. Mentoring revealed servant leadership to me – that my role isn’t to show the way, but walk alongside those I mentor. To listen more than speak. To unlock potential already within others.
When the districts I mentored achieved Distinguished status or became number one, like Deepa’s team, those were beautiful moments. But the biggest advantage? I grew the most. I became more patient, more empathetic, more grounded.
Mentoring taught me leadership isn’t about the spotlight, but lighting the way for others. It didn’t just teach me how to support others – it showed me who I am when no one is watching. That’s the most unexpected gift.
I thank Toastmasters for this opportunity. This journey continues, and I urge everyone here: mentor someone, whether a new member, a club officer, or a future leader. Don’t miss these beautiful moments of growth.”
Q: TM Ajmal:
“Can you share a real-life example where Toastmasters helped you navigate a challenge in your career?”
A: DTM Nelson Menezes:
The question was: how did I navigate a challenge? In my introduction, I mentioned the job loss. I believe leadership isn’t tested in comfort – it’s revealed in chaos.
On July 1st, I proudly stepped into my role as District Director for District 105, then the second-largest district in the world. And just 3 days later… I was made redundant. From celebrating a milestone to facing uncertainty in 72 hours.
You see, my background was in aviation, and the pandemic hit our industry hardest. Despite everything, I chose to serve diligently. Why? Because of Toastmasters.
In my years since 2008, I’d helped others overcome fear, stage fright, and failure. Now it was my turn to practice what I’d preached – to preach resilience not to others, but to myself.
I told myself clearly: If I can help others fly, I need to first stand on my own feet. So I showed up. During pandemic times with no physical meetings, I attended every district call. My geography was wide – from Sohar to Fujairah to Abu Dhabi to Lebanon to Jordan – but online meetings became our norm.
People would ask, ‘DD, can we meet today?’ And even when job hunting, I never stopped showing up. Helping clubs and members achieve their success actually helped me become a different person. The very act of motivating others helped me motivate myself.
This Toastmasters community gives us opportunities to make a difference in others’ lives, and when challenges come, that comes back to help you too.
Some say ‘family first, job second, Toastmasters third.’ But I realized: I’d taken up this leadership position and needed to serve diligently regardless of circumstances. Whatever challenges we face, with a positive mindset, we can face them brilliantly.
I’m so grateful to Toastmasters for reforming me and helping me face that challenge as District Director.
Q: TM Betsy Raj:
“Being a woman leader in this fraternity. On behalf of all female Toastmasters, I’d like to know: what unique challenges have you faced in leadership roles, and how did you overcome them?”
A: DTM Deepa Surendran:
Let me tell you, Toastmasters International has a strong policy against discrimination based on gender, race, or any other characteristics. Currently, we have 54% female and 46% male members. The top three positions on the Board of Directors are all held by women, so don’t get discouraged – you have a long way to go!
The first female International President, Helen Blanchard, in 1985, would be proud to see today’s leadership. Toastmasters is indeed a safe organization for women.
However, in society, people are conditioned to expect different results from men and women leaders. Early in my leadership journey, I noticed some members unconsciously doubted my decisions or hesitated to follow my initiatives, not intentionally, but due to deep-seated biases.
For example, during club officer trainings, some male members were less receptive to my suggestions. To overcome this, I:
- Built credibility through consistent performance
- Led by example to demonstrate competence
- Fostered inclusiveness in meetings
- Sought mentorship from senior leaders
Over 12 years, persistence and professionalism helped shift perceptions. This experience taught me that resilience, confidence, and collaboration are key to overcoming gender-specific challenges.
Q: TM Mohammed Siddiq Kha
“In a volunteer-driven organization like Toastmasters, where we’re all volunteers, how do you personally motivate others to stay engaged and inspired?”
A: DTM Mohammed Murad
“Toastmasters is certainly a non-profit organization built upon volunteers. I want to highlight this fact: inspiring and motivating members in a volunteer organization is by far much more difficult than in a for-profit organization.
In companies, people are paid. That paycheck is the stick – whether you’ll stay or leave. This gives leaders an advantage. But in volunteer organizations? Leaders must understand how crucial inspiration and motivation truly are.
The foremost factor? Walking the talk. Not high-flying speeches. Not awards or incentives. It’s living what you say. To inspire volunteers, you must be a role model – meaning what you say and doing what you mean.
Fascinatingly, in all my Toastmasters years, this truth keeps getting reinforced. A leader’s role isn’t just to inspire, but to recognize: when volunteers sign up for roles, they must be held accountable by peers, the organization, and most importantly, by members themselves.
Leaders aren’t there for privilege. Their job is to:
- Inspire
- Motivate
- Facilitate each member’s growth
Here’s the key perspective: focus on individuals first, not just group goals. Yes, we have DCP goals and success plans since July 1st. But the real focal point? Helping members become better communicators and leaders – that’s Toastmasters’ mission.
It’s tough work – balancing group dynamics while nurturing individuals. But that’s the beauty of Toastmasters. True motivation comes when we:
✓ Hold ourselves accountable
✓ Hold each other accountable
✓ Keep our eyes on both personal growth and collective success
That’s how we maintain engagement in this volunteer journey.”
Q: TM Nant:
“Which Toastmasters role or project pushed you far beyond your comfort zone, and how did you grow from it?”
A: [DTM Balaji Bhushan]
“Thank you for this lovely question. Let me take you back to 1998 at Abu Dhabi Toastmasters, when I faced my biggest challenge – Project 4: ‘Show What You Mean’ from the Competent Communication manual.
You see, in those days, getting a speaking slot took months! By the time I reached Project 4, I’d been in Toastmasters for 8 months. This project forced me to use body language authentically for the first time.
As a cricket umpire, I decided to imitate three famous international umpires’ mannerisms. I wrote this beautiful script …which my brother-in-law promptly tore up! He said: ‘If it’s from your heart, why do you need notes?’
That night before the speech? Eight rehearsals! Condensing three distinct personalities into seven minutes for a cricket-savvy audience was terrifying.
But here’s the magic – when I finally delivered it, something clicked. My evaluator said something profound: ‘The audience shouldn’t wonder whether to listen to your words or watch your gestures – they should experience them as one.’
That speech taught me:
Preparation must come from passion, not paper
Authentic movement flows when the message matters
True communication happens when verbal and non-verbal blend seamlessly
To this day, I don’t ‘think’ about body language – it emerges naturally because I speak from here. That’s how a technical project about gestures became my lesson in authentic expression.”
Q: TM Ajmal Azeez:
“Looking back at your journey, how did the Toastmasters education system transform you? What were the key turning points?
A: [DTM Sunil D. Kottarathil]
“Thank you for this question. You know, the Toastmasters education system…it has been more than just a learning platform for me. It has been both a mirror and a compass. A mirror that reflected who I was, and the compass that guided who I could become.”
“Now, like many of you, I began as a regular member. My first real turning point came when I served as VP Education for two clubs simultaneously – one strong club with 55 members, and another, a V club with just 8 members. Two extremes.”
“That experience taught me a powerful lesson: the basics are the same everywhere. Whether you’re leading a club with 8 members or 80 members, the principles of excellence don’t change. The so-called ‘weak’ club? It can become strong. I saw this happen.”
“The second big lesson? The real joy comes from helping others achieve their goals. As VP Education, I discovered something – watching members grow gave me a deep fulfillment that speech contests never did.”
“And then as I moved to district and regional roles…mentoring district leaders, seeing them succeed, like when the districts I mentored became Distinguished and invited me to their celebrations – that gave me a stronger sense of purpose than anything else.”
“Through all this, I’ve remained anchored in Toastmasters’ core values: integrity, respect, service, and excellence. These values…they didn’t just help me build stronger leaders around me. They shaped me into a better human being.”
“That’s the true power of our education system. It grows people. It empowers us to lead with purpose, both in Toastmasters and beyond. If you follow these basics, you can’t help but transform. That’s been my experience.”
Q: TM Haris Khan
“Can you share a time when a mentor’s guidance truly shifted your path in Toastmasters?”
A: DTM Nelson Menezes
“If I have seen any further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. Sir Isaac Newton’s words ring especially true in Toastmasters, an organization I believe stands on two pillars: Mentoring and evaluation. And evaluation, also, multi-evaluation.
Today, I share not just as a past District Director, but as someone whose journey was deeply and decisively shaped by the quiet strength of mentors – mentors who saw something in me that I had never seen in myself, perhaps.
I would like to take you to a small conversation with my first club mentor, Distinguished Toastmaster Hari Yara. My home club is Star of Arabia Toastmasters. I had just completed my term serving the club, basically in almost every role except VP Education. I was full-paid, very happy.
Then the opportunity for serving as Area Director crept in. And DTM Hari just said: ‘Nelson, you have served the club well. Now, it’s time to move beyond the club. Go for it.’
I thought for a moment, and then I called my club mentor, DTM Balaji, who’s here with us today, a great legend. He told me… still, those words echo in my mind: ‘Lelo, leilo.’ You take it, take it, you know? That moment, it wasn’t a push, it was a pull – a magnetic pull towards leadership that helped rewire my thinking.
That nudge from DTM Hari and the assurance from DTM Balaji took me from club officer to Area Director, and beyond to district leadership. That was one moment where mentoring truly shifted my path.
The second moment I’d highlight is when DTM Balaji and I were having conversations one evening near Abra in Bur Dubai. He said: ‘As a leader, you need to listen well.’ I would like to repeat this: ‘As a leader, you need to listen well.’ Not listening to fix, not to reply, but to truly hear. This subtle shift changed the way I led teams, mentored others, and operated both in Toastmasters and beyond.
Because the best mentors – they don’t just change your title, they change your path. They help you see something which maybe you may not have seen. That’s why I echo Sir Isaac Newton’s words so profoundly – because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.
So my advice? Reach out. As 2013 World Champion Preshant said in his speech: ‘Reach out.’ It’s a wonderful organization – a community of courage and care. Guidance can come from any Toastmaster here, at any level. The quiet club member sitting beside you, a guest watching you, everyone here wants you to rise.
That’s the true essence of mentorship. Thank you.”
End of Chapter 1: Legacy in Action.
The session beautifully illuminated the power of shared wisdom, thanks to our phenomenal team:
Moderator: DTM Rajesh Koval
Chief SAA: TM Midhun Babu
Toastmasters Legends Panel: DTM Mohammad Murad, DTM Sunil Kottarathil, DTM Balaji Bhushan, DTM Nelson Menezes, and DTM Deepa Surendran
Emerging Leaders: TM Nant, TM Besty Ravi, TM Haris, TM Siddique Mohammad, TM Nevin Manjooran, and TM Ajmal
Special thanks to District IT Manager TM Jinesh and TM Nishad for their vital contributions, and to DTM Unnikrishnan and DTM Rameendar Singh for support . I’m also grateful for the invaluable support from our Division Council, comprising DTM Jazim (PR Manager), TM Shivand (Assistant Director, CG), TM Jessy Joy (Admin Manager), and our dedicated Area Directors: TM Rekha, TM Jamis, TM Manesh, and TM Uday.
Thank you to everyone who made “Legacy in Action” an unforgettable success!
TM Dr Prasanth
Director Division D District 127