Meet a Leader

Helping Every Voice Be Heard, Every Person Feel Seen, and Every Connection Inspire Growth !

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If you’ve expressed interest in mentoring this year, you’ve probably heard from Edeje Onwude.

Since joining Chiltern Speakers in April 2024, Edeje has hit the ground running  VPM for her club, lead for our webinar series last year, and PR Director for the District Conference in June.
Her latest challenge? Rolling out our first district-wide Mentor Buddy Programme. With 70 mentee applications and 45 matches made, she’s now looking for more mentors to support the 25 still waiting.

Meet Edeje Onwude

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a global communications professional with experience across EMEA markets, including roles at Coca-Cola and Reckitt. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of brand and culture; connecting business goals with employee, stakeholder and customer needs through stories that inspire action. Whether it’s aligning internal narratives, building trust through change or translating purpose into everyday behaviours, I make sure words and actions point in the same direction. Outside of work, I sit on the board of the International Association of Business
Communicators (IABC) UK & Ireland chapter, where I lead our mentoring programme and student engagement efforts. I also volunteer with organisations that matter to me, including Cancer Research UK, UN Women UK and the Diana Award. In my spare time, I read, write, enjoy deep conversations – and raise two brilliant children who challenge and inspire me daily.

What have you been doing for D91?


Since joining Toastmasters in April 2024, I’ve taken on several leadership roles: Vice President Membership at Chiltern Speakers, District 91 Webinar Manager, and PR Director for the District Conference in June. Most recently, I’ve been coordinating the new Mentor Buddy Programme; a peer- to-peer initiative that connects members who want to grow with more experienced Toastmasters who are willing to support them. We received 70 mentee applications; a clear sign of interest and ambition across the district and have so far matched 45. The remaining 25 are on a waiting list while we continue to look for more mentors.  Sign up to be a mentor

What have you most enjoyed?
Seeing the enthusiasm from both sides; those keen to learn and those happy to give their time, has been the highlight. It’s a good reminder of what Toastmasters is about. And it’s shown me how even a short, focused conversation can have a lasting impact when someone feels listened to and supported.

What has been most challenging?

Meeting the level of demand. Many members are already balancing club roles and other commitments, so it hasn’t been easy to find enough mentors. That’s why we’re still actively looking for more. Even offering a handful of sessions can make a meaningful difference.

How has this experience helped you personally or professionally?

For the past 18 months I have been navigating a career pivot, this work has kept me rooted in purpose. It’s given me a chance to apply core skills; stakeholder engagement, communication, coordination, while also developing new ones. More
broadly, it’s reinforced the power of peer support and the importance of having a clear goal, whatever stage you’re at.

Would you like to get involved?
If you’re a member with a bit of experience and a willingness to support someone else’s development, we’d love your help. We currently have 25 mentees waiting to be matched. You don’t need to commit a huge amount of time – just bring a bit of curiosity, openness, and a few hours to help someone take their next step.

To express interest, fill in this short form, or feel free to come and have a chat with me at the District Contest Finals on 23 November.

 

A Journey of Camaraderie, Support, and Saying Yes – The Story of a London Cardinal!  

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It’s all about Camaraderie and Support…and saying Yes!

Joining London Cardinals

It was 2004 and I was looking to join a Toastmasters club in London. I had the good fortune to go to a ‘Demo’ meeting of London Cardinals, co-founded by the legendary Nigel and Gilly Cutts. They were setting up a new club as London Corinthians was ‘Bursting’ with members.

– As well as the Cutts, the Cookes, the Craddocks, the Sellmans and a young chap called Simon Bucknall became Founder Members.

I am still a proud member of London Cardinals, the ‘Oldest Swinger in Town! It’s changed of course but the implicit values of Nigel and Gilly are ever present – Having Quality meetings and speeches, Supporting each other, and Truly Caring for each other.

Every great opportunity begins with a Yes!

I smiled when I read District Director, Debbie Williams’ article in the September Newsletter. I remember saying ‘Yes!’ for various roles –

  • Secretary, VPE, President at London Cardinals.
  • Area Director B6, Division B ‘Governor’ (Now Director and in those days, Division B was all of London’s 40 odd clubs!)

Each role was exhilarating and I was  lucky to have support, such as my Division Governor mentor, Andy O’Sullivan!…….After those roles, I took a rest!

Look beyond your club

Little did any of us know that fellow London Cardinals founder member Simon Bucknall would be a 3 time International Speech Contest   Champion, the  first time being 2006 when we were part of District 71,  which was  The British Isles  –  more than 300 clubs!

I went to my 1st  International Convention in Washington D.C. with son Michael,  to support Simon, along with other ‘Cardinalians’ – What a wonderful experience…….

My 2nd International Convention was 2014, Kuala Lumpur.  It’s my dear wife Judy’s home town, and it was  a ‘No brainer’ to go. How lucky to be  in the auditorium to see one of the greatest speeches in the World Championship of Public Speaking  ‘I see something’ by Dananjaya Hettiararchi.  He did an online workshop for London Cardinals on a Sunday afternoon in 2024 – What a delightful chap!

In Kuala Lumpur, I  hooked up with the incoming District 91 inaugural District Leadership Team, as I felt it was time for me to give something back. Hilary Briggs, District Director, asked me to be Chair District Alignment Committee, a  role I held for 5 years. I  enjoyed the role, liaising with District Leadership and attending District Conferences and of course, always being supported in the role.

My 3rd  International Convention in 2017 was perhaps the most memorable. Simon was District International Speech Contest Champion for the 3rd  time.   The International Convention was in Vancouver and I went  with Judy and our daughter Sarah.  Vancouver is a lovely place and even better, Simon came 2nd in the World Championship! The best moment ever in Toastmasters!

So proud

London Cardinals was so successful, regularly 50-60 membership  until around 2016……and then  we started leaking members for no apparent reason. When COVID hit, we were struggling at 20ish  members. I am so proud of our leaders since, such as Zeph Fanton, Mo Al Bayati, Marijana Bosniak, Joel Morales, Lai Yee and Preety Gheera. Through their leadership, we survived  COVID, with inspiring online meetings and have   thrived since as an innovative  hybrid club (which enables me to retain my membership!)

And so to today

Last year, I volunteered to support a corporate club, FTI Consulting, in their autumn contests.  It’s where I first met Debbie Williams, who was also supporting them.

Over Christmas, Debbie invited me to chair the District Humorous Speech Contest at the District Conference in May. It was so much fun,  attending a District Conference once more, chairing the Contest and meeting up with Toastmaster pals, such as Seema Menon, Jean Gamester, Vanessa King and  Lynne Gayer.

Soon after Seema, now Programme Quality Director, invited me to be District Chief Judge for 2025/2026. I wasn’t sure what it entailed but  I followed the mantra of just say ‘Yes!

What are my reflections over 21 years?

  1. It’s about Camaraderie.

I reflect so fondly on the friendships old and new,  from 2004 to today…..and tomorrow!

  1. It’s about Support

I could not have delivered any of the Toastmaster roles without support and  I strive to give support as best I can.

  1. It’s about saying ‘Yes!’

By saying yes, I have had wonderful experiences, I have  been  to places I could only have dreamt of and my Life has been enriched……… Try it some time!

Club Coach of the year: Lessons Beyond the Award

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Being named Club Coach of the Year was a proud honour, yet the journey itself offered far more than recognition. Serving as a club coach provided me with a unique opportunity to give back to Toastmasters District 91, while experiencing profound personal and professional growth.

The Club Coach Programme embodies the values that define Toastmasters: Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence. A club coach supports clubs by guiding them to achieve goals, assisting in leadership development, fostering a positive club culture, encouraging membership growth and helping members to achieve their personal growth objectives. The role involves mentoring club officers, motivating members and working alongside the team to ensure the club flourishes. Collaboration with the club committee goes beyond striving for Distinguished Club Programme status, integrating District 91 incentives, supporting members’ personal and professional development, and celebrating the progress of the club as a whole.

Through coaching, I discovered the importance of inspiration, not only in motivating others but in embracing the creativity, dedication and resilience of the team I served. Obstacles became teachers, failures became lessons, and closed doors became opportunities to discover new directions. More importantly, as Ralph C. Smedley observed, ‘we learn best in moments of enjoyment’. By celebrating achievements and fostering a positive, enjoyable environment, growth becomes both effective and memorable.

My journey as a club coach was informed by my experience across multiple roles in Toastmasters: Vice President Education, Club President, Area Director, Division Director and mentor to members and clubs alike. Each role contributed to my understanding of what it means to empower others, to demonstrate excellence and to allow teams to experience the satisfaction of shared achievement. The Club Coach Programme allowed me to weave these lessons together, creating an environment in which both the club and I grew together.

For anyone considering stepping into a coaching role, remember that it is as much about personal development as it is about service. Through coaching, we give back to our clubs and to the wider Toastmasters community while gaining insights, skills and experiences that endure. The Club Coach Programme is not merely a path to support a club or a means to earn credit for oneself; it is a journey that nurtures leaders, empowers teams and celebrates the transformative power of shared success.

 

Club Coach Eligibility and Requirements to Earn Credit Summary 

Table 1. Member Eligibility Criteria to become a Club Coach    Table 2. Club Coach Requirement to earn credit 
  • Be a paid member in good standing.
  • have been a member of TMI for at least one year. 
  • Served as a club officer for at least one year or two semi-annual terms 
  • Completed at least Level 2 of a path in the Pathways learning experience or achieved Advanced Communicator Bronze (ACB) or Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) in the traditional education programme. 
  • Completed the Club Coach Training Module. 
  • Cannot be a member of the eligible club they coach, nor have been a member in the previous six months. 
  • May only coach one club at a time. 
  • Meets with club President/ delegate officers and District leadership (District Director/Club Growth Director/Delegated Club Coach Lead); all parties sign a Club Coach Agreement 
  
  • Coach the Club Executive Committee 
  • Complete and submit: 
    • i) Club Coach Preliminary Report within 30 days,
    • ii) Club Coach Progress Report every 60 days,
    • iii) Club Coach Final Report after coaching concludes. 
  •  Serve as a Club Coach for a minimum of six months by the end of the Toastmasters programme year. 
  • Not join the club during the coaching appointment. 
  • Coached club must achieve Distinguished or higher status by the following 30 June after the six-month term. 
  • Club President (or officer delegate) must notify World Headquarters in writing of successful completion. 

A useful resource to support club performance and member experience is the Club Quality resources  provided by Toastmasters International. 

 

 

Article by Nadya Hamedi, DTM 

Meet Rachel Norris

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When was your first meeting of Toastmasters, and what was it like?
My first Toastmasters meeting was with County Communicators during the pandemic in 2020. I was so nervous but everyone was really welcoming and friendly. I had an amazing time and I was immediately hooked with Toastmasters

What was your most rewarding experience?
My most rewarding experience was organising the Evaluation Workshop. I worked with Lynne Cantor-Gayer on the organisation of the meeting and so many people attended to learn more about Evaluation. I was extremely elated to have witnessed the workshop’s success!

What would you say to new guests?
I would say a huge welcome to them and tell them all about how Toastmasters will help them progress in their speaking and leadership skills. I would also say ‘Don’t be afraid of Table Topics. It’s your time to shine, so go for it’!

What’s different at Sussex Online Speakers?
In Sussex Online Speaker, we have created a treasure map of different achievements within a Toastmasters year, such as delivering a speech, evaluating a speech or taking on different roles. It helps members keep track of what they’ve done over the year and inspire them to achieve all they can with our amazing club. Check it out in the image.

What role in Toastmaster are you inspired to do next?
I would love to be President of my club to help me grow in my leadership skills. I’d also love to be a Division Director or have a role in the District Leadership Team (Administration or PR Manager) at some point in the future

Would you like say?
I would say thank you for supporting me as Area Director last year and giving me the opportunity to become a leader in Toastmasters. I feel honoured to be a part of District 91 and I will continue to be with you all for years to come!

 

Rachel Norris
Sussex Online Speaker
Supporting District PR 24/25

Member Spotlight: Interview with Kate

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Kate, what drew you to stepping into your first Toastmasters meeting?
I’ve always been aware of Toastmasters, my mum was a member whilst we were living in Cyprus in 1994, and I remember listening to her practice her speeches. Incredibly, that time still inspires her, as over Christmas she presented me with one of the props she painted 30 years ago! I loved the fact that she played with words to share her ideas and passions, and I wanted to experience that.

One of the key tips, when moving abroad (or anywhere) is to attend clubs to meet likeminded people so that it’s easier to make friends. And, so, when I moved to Southampton, Toastmasters was my first point of call.

You’re journey in Toastmasters has been a bit stop and start, can you share what brought you back this time?
Yes, in total I’ve been a member of Toastmasters for about 2.5 years. I started in 2011 and came for one year. In that job, I was on-call and therefore couldn’t put in the time into Toastmasters that I wanted to, and I only managed to do my icebreaker. The passion, joy and community that I felt from Hamwic Speakers carried with me, so I was delighted to have been invited to their 10 year anniversary. A small time to rekindle some friendships and meet new people, this time I attended for about a month or so… work was still a barrier for me. I did manage to attend a meeting in Montreal. Finally, having changed jobs, and was no longer on-call, I realised that I hadn’t progressed in my career as quickly as I wanted to and was healing from stress. With some reflection, and now available time, Toastmasters was a real possibility for me to practice skills, and increase my confidence in speaking and confidence in who I am (that had been stripped away). I am very chuffed to say that I’ve now been a member for almost a year’n’half, and looking forward to many more years.

How did you come to raising your hand to be president of Hamwic Speakers, what have been some of your most rewarding experiences? What initiatives or projects are you particularly proud of?
I took a leap. During the autumn contests, a district leader highlighted the district conference and mentioned the opportunity to support the conference organising team. I snapped the QR code. A few months later, I emailed Amy and that was that. Amy put me to work. Being a part of the conference team, was an incredible experience, I met so many people, it opened my eyes to all the opportunities that there are in Toastmasters and the vast experience that others have developed over their own journey. Because of this experience, and of the community at Hamwic Speakers, I felt that if I put my hand up to be president, I would be supported in the role and be pulled up if needed, and directed towards best course of actions.

There are so many rewarding experiences to name, I think the ones that stand up are those that I’m working with the committee and members on different activities. As president, I’m looking at the club members differently, I seeing how each one supports each other in their journeys and pathways, how each members have that passion for Toastmasters and want to share the tips they’ve come across. We celebrated Hamwic Speakers 15th Anniversary and we had all past presidents and old members come and be with us, such a joyous occasion.

You mentioned that you feel like you’re a lifelong advocate for Toastmasters. How do you incorporate this advocacy into your daily life or professional role?
I seem to always be on the look out to support people I meet, whether walking through my place of work, or with conversations within my job roles, I want to share with them the confidence that learning the skills of public speaking brings to their life. And, also a location to hear speeches that covers all sorts of topics that you wouldn’t even think about that helps in seeing the world through a different perspective.

Imagine a newbie walks into your club looking wide-eyed and hopeful. What’s the first piece of wisdom you’d offer them?
I typically bring the new member to the front, before the meeting starts, so that they can ‘feel the stage’, and feel what it’s like standing there. They get to have that initial shock of exposing themselves, but in a safe manner before all the eyes are on them and the silence is there. So, that if they get asked to a question, or be called up to do a table-topics they are already prepared (a tiny bit) for that initial shock and can breathe through it.

What strategies have you found effective in keeping club members engaged and motivated?
As a committee, our VP Education has been trying a new way of engaging with members. She is organising with members to take on the role of Toastmaster a few weeks before, and provide them with supporting material as they then encourage members to deliver speeches and take on the different roles. As we know the Toastmaster Wears Many Hats.  We also, encourage and celebrate the diversity of doing warm up, table topics in a different way. So, every meeting seems to be different each time and still structured! As a club, our yearly calendar includes doing a walk around our city centre, handover committee meeting at the park, a festive meeting, workshops etc.

What’s one Toastmasters milestone you’re itching to hit in the next year?
I’d love to finish my pathway! That early memory of only doing one speech that first year, continues to be my push to work through my pathway. I’ve enjoyed playing with the theme of each speech as I learn on basecamp. And, my second milestone, is being more confident at doing evaluations and humorous speeches.

What is one message you would like to share with the district that keeps you inspired and driven in Toastmasters?
Recently our Mentoring Officer gave an insightful speech with a graph that showed the level of energy needed to see progress in your personal public speaking goals, between someone who is inconsistent vs someone who is consistently delivering a speech or taking on a role. My message therefore, would be to put your name down each meeting to do something, or take on a committee role, because you only need a small amount of energy each time as you take those small increments.