District Leadership

Last month, May 2025, marks nine years since I first joined Toastmasters in May 2016. As the end of June approaches, it also signifies the conclusion of four successive years on the District Leadership Team, six consecutive years as a DEC member, and seven years of service on the District Council. This is a moment of transition, and one that invites thoughtful reflection.

The journey has been filled with memorable milestones and meaningful achievements. Among these were leading District 91 to President’s Distinguished status in 2023/24 program year for the first time in eight years, being named Division Director of the Year in 2020/21, and contributing to the organisation of the 2020 “Lock Down” District Conference, as Registration Director and Designer which was successfully delivered online in just six weeks under the leadership of Diana Robertson. This project demonstrated that, even in the face of adversity, extraordinary outcomes are possible when we come together with purpose and resolve.

Equally important were the initiatives that strengthened the long-term foundation of our District. These included redesigning the district website, and co-creating the Thanks Toastmasters campaign alongside Susan Rayner, Florian Bay and Arnaud Sartre. These efforts were not merely creative projects; they were strategic tools that empowered clubs, enhanced member engagement, and reinvigorated our shared identity during Covid and the years immediately after. It was gratifying to see that the campaign was used in the recent tube campaign run by this years team.

Naturally, the past six years serving the district first as an Area Director and then as IPDD, have not been without challenges. From the global pandemic in March 2020 and its long-term effects to economic pressures and, most recently, the 33.3 per cent membership fee increase introduced by Toastmasters International during my term as District Director last year, our District has had to adapt swiftly and often. Yet through all these trials, we have succeeded when we have worked together as a team. We have grown stronger, together.

Behind every achievement are a team of people who made it possible. I am filled with gratitude for the many individuals and clubs who supported me throughout this journey.

To my home club, Chiltern Speakers, thank you for providing the foundation of my leadership path. I extend special thanks to Brett Freeman and Paul Imre, and to my first mentors, Jacquie Hogan and Eddie Maguire, who inspired me to take on club and district leadership roles. In more recent years, Adrian Lane and Carolyn Johnson, along with Jacquie and Eddie, continued to provide unwavering support and encouragement.

To Thame Speakers, my second home club since 2019, thank you for welcoming me so warmly. I am especially grateful to Alison Morris, John Morris and Deborah Stevens for their encouragement, support and friendship.

I am also deeply appreciative of my fellow leaders including, Chris Walker and Nadya Hamedi, with whom I served as Division Directors during the difficult Covid year of 2020/21. Your commitment and resilience were exceptional. Chris, thank you especially for your outstanding service as District Chief Judge in 2022/23. Nadya, your contributions across several areas including club growth, membership education and data cleansing were immensely valuable. Your thoughtful approach and behind-the-scenes efforts were greatly appreciated.

I also extend my sincere thanks to Rose Nakibirango, who served as District Parliamentarian, and to Valerie Slavina, who took on the responsibilities of District Finance Manager last year with great skill, diligence and care. Each of you played a vital role in sustaining the district’s stability and progress.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Janet Alkema, who provided consistent support during my tenure as Division D Director and later stepped up to serve as District Administration Manager. Your reliability, dedication and good humour brought clarity and continuity during times of change.

I would also like to acknowledge John Drinkwater for his thoughtful collaboration as we explored digital marketing strategies to expand the district’s reach and relevance. And to Nikita Parks for her work as my PR Manager and helping to realise the Membership Anniversary Campaign.

My thanks also go to Nadya Hamedi, Juli Chapman, Massimo Guadagnino and Rick Cooper for their role in establishing the Pathways Support Group in early 2023. Their efforts were central to the district achieving Smedley Distinguished status for club quality, with 104 of 163 clubs becoming Distinguished, a remarkable achievement reflecting collective club excellence in 2022/23.

To my mentors; Hillary Briggs, Arnaud Sartre and Florian Bay. Thank you for your guidance, generosity and time. Hillary, your mentorship during my terms as Club Growth Director and Programme Quality Director laid the foundation for much of what followed. Arnaud, your openness and clarity always helped me consider different perspectives. Florian, your strategic insights during my term as District Director helped me to lead with confidence. I am truly grateful to each of you.

There are many others who contributed to this journey, both in and outside of District 91, far too many to name, but please know that your support, no matter how visible or discreet, made a difference. You helped shape my journey and the successes we achieved as District 91 in 2023/24.

 

The greatest lesson I have learned is that leadership is not defined by title or tenure, but by service. It requires genuine connection, active listening and continuous dialogue with clubs and members. Ensuring that expectations, goals and processes are clearly communicated and mutually understood is essential to success. This year, as I continued to support clubs, I was reminded once again of the importance of this principle.

 

As I now step away formally from the official leadership roles within the District, I do so not with sadness, but with gratitude. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I look forward to continuing to support clubs and members in an informal capacity, and I am confident that our paths will cross again at meetings, contests, conferences and beyond.

In closing, I reflect on the core values of Toastmasters that have been at the heart of our District’s progress: integrity, respect, service, and excellence. These values are not merely ideals to aspire to, they are the foundation upon which every success, every connection, and every accomplishment has been built. It is by living these values that we create an environment where everyone can thrive and realise their potential.

I remain inspired by the courage, commitment, and kindness shown by those who offered their unwavering support. We rise by lifting others. As I step down from this role, I will carry these values forward, and I encourage each of you to do the same. The future of District 91 remains bright and having met hundreds of you during my leadership journey I have every confidence that we collectively, will continue to inspire, empower, and achieve greatness, as a district.

Thank you, District 91, for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your trust, your encouragement and your partnership. As I step away from the DLT at the end of June, I carry forward the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the accomplishments we’ve achieved. It has been a greatest honour to be part of this leadership journey – District 91.

Remember – happiness brings success!

Diane Richardson