Beyond Discomfort: Why inclusive leadership is so hard … and what you can do about it.
Meet Nadia Nagamootoo on Saturday at the conference What can we do to become more inclusive leaders? Learn how to become a more inclusive leader with Nadia on Saturday. Discover how our values and beliefs guide our response to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through storytelling, learn why inclusive leadership is so hard, knotty and complex. Extend your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and how to develop your skill and leadership capability. DEI conversations often evoke strong emotional responses because they touch upon our core values and beliefs. In her keynote speech, Nadia Nagamootoo, a Chartered Psychologist and Founder of Avenir, addresses the question: What can we do to become more inclusive leaders? Drawing on her expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Nadia sheds light on why inclusive leadership is often challenging and how enhancing our self-awareness of learned leadership practices can facilitate embracing change. Nadia’s extensive background as an accredited coach, MBA, and host of the popular podcast “Why Care?” has established her as a leading authority in the field of DEI. Join Nadia Nagamootoo at the Toastmasters International District 91, UK South Annual Conference for an enlightening exploration of inclusive leadership and actionable strategies for positive change. Nadia Nagamootoo chartered psychologist and founder of avenir join Nadia at lunch on Saturday 4 May to get a personalised copy of her recently published book NADIA NAGAMOOTOO (she/her) is the founder and CEO of Avenir, a Chartered Psychologist, MBA and accredited coach with 20 years’ experience in the field of systemic culture change, leadership development and organizational strategy. She has worked globally to provoke powerful Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) conversations at all organizational levels and develop sustainable inclusive leadership practises. Her work is fuelled by inner values of fairness, equity and human connection, with a deep desire to see more of these in our world. She is best known for her ability to offer clarity and direction around DEI for her clients, her warm and engaging style, as well as designing innovative, experiential learning approaches. A prolific and highly sought-after keynote speaker, she has shared her expertise in inclusive leadership, privilege, bias and equity to audiences around the world. She is host of the popular podcast show, Why Care?, where she delves deeply into the complex and uncomfortable world of DEI. Nadia continues to be publicly recognized for her passion, drive and thought-leadership, and was listed as HR Most Influential Thinker 2023 and named HR Champion of the Year at the European Diversity Awards 2023. https://youtu.be/GAI6GdPwP5o
Reflections on an Unforgettable Toastmaster Experience: Mayflower Conference 2017
One of my most enjoyable Toastmaster roles to date, but still one that makes me feel tired even today when I think about it, was when I served as the Logistics Chair for our Mayflower Conference in May 2017, under the leadership of Richard Blackman, our Conference Director, who was by then the Immediate Past District Director of Division J. This was during the program year when Vanessa King DTM was District Director, and I still remember very vividly the roof-raising inspirational speech she gave us about the positive effect Toastmasters has had on her life. It was held at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton (since bought by the Leonardo group), which is a beautiful hotel literally on the edge of the waterfront. It was especially significant because we hosted International President Mike Storkey DTM and his wife and were treated to a wonderful keynote speech about looking up and stepping into leadership. On Friday evening, we held a District Executive Committee meeting to allow Mike to be a part of it, as well as the wonderful weekend being joined by 200 Toastmasters from around the district. Part of that team, looking after our registrations, was the talented Barbara Saph DTM, who, like me, still remembers the event with happy memories. Our side stream was particularly exciting for those not attending the District Council, as we had qualified guides from Southampton who gave a walking tour of the historic parts of Southampton, and it went down a storm. Personally, not only was I responsible for the logistics of an event across multiple rooms and floors, but I was also taking part in the live candidate showcase as I was running for a full year as Division A Director, having covered the role for the six months prior. I wish I could remember more about what happened that weekend, but I am pleased that I remember the pure delight of being part of something very special, and once again be reminded of how far and wide and just how wonderful our District and the Toastmasters community is.
From Surprises to Success: The Thrilling Journey of Becoming a Conference Director
My first District Conference was in Autumn 2014 in Brighton. Prior to that, family commitments and a sense that a weekend of Toastmasters was not for me had kept me away, despite having 5 years of Toastmasters under my belt. To my surprise and delight I had a great time and was surprised to find myself ‘head-hunted’ to act as the next Conference Director by the Program Quality Director, just as the conference was being put to bed on Sunday afternoon. The PDQ graciously suggested I should think about it before committing – she didn’t know me – I act on impulse and a yes is immediately set in stone. I loved the exercise putting together a team, creating a concept and structuring the programme, finding a venue and bringing together all the elements of a conference. It was an extension to the concert and theatre productions I had pulled together previously. Why was that? In many ways I had a different set of stakeholders to the one’s that I had experienced in my professional life. Toastmasters had expectations and my conference exposure was limited to only one conference. However, the experience of using my imagination, taking advice from others (previously I had only asked myself for ideas, expertise and validation) brought a new dimension to the project. It was suggested that District 91 needed to have a Central London conference, something that had been shied away from in the past because of cost. I definitely struck lucky. It had been suggested that we use one of the Grange Hotels. On my way to meet the Events Director at the Grange opposite the Tower of London I bumped into a friend on the bus who I had not seen for ages. Telling him where I was going, he walked me into the hotel, introduced me to the Events Director who he knew as his law firm organised many events there. He insisted we should be given 5-star treatment and the same discounts afforded to repeat customers. That gave us a huge boost and all the interactions with the hotel were positive and helpful. The rapport was reflected in the spirit of the conference which ran smoothly and was very relaxed, or at least my wonderful team gave that impression even if they were stressed behind the scenes. Not only was it a tremendous learning experience for me, extending my event management toolbox but I managed to sit back and enjoy every moment of the conference. A great team made for a wonderful experience and I recommend it to all intrepid Toastmasters!
Going beyond the club
When most of us join Toastmasters, we think we are joining a single club. The magic is that we are joining an international organisation and the opportunities for growth as a speaker, communicator and leader are endless. No member journey will be identical. If you are thinking of joining (or rejoining!) Toastmasters or starting to think about your next goals as a member, the conference is an opportunity to come together. Celebrate, find connections and reflect on your legacy. How can you begin going beyond? → Visit clubs! Find a club → Go to an area or division event – you can find these on the District 91 calendar → Become a District Leader → Join us in Bristol this May at the Toastmasters International Annual Conference for District 91 (UK South). Get your ticket today. → Join the Conference Team or apply to be an MC/Zoom Host! Pop the conference team an email to express your interest conference@d91toastmasters.org.uk Conference Update The latest update from the conference team is that tickets for in-person attendance are at around 30% capacity for the venue. We do hope you’ll get a ticket so you can join us in person, however, it is a hybrid event so online tickets will become available in March. We have also been advised that rooms at The Rodney Hotel are getting booked up quickly now. They offer a competitive rate for delegates attending conferences at Engineer’s House so if you want to save money on accommodation we suggest you check out the information about our suggested options including rates right here. Is it time to stop hiding in your club bubble? an interview with Kirti Daryanani, DTM We are also excited to announce that Kirti Diryanani, DTM will be on the main conference stage on Sunday the 5th of May. Join Kirti in Bristol, or online, for an interactive interview led by our Conference Director Amy Jones, DTM. Key Learnings ● How to Befriend Your Mind● Finding meaningful connection and purpose● Communicate effectively to diverse audiences Meet Kirti Kirti will be signing copies of her book during Sunday lunch at the conference! About Kirti Meet Kirti, the visionary founder of Kirtana168, with an extraordinary blend of Dutch-Caribbean Asian heritage and over two decades of experience in diverse communities. With degrees in business, and international relations, and a certified TEFL, Kirti possesses a profound understanding of multicultural communication complexities. Renowned for her thought leadership, Kirti shares her extensive experiences on the intersection of well-being and communication in today’s diverse spaces. While empathy is essential, she believes that equanimity is the key to thriving and fostering a sense of belonging and effective communication. More on this interview Get ready for an enlightening journey as we delve into a captivating interview with Kirti Diryanati, DTM – a seasoned speaker and entrepreneurial dynamo renowned for her mastery of letting go of perfect, communicating effectively across cultures, and resilience. Kirti, who proudly wears the ‘sometimes’ a Toastmaster hat, is about to shatter your comfort zone illusions. Whether you’re a newbie yearning to venture beyond your club’s walls, a professional eager to amplify your voice, or a seasoned Toastie seeking your next conquest, this interview is guaranteed to stir your sense of purpose. It will compel you to question your legacy as a Toastmaster, a professional, a friend, a family member, and a partner. How can you more effectively communicate in diverse spaces, confidently pivot in tough situations, build meaningful relationships and overall Befriend Your Mind? Leading this invigorating dialogue is none other than Amy Jones, DTM, our indomitable Conference Chair. Toastmasters, get ready for an exhilarating injection of inspiration that will catapult you far beyond the boundaries of your club.
We Are District 91 – An update from the conference committee for 2024
Celebrating the Legacy and Building the Future of District 91
Ashford 2019 District Conference: A Time of Celebration and Inspiration
When I attended my first District Conference in 2005 I never imagined that I would one daybe the hosting District Director. But that is exactly the situation I found myself in at Ashfordin May 2019. Toastmasters International had decided to do away with the autumn conference andrequire Districts to have just one District Conference a year, in the spring. This was the firstDistrict Conference to have all four District Contest Finals at one time. As a result it wasdecided that the conference weekend needed to be extended from the Saturday andSunday to three days, starting on Friday evening. Although a first for District 91, it was areturn to the old days – more on that later. What an amazing weekend we had! It was a hugely successful event, and the team led byKaren Ince were magnificent. Our first three-day conference as District 91 got off to a greatstart on Friday with the formal District Executive Committee (DEC) meeting, wonderfulworkshops, the District Table Topics Contest and the Candidates’ showcase. A new event that year was the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) reception. This was an opportunity for members who have achieved their DTM award during the year to be recognised in the company of our existing DTMs. It was a fitting celebration of their notable achievement and something that we hoped would establish itself as a regular feature. The evening was rounded off with a delightful dinner and excellent entertainment from theAshford Rock Choir and the improv group A Pair of Four with Chris Murphy of TunbridgeWells Speakers Club. They played a huge part in creating a real buzz among delegatesthat continued into Saturday and the formal opening of the Conference. The highlights just kept on coming throughout the weekend. Every time I thought theconference was going really well, it just got even better! Magnificent keynote speakers, aplethora of professional workshops, and the District finals for the Humorous Speech,Evaluation, and of course the International Speech contest. Congratulations to all thecontestants. One of the greatest pleasures of my year as District Director was to recognise some of theoutstanding achievements of our members at the Hall of Fame. It is always extremelydifficult to choose which of our dedicated and hard-working members deserves these awards when there are so many worthy candidates. The awards that year went to: • Area Director of the Year – Sam Warner Area J11• Division Director of the Year – Janet Alkema Division A• Toastmaster of the Year – Steve Birch of Malvern• Speakers and Worcester Speakers. Steve sadly passed away in May 2023• District Director’s Award – Mary Robson of North• Oxford Speakers, Oxford Orators Club and Oxford Speakers Club Saturday also saw the District Council meeting, where your leaders for the nextToastmasters year were elected. Who remembers District Director Florian Bay, ProgramQuality Director Arnaud Sartre and Club Growth Director Helena Boden-Brewer, andDivision Directors Mike Burrows, Rupa Datta, Ken Essien, Sandra Mighty, Nikita Parks,Liang T Li and Beauty Zindi? What we didn’t know then was that Ashford would be the last fully in-person DistrictConference for who knows how long thanks to Covid. The world of online and hybridmeetings and events has become the new normal, but it is encouraging to see a shift backto the buzz of a live audience and the joy of meting up in person with friends, old and new.I touched on the “old days” earlier. Prior to the formation of District 91 we were part ofDistrict 71, comprising the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Not only did we havetwo District Conferences each year, in November and May, but they alternated betweenthe UK and Ireland. Although the main events took place on the Saturday and Sunday, because half of thedelegates were either travelling to or from the UK and Ireland on Friday, the Friday nightswere a time to party! That usually entailed a themed fancy dress event. I was ConferenceDirector for the 2007 Victory Conference in Portsmouth, so naturally we had a nauticaltheme, resulting in an array of sailors, pirates and even the odd mermaid! And thanks tothe Irish delegates , the Friday and Saturday night Craic, as always led by Ted Corcoran,was the thing of legend. Like all things, the District Conference has had to adapt and evolve, but it has remainedthe showcase event of the District calendar. Many of you will have great memories of pastconferences and be looking forward to more great events in the future. If you have neverattended a District conference, then why not make this year the first of many? Andy Hammond, DTM Past District Director (2018/2019)
District 91 Conference 2020 Embracing Change
Picture this: You’ve invested months in meticulous event planning, envisioning its triumph in a prestigious London hotel. Then, just over a month before the grand day, the world turns against you. That’s exactly how our team felt when COVID-19 was announced, hurling our carefully laid plans for District 91’s annual conference into chaos. Ticket sales halted, attendees clamoured for refunds, speakers cancelled, and the hotel adamantly refused a refund. A mere month before the conference, the team faced an agonising decision: to cancel the in-person event and replace it with an online conference—an unprecedented move. No one anticipated this curveball, but what unfolded was an incredibly gratifying journey filled with challenges, backstage camaraderie, and moments of profound pride amid the pandemic’s uncertainty. Little did we know, it would evolve into the largest Toastmasters conference ever held in Europe, drawing 840 attendees from 33 countries, defying all odds. It wasn’t a smooth ride, but our team’s resilience shone brilliantly. We recognised the significance of embracing innovation when giving up seemed the easier path. The experimentation phase was genuinely exhilarating, as if breaking new ground eliminated expectations, allowing us to fearlessly explore unconventional marketing campaigns and cutting-edge broadcasting technology integrated with Zoom. It was an electrifying journey! Our proudest moment arrived on the day when everything fell seamlessly into place. Twenty hours of high-pressure moments, a few minor hiccups we hope nobody noticed, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment followed. Ultimately, our 2020 conference emerged as an extraordinary success born from adversity. It conveyed to us that preparation, experimentation, and teamwork can lead to remarkable triumphs. We hope that our story inspires you to view challenges as opportunities, conquer your fears, and never give up! Diana Robertson Conference Director 2020
Join us in Bristol and discover a limitless you in 2024
From your conference director … In 2024, District 91 marks a decade of existence, and Toastmasters International celebrates a century of empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. We look forward to celebrating Toastmasters International’s 100 years and District 91’s first decade with all of you. District 91, UK South Annual Conference 2024 3 – 5 May 2024, Bristol in person or online Our conference theme this year is, “Limitless You,” which not only celebrates the myriad possibilities for one within Toastmasters but also being able to overcome the limitations and challenges that life has to offer. When I reflect on the most life-changing moments in my life, I compare them to that feeling I’ve had when flying on a plane or a hot air balloon ride. Looking at the world from that point brings a sense of excitement driven by nerves, endless possibilities and pure awe. The same feeling was felt when I graduated from school and started a new job… I relate it to the feeling we all get when we embark on a journey at Toastmasters, be it joining Toastmasters and doing an icebreaker speech, becoming a club officer or a district leader, the sky is the limit. The limitless possibilities that we can find in this outstanding community of Toastmasters, where we strive to become better versions of ourselves defines the concept that we are all filled with limitless potential. Those moments of pure awe define our experience as members and have shaped the history of Toastmasters International and District 91. What can you expect at Limitless you? Celebrate In 2024, we mark a century of Toastmasters International and a decade of District 91 (UK South). At the conference, both long-standing members and newcomers, along with our esteemed guests, will come together to commemorate this significant milestone. It’s a chance for everyone to reflect on their Toastmasters journey and create lasting memories as we celebrate together. Connect Our Toastmasters community is built on these connections, and at the District 91 Annual Conference in Bristol, we invite you to forge fresh connections. Whether your aspirations are professional or personal, our gathering is a place where you’ll discover meaningful connections that will enrich your life Create Maya Angelou’s words resonate deeply: “If you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Our conference will reflect upon the legacy of Toastmasters International and District 91, inspiring you to contemplate the legacy you are constructing for yourself. Through workshops and speakers, you’ll find the motivation to be more intentional in shaping your legacy and discover the limitless potential within you. I am both excited and honoured to serve as the Conference Director for this special event, and I assure you that we are putting our hearts and souls into creating a conference that captures the essence of our theme and celebrates our milestones. If you want to be part of this milestone event and explore your moments of pure awe, consider signing up to join our conference team or become part of the programme and partners who will help bring the conference to life. Here to serve, Amy Jones, DTM Conference Director 2024