Toastmasters International has spent more than a century helping people become better speakers and leaders. But as communication changes through podcasts, video, AI tools, virtual communities, and short-form content, the question becomes: what does Toastmasters need to become next? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with Stefano McGhee, DTM, International President Elect of Toastmasters International, about service, leadership, confidence, member experience, and his vision for the next year. Stefano shares why clubs remain the heart of Toastmasters, how leaders can better support volunteers, and why the organization must stay flexible while protecting what makes it powerful. Perfect for Toastmasters, emerging leaders, and communicators who want to lead with service and help others grow.

Key Takeaways
- Service begins with noticing what can be better and choosing to do something about it.
- Toastmasters clubs have the power to build confidence because real transformation happens at the club level.
- The organization must stay flexible as communication changes through video, virtual clubs, AI, and new content formats.
- Volunteer leaders create engagement by understanding why people show up and helping them reach their goals.
- Great speakers build confidence by knowing their material and trusting what they already know.

Chapters
00:00 - Opening clip: confidence, service, and Toastmasters
00:47 - Speak Arizona intro and show setup
01:43 - What does Toastmasters need to become next?
03:04 - Stefano introduces himself and his Toastmasters journey
04:17 - The thread of service across life, work, and leadership
07:25 - What great leaders learn by caring for their people
11:12 - Why Stefano has stayed in Toastmasters for 20 years
13:43 - Why now was the time to run for President
15:58 - The biggest challenges and opportunities facing Toastmasters
26:02 - Stefano's vision, rapid fire, and advice for new speakers

About the guest
Stefano S. McGhee, DTM, is the International President Elect of Toastmasters International and Senior Director of Technology Operations for Harvard Business Publishing.

Connect
- Email: smcghee@toastmasters.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefano-mcghee/
- Toastmasters: https://www.toastmasters.org/