Recognised as District 91’s Area Director of the Month for June, Beverley Daniel Blugh has become known for her supportive leadership, commitment to her clubs, and genuine passion for helping members grow.

Although she only discovered Toastmasters during the 2020 lockdown, her journey has been one of resilience, service, and transformation. We caught up with Beverley to learn more about her experience, the lessons she’s learned as an Area Director, and the advice she’d like to share with fellow members.

Tell us a little about your Toastmasters journey and how you first became involved.

I first discovered Toastmasters during the lockdown in 2020, arriving with curiosity but also self-doubt, particularly about my voice and how I would be perceived. Confidence was not something I had, it was something I had to build, one courageous step at a time, beginning with my first nervous Table Topics online. What made the difference was the encouragement, patience, and belief of fellow members, who created a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and grow.

There were times I felt disconnected, especially when club leadership changed, but instead of walking away, I chose to step in and serve. Becoming President transformed my perspective, helping me see Toastmasters not just as speeches and meetings, but as service, encouragement leadership, and the power of helping others grow.

This journey also became deeply personal after the passing of my father in 2021. Growing up, I admired his strong, confident voice and assumed it came from his career in the police force. Later, I discovered something I never knew; his appreciation for public speaking, I remembered him asking me to send him a book titled “Speeches & Toast”. At that time, I didn’t understand why it mattered so much to him. Now I do. Toastmasters had helped shaped the confident communicator I admired in my father and years later without realising it, I had followed the same path. In many ways, Toastmasters has shaped me into the confident communicator I once admired in him, a diamond slowly polished through challenge, service, and growth.

Members described you as present, supportive, and always willing to help. What does effective Area Director leadership mean to you?

As a member I embraced the club mission, values and stand by my toast master’s promise. To me, effective Area Director leadership means being accessible, building strong relationships, and empowering club leaders to succeed. It involves not only listening but hearing members’ needs, providing guidance when challenges arise, and celebrating achievements along the way. Modelling behaviour is crucial therefor an effective Area Director leads by example, fosters collaboration, and creates an environment where all clubs feel supported and valued. Ultimately, success is measured not only by DCPs, but by the growth, confidence, and engagement of the people we serve ensuring every member has the chance to thrive with purpose.

What have been the highlights of serving your clubs this year?

The highlights of serving Area B 08 clubs this year have been building strong relationships with club leaders and members. I have witness members grow in confidence and communication skills. I have enjoyed celebrating educational and membership achievements and sharing best practices across the Area. Seeing members attending and contributing to COT, take on leadership roles, deliver impactful speeches, and reach personal milestones has been especially rewarding. Most importantly, it has been fulfilling to contribute to creating positive, supportive environments where members can learn, develop, and succeed.

Every Area Director faces challenges. What was one challenge you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

To be honest, I have not faced many extraordinary challenges beyond the usual journey of growth. What stands out most for me is the importance of connection, enjoyment, and shared experiences. I believe there is always value in coming together more often, learning from one another, and simply having more fun along the way. For me, Toastmasters is not only about development, but also about building joy, friendships, and memorable moments together.

What have your clubs taught you this year?

This year, my clubs have taught me that true leadership is built on patience, consistency, and understanding. Each club operates independently, with its own culture, strengths, and long-standing habits, and I have learned that change is not always immediate or easy to implement. Challenging established routines requires sensitivity, persistence, and respect for the journey each club is on. Rather than forcing change, I have learned the value of influencing through example, encouragement, and collaboration. Most importantly, I have come to appreciate that sustainable growth happens gradually, when people feel supported, included, and inspired to improve together.

What advice would you give to incoming Area Directors?

My advice to incoming Area Directors is to have a clear plan and remember that leadership is about influence, not authority. Every member who walks through our doors carries hopes, fears, and untapped potential. A warm welcome, a few words of encouragement, and genuine belief in someone can change the course of their Toastmasters journey. The quiet member may be battling self-doubt, while the disengaged member may simply be searching for a place to belong. As leaders, our greatest privilege is helping others discover strengths they have not yet seen in themselves.

Is there a leadership lesson from Toastmasters that you have applied outside the organisation?

One of the greatest leadership lessons Toastmasters has taught me is the value of preparation, effective time management, and always having a contingency plan. I have learned not to dwell on “what if” scenarios or remain tied to how things were done in the past, but instead to focus on the opportunities of the present. Toastmasters have strengthened the skills I already possessed while helping me develop many new ones. We all join with our own unique talents and potential. I often say I was a rough diamond, and Toastmasters has helped polish me into a more confident, capable, and effective leader in my own Voluntary Organisation.

What are you most proud of from this Toastmasters year?

What I am most proud of this Toastmasters year is the incredible sense of connection and teamwork we built across Area B08. I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding leaders; each of whom has helped shape and develop me as a leader. I am particularly proud of how we collaborated to deliver successful; Contests, Club Officer Trainings and fostered relationships built on trust and mutual respect. It was an honour to support others whenever called upon. Above all, I am proud that we came together not just as leaders, but as a genuinely supportive team.

What is one thing members might be surprised to learn about you?

Something members may find interesting about me is that I have had a truly unique and memorable journey. In my early years, I was a dance model in the 1980s and played cricket for Middlesex as one of the fastest bowlers in the district. Through dance and sport, I had the privilege of remarkable experiences, including afternoon tea and dining with the Queen on several occasions. Connections that began during the 1977 Jubilee, invited to the Palace with my PE teacher, who was an African Princess. I look back on these moments with immense pride, as they reflect a life shaped by opportunity, discipline, and unforgettable experiences.

If you could leave one message for the members of District 91, what would it be?

If I could leave one message for the members of D91, it would be to believe in the value you bring to every room you enter. Your voice matters, your growth matters, and your journey matters. In a world that is constantly changing and the diverse challenges, choose kindness, courage, resilience and consistency in how you lead and support others. Remember that every great leader was once a nervous speaker who decided to keep going. Stay connected, stay curious, and keep rising, because when one of us grows, we all grow.

Tell us a little about your Toastmasters journey. What first brought you to Toastmasters, and what has kept you involved?
Joining Toastmasters was an Accident. I remember it was noon and I was having lunch at my work canteen in June 2010. I was called to the Boardroom. There were a few guests who were asking us questions about ourselves. I later came to know they were from Infosys Toastmasters club and our Club Mentor. I was one of the few to be nominated by our Organisation to be part of Toastmasters. This was new to me. I was made VP Education. We had the CC and CL manuals then. I took my time to visit other clubs to give my Ice Breaker which was for 13 Minutes !!! . I later became the Area Director and did justice to the role. An Area director in the Division had left halfway. Since they were in the same geographical area I overlooked the clubs and made both the Areas Distinguished. I won the Best Area Director Award that year. Leadership in Toastmasters to me was encouraged by Gauri Seshadri, DTM First Vice President Toastmasters International. She has always been a helping hand. A wonderful Mentor.

You’ve served in a variety of leadership roles. What has been your biggest lesson as an Area Director this year?
Planning and Organising are two important factor one should do at the beginning. Get to know the clubs better. There will be a few challenges but do not keep it to yourself. Seek help. Do not Procastinate. Every day is a learning experience.

What do you believe makes a strong and successful club?
Every club should conduct the Moments of Truth. This is where every member voices their opinion. The joint decision results to innovative ideas being generated and every one is happy to contribute for the club.

Looking back on this Toastmasters year, what achievement or moment are you most proud of?
This is when clubs challenged themselves to be Smedleys Distinguished. I am aware they are working on achieving the same.

What have you learned about supporting clubs through challenges and change?
Being transparent during converstions and delivering on time matters. Providing the necessary materials to members to progress in their paths. Links to Ditch the nerves and Drop in sessions to learn more.

You will soon be stepping into the role of District 91 Public Relations Manager. What excites you most about the year ahead?
We will perform as a Team to achieve the District Goals. Make sure every voice is heard. Ensure every member or Club achievement is highlighted. Make social media more vibrant and creative. Ensure every member knows whats happening in the District. I am excited to see how well we can infuse AI in our creatives. There will be more of two way communication with our members through interactive Newsletters and Social Media channels

What opportunities do you see for District 91 to strengthen its communication and visibility?
Ensure every member should be aware of the Social Media platforms within the District. Encourage Clubs and Divisions to showcase every possible memorable and important moment through the social media channels.

What advice would you give to club officers who are taking on leadership roles for the first time?
Never Give Up. Ask for Help when you seem to be lost. Keep it Simple. Learn from Mistakes.

What is one thing members might be surprised to learn about you?
I really enjoy meeting friends and others for lunch and a visit. That is my best medicine to talk with others.

Finally, what are your goals for District 91 as incoming PR Manager?
To ensure that every communication is passed District-Wide Reach and create a strong brand engagement . Everyone has a Story to Tell. We will hear them out and publicise on our District Social Media channels.