DTM Aiyda Abdulwohab and the DTM Journey

Interview by TM Nuhamin Abate

Yet again, TM Nuhamin Abate interviewed one of the DTMs in Ethiopia and extracted these experiences so that we see the path these DTMs went through, their motivations and their aim up ahead. Excerpts:

I joined Toastmasters International to improve my public speaking, but I stayed because it took me far beyond my horizon—and sometimes beyond my comfort zone (and my timezone!). What began as a practical skill quickly became a source of purpose, adventure, and connection. Toastmasters gave me reasons to finally visit places I had been procrastinating on for years, like Entebbe, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar City. And now I’m heading to Kigali. Running a travel agency, I travel for work and pleasure, and everywhere I go, Toastmasters gives me instant community and lifelong friends.

My biggest “aha!” moment came while running a deeply personal project to commemorate a lost Toastmasters friend, Ashenafi. The project was led by Yosef Fantu, with teammates Demelash, Ermias, myself as past Division E Director, and many other close friends. That project reminded me that Toastmasters isn’t just about speeches or titles—it’s about becoming better humans and creating connections that last across borders, cultures, and hearts.

Professionally, the DTM journey has been transformative. Toastmasters didn’t just improve my speaking—it directly boosted my business. I’ve seen measurable increases in customer engagement, sales, and income because I can communicate clearly, pitch confidently, and connect with clients on a deeper level. Beyond my business, Toastmasters opened doors to entirely new professional paths—MC’ing national events, facilitating workshops, coordinating large-scale business events, and even appearing on radio shows. Roles I never imagined myself taking became not only possible but enjoyable, adding new dimensions to my career and income streams.

My most challenging project was my final DTM project. The steps seemed simple on paper, but implementing it meant coordinating members across Ethiopia, securing district approval, partnering with Dashen Bank, and convincing members to pay renewal fees early so international transfers could happen smoothly. That project taught me that leadership is less about perfect plans and more about patience, trust, and follow-through.

I didn’t have one dramatic turning point that made me pursue the DTM path. Becoming a Division Director simply exposed the skill gaps I didn’t know I had. Suddenly, I was expected to lead demo sessions in international organizations, represent Toastmasters International in the media, and sit across the table from international leaders to discuss real issues. All of that required presentation, leadership, and confidence muscles I hadn’t fully built yet. So I did the only thing available to me: I logged into Pathways, read, prepared, rehearsed, asked for feedback, and faced my fears. One project led to another, and before I knew it, I had completed more than I originally planned.

Being a Distinguished Toastmaster, to me, isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to growth, service, and impact. It’s about embodying the principles of Toastmasters every day: listening, leading, communicating, and helping others shine. I continue to practice these principles in my professional work, personal relationships, and in the global friendships I’ve cultivated through Toastmasters.

I keep coming back because I didn’t grow alone—I grew through mentors, evaluators, and constant encouragement. Soft skills have no finish line, and I plan to keep sharpening the saw. I also believe there’s still so much to build in Toastmasters in Ethiopia, and I feel responsible to be part of that growth.

For someone just starting out in Toastmasters, my advice is simple: show up and embrace the journey. Don’t worry about perfection—focus on growth. Every speech, every role, every evaluation is a chance to learn. Listen more than you speak, and let curiosity guide you. The skills you develop here will ripple into every aspect of your life, professionally and personally.

For members who have been there a while, the single most important skill is being a team player. Leadership isn’t about standing alone—it’s about knowing how to lead others and being willing to be led. You don’t grow in isolation. People trust who they know, so don’t be afraid to show who you are. Also, learn to assign yourself. You won’t always be pushed forward; sometimes you have to raise your hand. There is no one like you on the team—so show up, don’t back out.

For those feeling overwhelmed on the DTM path, don’t wait for a new year or the “perfect time”—there is no best or most convenient moment to start a project. Start now. Open your workbook today, write one speech idea, and take one small step. No rush. Bring mentors on board to guide you and help you excel. And don’t be afraid to repeat a project—refine it, give it a fresh twist, and present it again.

What lies ahead for me in Toastmasters International? Honestly, I feel like I’m just getting started. There was a time when being a club treasurer or club president felt like the big stage. Toastmasters widened my horizon. I can’t imagine stopping at Area or Division roles or even district administration. I see room to grow into district leadership, regional leadership, and even international leadership. I’m not in a rush to collect titles— I’m focused on building the skills and serving where I’m needed. The timeline will take care of itself.

Finally, when life gets overwhelming, my grounding ritual is simple: I pause, breathe, and reflect on what truly matters. A short moment of mindfulness keeps perspective, recharges energy, and reminds me that challenges are just steps along the path of growth—both in Toastmasters and in life.