Toastmasters gave Ellen the confidence to tell her own story and imagine new possibilities, and the courage to strike out on her own. After 28 years of working in a large organization in the employment field, Ellen left it behind for a small business of her own. Already a certified employment coach, Ellen started a career advancement and employment interview coaching business called Your Career Destiny.
Ellen never imagined striking out on her own before Toastmasters. Ellen’s home club, High Park Speakers Club (HPS), gave her a safe and supportive place to practice communicating, telling her own story and taking initiative. It was the stepping stone she needed to make many important career and life transitions. Because of the communication skills learned in Toastmasters, Ellen has gone on to deliver professional presentations to large groups of people. She enjoys delivering interactive workshops that have a much greater impact.
Achieving her DTM this year was a highlight of Ellen’s Toastmasters journey. Highlights of her DTM experience include organizing a Speechcraft and sponsoring a new club. Organizing the Bickford Centre Speechcraft reinforced her appreciation for team-work and the importance of collaboration. She also gained a new respect for the value of diversity. Each member of a team brings important skills and strengths to the table which together make a much stronger team with powerful potential where much can be accomplished.
Ellen is proud of the new Toastmasters Club she helped organize and co-sponsor. Founding The Speakers Club of Ryerson Engineering provided Ellen with a new found appreciation for the diversity of experience each member brings to a club. It taught her the importance of focusing on each member’s individual needs when recruiting. Whether targeting her message to an audience, employer or new member, she stays tuned to the WIIFT channel (What’s In It For Them).
Ellen’s TM journey is not over yet. She looks forward to the continuous learning and growth opportunities Pathways offers–starting with the ‘Coaching Pathway’, which aligns nicely with her business and career goals. High Park Speakers continues to support Ellen’s success as a club that is relaxed enough to let her spread her wings and try new things while providing her with just the right amount of structure and challenge to help me grow and have fun doing it.
Ellen says: “I recently discovered my story-telling potential and look
forward to a new exciting journey. There comes a time when you want to give back to your community. Now I help others to discover their own success stories. I tell others to tell your own story with confidence and you too can define your own career path and reach your optimal career destiny. With the right amount of support from organizations like Toastmasters you too can own Your Career Destiny.”
