It seems that women just make everything better, including Toastmasters Clubs. In this episode of the Transformational Pathways podcast, Anu Senan talks to Sheila Oranch. As a pioneering female member and one of the first female club presidents of Toastmasters in New York State, Sheila Oranch has seen how the entry of women has also allowed more people from all walks of life into what was previously just a men’s club. Having been active since 1974, she has also seen how learning better communication skills have allowed people from even the worst situations to better themselves. When you’re given a roomful of people who will give you full attention and good feedback, there’s just no limit to what you can do. HIGHLIGHTS How women changed Toastmasters clubs Talking is not communicating Lessons learned from volunteering in a prison for women Toastmasters Clubs host youth leadership programs too Every speed bump is a stepping stone to success QUOTES Sheila: "When you break any one barrier, it tends to break all the other barriers. And I don't know that it matters which is the entry point, but as soon as any self-contained homogenous group accepts any people who are different than they are ... all of a sudden, different doesn't seem so scary." Sheila: "Talking isn't communicating. I was born talking, apparently. That came naturally. But if you're not able to listen and understand your audience and fairly exchange concepts and understanding, then you're not communicating." Sheila: "When a person has a roomful of people genuinely listening to them, responding, applauding, giving constructive feedback, they get so much confidence you can see them blossom. Like that little flower that finally gets some water and sunshine. See them coming week after week and going from shuffling in like 'oh my god, do I have to be here' to like, they couldn't wait and competing with each other to get to be Toastmaster next meeting." Sheila: "I never forgot being a teenager, being a young person and not being listened to. Not being heard, being treated as something like a puppy or a kitten and not a thinking, caring human being who had opinions. I want the young people to gain their voice. I want them to be heard because that's how we're going to change the world." Sheila: "Every speed bump is a stepping stone to success. All the but-buts, all the reasons why you can't do something, that's just your to-do list. Even if something is scary or difficult, that's probably because you don't know enough about it, to know that you can do it. Connect with Sheila in the link below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-oranch-966180/ Find out more about Toastmasters, visit https://toastmasters46.org/ and follow District 46 on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toastmasters46/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/toast-masters-district-46 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TMDistrict46/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/toastmasters46/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/district46tm Please rate, review and subscribe! Toastmasters - where leaders are made.