#271: The Unexpected Power of Mentorship in Toastmasters – Marty Dickinson

The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin

The Toastmasters Podcast is like a radio talk show featuring interviews with Toastmasters usually featured in the Toastmaster magazine. The purpose of the podcast is to amplify the magazine - to dig deeper or to put a voice to a face or written wordBut unlike a radio show, a podcast is on the Internet, and available, for free, to anyone in the world with an Internet connection, and a connected device capable of playing audio. 260+ episodes are at ToastmastersPodcast.comThe Toastmasters Podcast is co-produced by Toastmasters International and Archieboy Holdings, LLC, for our global audience of Toastmasters and those interested in public speaking and leadership.

[34:13] Mentorship is more than just guiding someone — it’s about building lasting relationships that empower both the mentor and the mentee to grow. For our guest today, veteran Toastmaster Marty Dickinson, mentorship has been a cornerstone of personal development, club growth, and lasting connection. In Toastmasters, a strong mentoring program can be the key to building vibrant clubs and helping members thrive.

Marty, has mentored hundreds of members since joining Toastmasters in 1990. In this episode, Marty shares the unexpected powers of mentorship, how it shapes personal and professional growth, and why a well-structured mentoring program is essential for clubs to thrive.

Marty offers practical advice on building a rockstar mentoring program, supporting new members, and creating a welcoming environment for long-term development. He also reveals how mentoring isn’t just about helping others — mentors themselves gain valuable skills like adapting to different personality types, enhancing listening abilities, and even boosting their professional careers.

Beyond the club environment, Marty explains the lifelong value of mentorship and recounts stories of mentees stepping up to unexpected challenges. Whether you’re a new member, seasoned Toastmaster, or club leader, this conversation will help you see mentorship in a whole new light.

Check with club's executive to find out more about how mentoring works within your club - and don't forget to check out Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring in Level 2 of the Pathways Educational Program.

Marty Dickinson is a past president of Professional Presenters Toastmasters in Denver, Colorado, and has served as an Area and Division Governor. Over the past 26 years, he’s built three businesses almost entirely through public speaking and currently serves as the membership director for the Colorado chapter of the National Speakers Association.

To reach out to Marty or to request his mentoring checklist, email him at marty AT professionalpresenterstoastmasters.com.

🔗 Read Marty’s latest article: Build a Rockstar Mentoring Program: Having strong mentors helps clubs and members grow and stay vibrant, in the March 2025 issue of the Toastmaster Magazine.

🎙️ Listen to more: Check out other inspiring stories on the Toastmasters Podcast, available on Toastmasters.org, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.