Leading the 2024 Toastmasters International District 94 Conference Organising Committee was an honor and a privilege. An honor because I was trusted to lead the planning and execution of this annual conference which was hosted in Abuja, Nigeria for the first time in 10 years. It was a privilege because I got the opportunity to showcase and hone my skills in strategic planning and execution. I was able to bring to bear my years of experience leading teams, executing projects, and planning programmes.
I have learned in Toastmasters to imbibe the core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. As leaders, we rise to the call to serve when called upon to do so.
The leader indeed wears many hats. This experience got me adding new hats to what I already had, eye-opening moments, and instances of deep thoughts that I would not forget in a hurry.
One major lesson that this experience taught me is that Trust is a currency.
Trust is the currency of leadership. It takes trust to have people endorse you and follow you. The process of picking the District Conference Organising Committee Chair did not come on a platter. It required some thorough consultations and each time, my name came up. My District Director, during her first call to me, said she believed I would deliver this assignment seeing that my name was unanimously mentioned.
I took this challenge with all my heart. I had to pray for strength and focus, especially at a time when I was busy with doctoral coursework and consultancy. Indeed, when there is a will, there will be a way, and time became my friend.
Trust is built over time in the things you do, and how you do them. Leading by example, and being consistent, dependable, reliable, approachable, friendly, authentic, empathetic, vulnerable, and generous are great ways to build trust.
The test of who or what you have become will always play out because it is not who you say you are, but what they say you are.
For me, my leadership journey is still work in progress shaped by the experiences and the opportunities to serve.
I am grateful for the gift of Trust and the amazing team leads that made this happen.
