What happens when you do everything right and the answer is still no? Rose Swearingen is a 25-year Toastmaster, former District Director, and one of the most experienced volunteer leaders in District 3 history. She recently ran for International Director on the Toastmasters International Board and was not nominated. In this episode of Speak Arizona, she sits down with host Rupesh Parbhoo to talk about what that moment really felt like, how she processed the disappointment, and why it didn't define her. This is not a comeback story. This is a conversation about resilience in real time. Rose shares how she evolved from a leader who walked into rooms with a marching band to one who leads with a string quartet. She talks about the difference between feedback that helps you grow and feedback that tries to make you smaller. And she explains why rejection is redirection, not the end of the road. Rupesh also opens up about his own experience of being passed over for a promotion, leaving his corporate career in anger, and looking back a year later at everything that came from it. If you've ever been told no when you knew you were ready, this episode is for you. Key takeaways Rejection does not define your value as a leader or a person Not all feedback deserves equal weight. Know who you're listening to Prepare for leadership physically, mentally, and spiritually, not just technically Have a plan B so your energy has somewhere to go when things don't work out Authenticity matters more than fitting the mold others built for you

Chapters
00:00 - Cold Open
01:34 - Speak Arizona Introduction
03:38 - Rose introduces herself
05:16 - The decision to run for International Director
10:09 - Finding out the answer was no
13:45 - What the moment taught her about herself
16:40 - Processing blame, stories, and feedback
21:33 - Qualified feedback and knowing what to listen to
29:59 - Where confidence comes from after being knocked down
33:10 - Rupesh shares his own story of rejection and growth
38:29 - Rejection is redirection
41:01 - Advice for anyone who just got told no
41:33 - Rapid fire questions

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