September 2025 Leader Letter
Embrace Every Opportunity
Get inspired by leadership insights shared by International President Aletta Rochat, DTM
When she’s asked why she first joined Toastmasters, International President Aletta Rochat’s response differs from the public speaking or career-focused answer you might typically hear from a guest or new member at a club meeting. “I like to joke that I was running away from my kids,” she quips.
Already a reasonably comfortable speaker, Rochat was looking for something to get involved in outside of her family—something that could be uniquely hers. Since joining Cape Town Toastmasters in 2008, she has embraced every opportunity to deepen that involvement, consistently volunteering to fulfill the next need, the next role.
As she embarks on her greatest service role yet, she recognizes that the profound impact of Toastmasters clubs is transformation—the possibilities that unlock when an individual dedicates themself to the program.
With the elegant simplicity of our mission in mind, Rochat invites you to focus on the basics as you lead your club or District this term and beyond. Ground everything you do in purposeful action. Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to help others experience the transformation that comes with improved confidence? What actions are you currently taking, and why? Are there opportunities you haven’t yet explored?
Consider this hard-earned leadership advice from Rochat as you step forward in your role.
People come first. Before diving into your ambitious goals, nurture relationships with your team. You can’t be an island trying to accomplish it all on your own—you need to inspire others to want to contribute, too. A satisfied and cohesive team is the foundation for accomplishing all the tasks that will follow. And never underestimate the power of a phone call! Rochat believes that one of the most underrated leadership tools is validation. The more you let others know that you see and appreciate their value, the stronger their drive becomes.
Be direct, but empathetic. Have you ever walked away from an interaction feeling confused about what you were being asked to do or how your work was received? Imagine how much more productive you could have been if they had directly told you what was on their mind. Facing tasks or challenges head-on helps your team achieve results. That said, always leave room for the other person’s perspective, especially in moments of conflict. As a mentor once told Rochat, "The movie going on in that other person’s head makes perfect sense to them.” Work to understand where that person is coming from so you can arrive at an understanding together, even when you ultimately disagree.
Remember that you belong. You deserve validation from yourself, too! It’s human nature to feel that you’re not prepared for the next big step or to question if you’re qualified for it. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you that you’re ready. Envision yourself already succeeding in that next step or role, then act accordingly from where you are now. How would you approach this problem? What advice would you need? For example, if you’re a District leader aspiring to achieve Distinguished status this year, make decisions now that you believe a Distinguished District would make.
Say yes, then go all in. The more you step up in Toastmasters, the more opportunities flow your way. Rochat encourages you to accept that next challenge, then figure out what you need to succeed. The beauty of Toastmasters is that someone will always be there to support you as you step out of your comfort zone.
Do the basics right, consistently. Overall, community is what makes Toastmasters stand out—club members are the magic of the organization! Rochat is confident that when you make people feel welcome and you nurture their growth, you’ve provided tremendous value in exchange for their time. That’s where success lies for your club or District, and for the organization as a whole.
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