Seven Seas, One Compass

Every Toastmasters journey begins with a single step to the lectern, but a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) journey feels more like setting sail. As I reflect on mine, the image that keeps returning to me is the 1958 blockbuster, The Seven Voyages of Sinbad. Not the version where the hero is fearless and flawless, but the one where each voyage tests resolve, character, leadership, and belief. Each sea is different. Each storm teaches something new. And you never return the same person who first left shore.

But before the voyages, every hero has a sidekick. Captain Sinbad had Marina, his ‘eye candy’. Mine, my daughter.

Before the voyages, before the storms, before the titles, there was a small, steady presence beside me. She was my first audience and my most honest evaluator. She listened to speeches at the dinner table, offered feedback with disarming clarity, and applauded long before the room did. She fell asleep on the couch on nights she needed me, but meetings needed me too. She forfeited precious “mummy time” so I could slay a few cyclops in the form of club visits, leadership meetings, trainings, and volunteer commitments.

She never complained (maybe a little – lol), she simply believed. Sometimes leaving me small notes in the middle of my half-completed projects on my computer, “GO MUMMY! YOU’RE SO SMART! I LOVE YOU!

If I ever walk the D42 conference stage to receive this recognition, I will walk with her. This is not mine alone, but ours. I dedicate the success of this voyage to the world’s greatest sidekick.

Now to the voyages…

Voyage One: Finding the Courage to Leave Port

My first voyage was simply showing up, finding my voice in a virtual room of strangers and learning that confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you practice.

Voyage Two: The Sea of Self-Discovery

Here, I learned that communication isn’t about sounding good; it’s about being clear, intentional, and human.

Voyage Three: Navigating Leadership Waters

Leadership roles brought new tides of vision, accountability, and trust. I learned you don’t steer alone, you build a crew.

Voyage Four: The Storm of Competing Priorities

Balancing career, parenting as a single parent, volunteering, and personal capacity tested my endurance. Progress slowed, but purpose held steady.

Voyage Five: Service Beyond Self

The DTM is not a solo expedition. Coordinating and supporting with youth leadership programs and mentoring others reminded me why this journey matters. It is an impact over applause.

Voyage Six: The Mentor’s Compass

No Sinbad sails without guidance. I am deeply grateful to Marcy Field, my mentor and compass. When the waters were unclear, she provided perspective, encouragement, and belief, often before I had found my own. Her steady presence shaped not just my path, but the leader I became. I am also grateful for Christina Kruis, Russ Dantu & many others who have held my hands.

Voyage Seven: Returning Home, Changed

Completing the DTM feels less like an ending and more like returning with better maps. I am more confident, more intentional, and more committed to helping others navigate their own seas.

I also owe deep gratitude to my home ports, Fluor Communicators and MVP Advanced, for the growth, challenge, and community that made this voyage possible.

The real treasure of this journey is not the title; it is who I became (greater confidence, stronger leader, clearer voice, more courage, discipline, and self-trust), and who I became for someone else, specifically my daughter.

To anyone still sailing, keep going. The seas will shape you, but they won’t sink you.

Arobo Ako, DTM
District 42 Administration Officer