We are honored to be joined by Lark Doley, Toastmasters International President, 2018-2019. On today’s episode learn: • Lark’s journey from TI (Texas Instruments) Table Topics to TI (Toastmasters International) Presidency • Why attending Toastmasters International Convention is life changing • How true leaders strive for the “bottom” of the Servant Leadership pyramid • The 4 Key Components of Transformational Leadership • Why Toastmasters is Pure Gold This episode serves for all listening to be reminded that Effective Communication is the key to leadership success and to encourage EVERYONE to achieve their true potential. Enjoy!
Find a full transcript for today's episode here
We are honored to be joined by Lark Doley, Toastmasters International President, 2018-2019.
Lark Doley, DTM, from the Republic of Texas, has been a Toastmaster since 1990. Lark has served at all levels of leadership in the non-profit global organization.
Lark’s business leadership leap began at another “TI”, Texas Instruments, then launched her own computer company, which she later sold.
On today’s episode learn:
• Lark’s journey from TI (Texas Instruments) Table Topics to TI (Toastmasters International) Presidency
• Why attending Toastmasters International Convention is life changing
• How true leaders strive for the “bottom” of the Servant Leadership pyramid
• The 4 Key Components of Transformational Leadership
• Why Toastmasters is Pure Gold
This episode serves for all listening to be reminded that Effective Communication is the key to leadership success and to encourage EVERYONE to achieve their true potential. Enjoy!
Connect with Lark Doley via email at ldoley@toastmasters.org
Register for the 2023 Toastmasters International Convention August 16-19, 2023 in Nassau, Bahamas at https://www.toastmasters.org/events/2023-international-convention
ABOUT THE HOST:
Rob Sherman, DTM, began his Toastmaster journey in 2006, is a Past Director of President’s Distinguished Division O in District 85 in Region 14, and completed 4 Pathways in 4.5 years.
The Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club.
GET A QUESTION ANSWERED:
Ask Rob anything at leadwithrobertsherman@gmail.com
Episode Intro [spoken by Rob]:
Welcome to the Toastmasters Leadership Podcast, where we hear from TOP LEADERS from around the world
about their inspiring leadership journeys in Toastmasters and how Toastmasters has helped advance their careers and relationships.
————
Deeeeaaaaar Fellow Toastmasters and Distinguished Guests,
I am your host, Rob Sherman, Immediate past Division Director of the President’s Distinguished Division O in District 85 in Shanghai, China…
And member of the Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club, the sponsor of this Toastmasters Leadership Podcast.
Today I am honored to speak with and go on the Leadership journey
of Lark Doley, DTM Toastmasters International President, 2018-2019
We’ll hear why Lark’s #1 key to leadership success is effective communication
How Lark, as a Marketing executive at Texas Instruments Austin TX in the United States, from a single table topics, opened the door to another TI opportunity, global leadership of Toastmasters International
This started her 3 decade journey in Toastmasters and opportunities to lead along the way …
Including CEO of her own business for more than a decade
We’ll also hear…
Why Lark is a Big believer in Transformational leadership
How to lead in an inspirational manner in Toastmasters?
And Why is Toastmasters is pure gold?
We will learn Why Lark was inspired to join TM and
Why we all should attend this years Toastmasters Int’l convention in August in the Bahamas
I hope you find this podcast useful on your Toastmasters journey…
without further ado, from the Republic of Texas, here is Lark Doley, DTM, Toastmasters International President, 2018-2019, …
[00:00:00] Rob: Well, thank you and, and welcome Lark Doley, Toastmaster International President, 2018 2019, to the Leadership podcast. It looks like you are in a, an amazing Whitehouse [00:00:15] in Texas, uh, in the Republic of Texas. Uh, if you could please give us, uh, a short introduction of who you are and where you're from. I, I think I'll let the cat out of the bag, but I'll let you.
[00:00:28] Lark: I think you did, Robert, thanks [00:00:30] so much for saying that. I'm in the Republic of Texas. We do pride ourselves being a born and bred Texan on our state. But yes, I live northwest of Austin, Texas in the United States, and I live in a lighthouse home [00:00:45] that was built by my husband Roger, who was from England. And it was built in honor of my father-in-law, Arthur, who passed away in 1997, but my husband also passed away in 2014.
[00:00:59] So the [00:01:00] lighthouse now stands in honor of both men whom I adored, both from England and men who love the sea. Now, this lighthouse home overlooks Lake Travis, so it does not overlook an ocean or a sea, but it is my [00:01:15] home and I love it. About myself. I've been a member of Toastmasters for almost 33 years, 33 years in September.
[00:01:24] And as far as my professional life is concerned, I've done a variety of things. I had the [00:01:30] opportunity to work as a marketing manager at Texas Instruments. I had my own business for 12 years, and I ended my career when I retired in March, 2021 as a training manager at Maximus. Wow.
[00:01:44] Rob: Well, [00:01:45] there's a, a lot to unpack there, but it's, it's an amazing career as well as an amazing, as you mentioned, uh, testament as far as a home to amazing people who, in your life that, uh, who may not be with us anymore, [00:02:00] but live on with an amazing.
[00:02:02] House that I like you said, is, is a lookout. Is a lighthouse. But I'm sure it's a beacon for, for you and for anyone looking at it from a distance of amazing people in your [00:02:15] life. And it, it is amazing to me also to hear you go from one TI Texas instruments to another. And so the, the initials don't change, but the worldwide organization, uh, has, has lived on [00:02:30] in, in terms leadership and.
[00:02:31] The main thing that I wanna talk about today is your leadership with Toastmasters inside Toastmasters as well as outside of Toastmasters. Uh, could you please tell us a little more about that?
[00:02:43] Lark: I would be delighted to [00:02:45] do that. And that's fascinating that you know that Texas Instruments, abbreviates, their name is ti and of course Toastmasters does as well.
[00:02:54] So you're absolutely correct. I found it fascinating that I have worked for Texas Instruments and I [00:03:00] believe that I've worked. Or Toastmasters International. I'll start with my professional life. My first leadership opportunity was at Texas Instruments. I was working for an organization, a marketing [00:03:15] organization, and when.
[00:03:16] My manager left. I applied for that marketing management position, and I was promoted to that position. At that time, I was one of only two women in leadership at [00:03:30] the Austin site of Texas Instruments, so I felt very privileged. To be given that leadership opportunity. And then of course, I went on to found my own company where I was c e O.
[00:03:42] And of course, as I said, ended my career as a [00:03:45] training manager at Maximus here in Austin, Texas as well. So I have had different professional opportunities to lead. But in Toastmasters, when I joined in 1990, my first opportunity to lead was as. Club secretary [00:04:00]and then I became the club president. After that, I filled the roles of area director and division director.
[00:04:07] We actually called them governors at that time, but those are the current equivalent roles, area director and [00:04:15] division director. At that point, I thought my leadership in Toastmasters had ended, so I took a break and. Through the encouragement of the district director in district 56, I applied to [00:04:30] become the equivalent to today's club growth director and ran for that position and won that position in 1996.
[00:04:40] My leadership journey is an evolutionary journey, but it [00:04:45] began being a club officer and over the years, over 28 years, it took me to become our Toastmasters international president in 2018.
[00:04:56] Rob: Wow. So 28 years. So for [00:05:00] those at home who are looking to. Fill the top spot, start now. Uh, it's never too early and at the same time, it's amazing to hear your progression not only in Toastmasters as far as the leadership position, [00:05:15] but where it started with your company.
[00:05:16] And it's interesting how that, uh, has merged, as we said, uh, from ti to ti. And so what, if I could ask, what brought you to Toastmasters originally? [00:05:30] Interestingly
[00:05:30] Lark: enough, I was invited to a Toastmasters meeting at Texas Instruments, but I was called on to answer a table topic, and I was the first person to respond to a table topic.
[00:05:44] I didn't even [00:05:45] know what a table topic was, and I felt I failed at the organization never to return Then. I was invited to a Toastmasters meeting by another friend, a Toastmasters community club, and I [00:06:00] said, oh no, I've already failed at that organization. But this individual heard the story, encouraged me to attend, said I would not be called upon to respond to a table topic, and that is what hooked me into the organization.
[00:06:13] But, I did not [00:06:15] become a member until I attended the 1990 Toastmasters International Convention in Dallas, Texas, where our hometown boy, David Brooks, spoke at the International Speech [00:06:30] Competition and won it. After that, I joined the Today Toastmasters Club. That's my story. That's your
[00:06:37] Rob: story and you're sticking to it.
[00:06:39] Inspiring story as well. Uh, it sounds like the international convention came to your [00:06:45] doorstep and you walked right in, uh, to the organization and we're, we're all better off for it. So that, that is a great story. Now, what do you think is the number one key to being a successful leader? I. [00:07:00]
[00:07:00] Lark: This one I believe is very easy to answer and that is effective communication to me is the number one key to successes in every aspect of our lives, and [00:07:15] especially in leadership success.
[00:07:17] I believe that. Toastmasters teaches us effective communication, and that's why we have merged the communication and leadership tenets of our organization. [00:07:30] I joined because I wanted to improve my communication skills, but when I found out about the leadership opportunities in this organization, I relished in every leadership role that I've held in this organization.
[00:07:42] But to be an effective leader, [00:07:45] you must be an effective communicator.
[00:07:48] Rob: No, you're absolutely right. And it's interesting because. I've been in Toastmaster now, uh, almost 16 years, and I do remember when I first started, and likely [00:08:00] when you first started too, they had two different manuals. Remember the Competent communicator they did, and the leadership manual were two separate tracks, and so it was almost like we had to choose.
[00:08:12] Which area did we wanna focus on, or what was the [00:08:15] path we wanted to go down? And now with pathways, with our 11 different pathways, like you said, they are merged. They are in one learning, uh, trajectory. So I think as you, you mentioned, I. Maybe something in that [00:08:30] Toastmasters international learning system.
[00:08:32] They figured that out too, that the number one key to being a successful leader is effective communication. So that is a, a very aptt point. Now, why [00:08:45] did you wanna be Toastmasters International President?
[00:08:49] Lark: That was a gradual evolutionary process. I certainly did not join Toastmasters to become the Toastmasters international President, and in fact, [00:09:00] it.
[00:09:02] 20 years for me to reach that idea. Actually, in 2010, I served as region advisor and I served two terms as region advisor until 2012. [00:09:15] My husband passed away in 2014, and if you recall, that was the year of the international convention in Koala Lumpur. My husband passed away in April. And a dear friend of mine asked me if I [00:09:30] wanted to go to the convention in Kuala Lumpur.
[00:09:32] Well, I've been every year. I started attending conventions in 1990, but I didn't attend my next one until 1996, but I had attended every year after that, but I was grieving [00:09:45] significantly from the death of my husband. She said she would make all of the arrangements if I wanted to go, and in Koala Lumpur, My worldwide friends.
[00:09:58] Leaders of this [00:10:00] organization, members of this organization, asked me what my next step was in Toastmasters. I had not thought about a next step, but when they encouraged me, I decided to consider running for second vice president. I came [00:10:15] back to Austin, Texas. I gathered together a group of my Toastmasters friends and said, if I do this, will you support me?
[00:10:24] I. And they all said Absolutely. And that's what started my journey to become [00:10:30]the president of Toastmasters International.
[00:10:33] Rob: Wow. Now that is an inspiring story as well as I think highlights how Toastmasters really is a, a, a worldwide community, a worldwide family of [00:10:45] 143 countries and 18,000 clubs. And, and, but bringing it back home and how it really does take a village to, to not only just put together a Toastmaster club, but also a candidate and candidacy.
[00:10:59] I [00:11:00] do
[00:11:00] Lark: understand. Yeah, Robert, and I'm sorry to interrupt, but it absolutely is imperative that each one of us encourages the potential in every member of this [00:11:15] organization, and we need to do that in communication and leadership, but we need to provide that positive, supportive environment where each of our members can achieve their true potential in all aspects of their lives.
[00:11:29] I [00:11:30] had not encouraged me at every step in my leadership journey. I would never have become Toastmasters international president, so I ask each and every member of this organization to encourage and support every member [00:11:45] in whatever their goals. Are, but if you see potential in them to become a world champion, to become an accredited speaker, to become a Toastmasters International president, then tell them that you see that potential in them, [00:12:00] and then support them and encourage them in their journey.
[00:12:03] Rob: Excellent, excellent point. As well as a call to action, I think to everyone out there. And it isn't just a, a world championship, a public [00:12:15] speaking speech of I see something in you. It really is something that I think happens every at, really is at every meeting that I've ever been, uh, at Toastmasters, there usually is someone that really has that.[00:12:30]
[00:12:30] Potential inside them that they might not know it. Until it, it comes out e even if it is, uh, table topics that we have to raise their hand or it is, uh, just an introduction. I've seen it [00:12:45] in, in worldwide and club in the uk. Someone just a introduction to the meeting. They couldn't even. Uh, pronouncing their name maybe.
[00:12:53] And then once they did afterwards it, it really sparked something. Uh, and so as you [00:13:00] mentioned, that's for some the journey to get into Toastmaster and then in your situation, to reach the pinnacle of leadership in Toastmaster International with people giving you the support. And that is, Something that I think [00:13:15] everyone really can look at as far as inspiration
[00:13:19] Lark: and how, but now Robert, remember the Pinnacle is actually the member.
[00:13:23] They're at the top of the organization. I just had the privilege to serve at the bottom of the organization, so I've made it to [00:13:30] the bottom.
[00:13:32] Rob: That is a, an excellent, an excellent way of looking at it. It's true. We are, they're serving our members and it's not, uh, s at the top. It's true. Yes. We're serving leaders.
[00:13:43] So then [00:13:45] wanted to ask, what would be a lesson, a leadership lesson that you learned the hard way in Toastmasters?
[00:13:54] Lark: The leadership lesson I have learned the hard way is, To deal [00:14:00] with conflict or misunderstandings immediately. So I will tell you that my club growth director and I had some difficulties and I.
[00:14:14] [00:14:15] Because I don't like conflict, tended to avoid it instead of address it. And what I would say to everyone is that address conflicts and some conflicts are [00:14:30] simply misunderstandings, just miscommunication. I believe that again, effective communication is key to leadership and is absolutely key to resolving conflict.
[00:14:41] If I had just sat down with her, if I just said, let's go out for a cup of coffee, [00:14:45] let's go out for dinner and let's talk about this, let's resolve this, then my, I believe that my leadership year and her leadership year would've been more productive, and certainly it would've been better for our district as well.[00:15:00]
[00:15:00] Rob: Well said. And it goes back to your point of number one, keyto leadership is effective communication. And if that communication breaks down, then it's difficult to lead. Yeah. So that brings up [00:15:15] the, the idea that in Texas. Where you're from there, there might be a, a cultural style. And being the international president of Toastmasters, you had the experience to see [00:15:30]leadership styles from around the world.
[00:15:32] Do you see any differences as in Texas, there's the famous saying, don't mess with Texas, but at the same time, I would imagine you're, when you are president of Toastmaster [00:15:45]International, You are not trying to push people away, you are trying to make it a more inviting and open and diverse leadership culture.
[00:15:52] So do you see the cultural differences? And if so, what are they?
[00:15:57] Lark: Oh, I believe there are cultural differences in [00:16:00] leadership styles around the world, but there are differences in each one of us as a person. And so to me, what I try to do is I try to adapt my leadership style to what they need. And I will [00:16:15] tell you, I'm a big believer in transformational leadership.
[00:16:19] And recently I've been so inspired by Lance Ton. His inspirational leadership message to me is so critical. And [00:16:30] also Simon Sinek, start With Why, but I believe in transformational leadership, and to me that's. Four tenets that they discuss in transformational leadership, and that is inspirational [00:16:45] motivation, idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.
[00:16:53] To me, those four tenets of transformational leadership should be global. [00:17:00] And I believe that the foundation of our leadership style for our organization is based in our core values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence. So if every [00:17:15] one of our Toastmasters leaders bases their leadership style on our core values, then I believe that we will all lead in an inspirational manner.
[00:17:29] Rob: [00:17:30] Absolutely, and as well as appreciate your telling us about the transformational leadership tenets, and that is something that hopefully we all can also adopt into our leadership styles. Excellent. The. [00:17:45] Biggest memory that I have of the 2022 Toastmasters International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, besides the World Championship Pub of public speaking was seeing the Congo [00:18:00] Vine, the the, and how much everyone participated in the events at the international convention and who was at the front of the Congo line.[00:18:15]
[00:18:15] International President 2019. So what would you say to anyone listening out there? Who is thinking about attending this year in 2023 in Bahamas?
[00:18:27] Lark: I would say just go, but I [00:18:30] will give you some reasons behind it. Well, as I've already stated, when I attended the 1990 Toastmasters International Convention, just the International Speech Competition, that inspired me to join Toastmasters, and then when I [00:18:45]became a district officer, the equivalent to the club growth director I attended.
[00:18:50] The San Diego International Convention, and I've attended one every year since. I'll tell you what my father-in-law said when [00:19:00] he attended the 1996 Toastmasters International Convention with me. He lived with us for three years in Austin, Texas, but he was from Nottingham, England, and he heard and seen the World [00:19:15] Series of Baseball on TV and he.
[00:19:19] What other countries besides the United States are represented in the World Series of Baseball? And I said, none. And he said, then [00:19:30] why is it called a World Series? When we went to the San Diego Toastmasters International Convention and he saw the parade of flags of the countries where we serve our members, [00:19:45] he looked at me and he said, The World Series of Baseball does not encompass the world, but Toastmasters International does encompass the world.
[00:19:59] If you [00:20:00] attend a Toastmasters international convention, you'll make friends, lifelong friends from around the world. You'll be inspired, you'll be educated. You'll participate in. The leadership [00:20:15] elections for our board of directors, you'll have the opportunity to see the World Championship of public speaking.
[00:20:24] So start saving your pennies now to attend the International [00:20:30] Convention in The Bahamas and then. As you stay a lifelong member of Toastmasters International, I hope you'll also be a lifelong attendee of the Toastmasters International Conventions. They [00:20:45] are truly golden.
[00:20:49] Rob: Excellent. Uh, I'll see you at The Bahamas 2023 Toastmaster International Convention for sure, and looking forward to it.
[00:20:57] And as you said, there's a [00:21:00] lot going on there. There's the public speaking international contest, there's the election of future Board of directors. There's discussion also of new rules and ways that Toastmasters can improve [00:21:15] as well as. Like you said, 143 countries represented the parade of flags to see how truly global our organization is.
[00:21:27] So I have one other question of [00:21:30] how people can find you besides the lighthouse. Uh, if they ever go outside of Austin, Texas, uh, if they want to get in touch with you in terms of leadership advice or how they can hear more [00:21:45] pearls of wisdom.
[00:21:46] Lark: I would be honored to interact with any member of Toastmasters or any potential member of Toastmasters.
[00:21:53] And the best way to reach me is through my email address and I'm privileged to have a Toastmasters email address, [00:22:00] so it is l doley@toastmasters.org and that's L D O L E Y at Toastmasters, do so I would. Love to have [00:22:15] people reach out to me. Thank you so much, Robert. Well,
[00:22:17] Rob: well thank you, Laura. And this has been truly an honor and a privilege as well as something that I will treasure because I think a lot of you, what you have told about your journey in leadership in [00:22:30] Toastmasters is inspiring to me, but inspiring to people all over the world who look at.
[00:22:37] What is the potential in Toastmasters and in potential for themselves and how Toastmasters really [00:22:45] does bring out the potential leader in all of us. So thank you for giving us that shining example. The golden example, as you mentioned.
[00:22:55] Lark: Thank you Robert so much. I truly believe that Toastmasters [00:23:00] is pure gold.
[00:23:01] It gives us golden improvements in communication and leadership skills, and a golden circle of global friends, and I'm glad that we've had this opportunity today, and I can't wait to see you in The [00:23:15] Bahamas.
[00:23:15] Rob: Again, thank you. Look forward to seeing you Bahamas, and I will, I, I won't be the first one in the Congo line, but I'll enjoy being in the Congo line with you in The Bahamas at the Toastmasters 2023 International Convention.[00:23:30]
[00:23:30] I look forward to. Thank you very much.[00:23:45]
Episode Ask Me Anything:
Thank you listeners for reaching out with your questions about Toastmasters.
In my mailbag today is a question from Akeel, who asks,
“Should I run for Division Director? I am an Area Director and not sure about future leadership positions in Toastmasters. Can you help me decide.”
Thank you Akeel for your question.
I’d say, “go with your gut” in terms of seeking more opportunities to lead in Toastmasters and further build leadership muscles. I’ve usually gone with the advice from Sir Richard Branson who said,"If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later!"
As Division Director there’s a greater chance to shape future leaders since can share the lessons learned as Area Director to a team of Area Directors. Also, as Division Director, there’s a greater opportunity to impact a variety of Toastmasters and clubs, corporate clubs, community clubs, new clubs, clubs that might need a boost.
Clearly, Division Director is more responsibility, may be bigger time commitment, however, I also think the rewards are greater as Division Director.
So Akeel, and all Toastmaster Area Directors thinking about building leadership muscles, I’d say, Division Director is a great choice.