D50 After Dark Podcast
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Show Notes:
Kimberly Ross Breaking Ice
Highlights
2:28 – How Kim got started in Toastmasters
3:37 – Memorable moment from early Toastmasters days
9:41- Kim’s path to becoming District Director
11:10 – Responsibilities of a District Director
13:46 – Kim’s approach to leadership
16:08 – Impact of Toastmasters on Kim’s professional life
16:57 – Kim’s personal goals
In this episode of D50 After Dark’s second season, host Mickey Bennett, DTM, welcomes District 50 Director Kimberly Ross, DTM. Kim shares her six-year Toastmasters journey, which began when she was “voluntold” to join at her workplace, McAfee. She reflects, “If you would have asked me six years ago when I was voluntold that I would be doing this role today, I would say absolutely not.” Kim’s home club is Confident Leaders, though she’s involved in two other clubs.
Early in her Toastmasters experience, Kim helped revive a struggling corporate club, an experience that shaped her leadership approach. As District Director, she leads the District Trio with Program Quality Director Denise Castille, DTM, and Club Growth Director Rhonda Bunte, DTM. Kim further describes her role leading the team of division directors: “My role is to collaborate with division directors, lead them and guide them, encourage them when they may be feeling frustrated and cheer them on when they’re doing amazing things.”
Kim’s leadership style involves asking team members how they want to be led and how they prefer to lead others, fostering open communication and personalized support. She credits Toastmasters with boosting her confidence in public speaking and professional settings, noting that her workplace leaders now trust her to address large audiences.
The interview touches on Kim’s personal life. She has participated in triathlon competitions. Her recent home purchase has inspired her goal of being a responsible homeowner.
Throughout the conversation, Kim’s journey from surprised participant to district leader showcases the transformative power of Toastmasters. Her story illustrates how embracing opportunities and challenges can lead to unexpected personal and professional growth.
Mickey closes the episode with the promise of future episodes that will explore Kim’s vision for district success and the role of area directors, providing listeners with deeper insights into District 50’s leadership and goals. Listeners can expect to tune in to a bit of fun too.
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