Here are the key lessons and takeaways from the interview with Thobeka Tshabalala:

On the Role of a Vice President of Membership (VPM)

• The VPM role is described as the “heart of the club,” responsible for welcoming new members and guiding them on their journey.
• A key function is to witness and facilitate the growth of individuals from their first visit to becoming confident speakers.
• The role involves proactive and strategic outreach, not just waiting for potential members to show interest.

The Importance of Support and Guidance

• Providing support to new members is essential. Don’t just assign roles; guide them on how to execute those roles successfully.
• Creating a supportive and welcoming community is fundamental to making new members feel they belong.
• Giving members opportunities to contribute value from the beginning helps build their confidence and commitment.

Attracting and Integrating New Members

• Strategic Outreach: Instead of passive attraction, proactively reach out to different departments within the organisation. Engage with executive leadership to encourage nominations.
• Immediate Involvement: Get new members involved straight away by encouraging them to take on meeting roles, even before delivering their first speech. This helps them integrate quickly and feel part of the team.
• Formal Integration: Position the Toastmasters club as a key part of the company’s formal learning and development tracks to attract members seeking practical skill development.
• Welcoming Process: Provide a comprehensive information pack to guests on their first visit to give them all the necessary details to make an informed decision.

Retaining Members

• Create a Sense of Belonging: A key to retention is fostering a community where members feel supported and valued.
• Active Participation: Encouraging immediate and ongoing participation in meeting roles keeps members engaged and demonstrates the value of the club.
• Show them their own Growth: Providing consistent feedback and support helps members see their own progress, which is a powerful motivator to continue.

Advice for Leaders in Corporate Clubs

• Seek Executive Sponsorship: Actively cultivate relationships with sponsors at the executive level who can advocate for the program and its benefits within the organisation.
• Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Go out to the business to find members. Don’t wait for them to come to you.
• Understand the “Why”: Recognise that Toastmasters offers a practical, hands-on application of skills that complements academic qualifications, and position it as such within the company.

Overcoming Challenges

• Embrace Agency: The core lesson from Thobeka’s experience is encapsulated in the quote, “What you’re not changing, you’re choosing.” This mindset is crucial for personal growth and for proactively addressing challenges within the club.
• Leverage the Corporate Structure: While corporate clubs face challenges like reliance on company funding, they have a unique opportunity to gain support from leadership and integrate with existing development programs.