Nicholas Njubi - Outgoing VPE

Having been in the role, describe the role in your own words.

Thrilling, full of wonderful lessons and a journey like no other.

What initially drew you to take up the role?

It was a suggestion from my mentor Monica Mbugua and my predecessor Wahiga Gichinga. They thought I would make a good VPE, so first thing I did was become Wahigas Assistant(2019-2020 year), then when election period came I grabbed the opportunity.

What were the challenges you faced while in office?

• Due to the pandemic we had to fully operate online. This meant as a club we had to not only hold online meetings but also contests for the first time . It was a challenge because we had to maintain the club quality and experience within a whole new environment. Luckily we did it.
• Handling full transition into pathways. This year pathways was fully adopted as an education program by toastmasters International. It meant members had to be supported in the transition process and to a large extent trained on pathways which is a program that is completely online.

How did you manage to keep a balance between work and Toastmaster leadership? Did you experience club officer burnout?

I kept a balance by scheduling my time appropriately and when in need I would ask for support from fellow club members and exco leaders.

Yes, I did a couple of times. It just meant that I needed to change what I was doing or how I was doing something.

Any lessons learnt while in office?

• Work hand in hand with fellow exco member.

  If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself - Henry Ford

• Planning is key to ones overall success.

  If you fail to plan then you are failing to plan - Benjamin Franklin

• It comes down to serving others.

  Servant Leadership is the only leadership that ultimately works. - Dave Ramsey

Advise to your successor?

Being Vice President of Education has been one of the most rewarding and toughest experiences within toastmasters. It will stretch you, but embrace it, work hand in hand with fellow members and exco leaders and in the end you will have a successful year. Lastly, through taking up this role your leadership skills will grow to an extent you won’t be able to recognize yourself at the end of the next toastmaster year..

Now that you are done with your tenure, where to next in your Toastmaster Leadership journey?

I currently have the honor of being the president elect. The next year I hope to grow in my leadership journey and support the club as the next club president. If anything else comes my way I am willing to support the district in whatever capacity but my major commitment is to the club.