The Division of the Year award is for the members, and is earned by the members – their collaborative effort toward their vision and mission.

One of the first things that attracted me to Toastmasters, was witnessing the power of teamwork, a fun supportive learning environment and amazing individuals with a heart of gold.  Toastmasters share the same sentiments everywhere. When Andrew Tsuro and I landed in Malawi and met with Mr William le Roux, CEO of Standard Bank Malawi, and his staff, Toastmasters members in Malawi joined us for the meeting.  Karen Levy Strauss, who was in South Africa at the time, also joined the meeting online. At Toastmasters, teamwork is one of our favorite principles.

Seeing the collaboration, cooperation and coordination in action across countries was a CoE moment for me.

No, not Cash Over Everything, but Community of Experts.

And so was the team of high performing leaders I served with in Division H.

Toastmasters gives you the knowledge and the skill to communicate effectively as a leader and to lead with integrity, respect, service, excellence, and humility. Through Toastmasters, one is allowed to learn leadership and communication skills which are useful in the business environment, home and everywhere else.

I enjoyed serving my fellow Toastmasters as their Division H Director and I learned a lot about intellectual leadership and leading leaders. I learned about teamwork and leading a high performing team.  Division H, the Division of overachievers. Division of the Year 2018/2019.

I was privileged to have been mentored by our past District Director Keith Bowen and our past Division H Director Dimitri Grekas who also served as my guidance committee on my High Performance Leadership project. I salute you for the significant difference you made towards the success of Division H becoming Division of the Year.

To my five phenomenal Area Directors, and their heroic stunts, Omega Mwanza, after four Years of seeing no club growth in Malawi, her determination broke the mould.  Enias Chingwe, when crisis showed up –  we lost our venue 7 days before our 100+ Club Officer were to attend the Leadership training. Out of nowhere, you found and secured a new suitable venue.  Garth Thomson, where we once lost clubs, ensured there was not club loss. Thando Cofu, where there was no membership growth, you influenced growth that met all requirements. And Rick Raubenheimer was sitting at zero goals, ensured within the space of 10 months that the clubs went from Zero to Hero. A team that was always self-motivated, self-driven and they inspired me daily.

I’m grateful for their dedication and hard work. The tremendous support they have shown towards our team vision and mission throughout our journey together. Our success is attributed to the collective collaborative teamwork. A special thanks to Margot Don who believed in me in this role and another special thanks to Lynda Eatwell, Division H Hero of the Year, who always said yes – when one asks for help.

Congratulations to all the members who achieved their goals, those who supported, who applauded and who gave valuable feedback.

That’s one of the best things about the Toastmasters program – you are almost guaranteed success because you get mentors to show you the ropes. Teams support each other.

‘’The key to realising your dream is to focus not on success, but on significance – and then even the small steps and little victories along the path will take on greater meaning.” Oprah Winfrey

Whether you are a seasoned leader or aspiring leader. Toastmasters is for you.

Audrey Mphela