Today I share how I was humbled when I returned to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Tortola Toastmasters Club. It was humbling to how the simple things we do leaves the greatest memories.

1. “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories
they share about you.“ - Shannon L. Alder
My flagship program for high school and college students in the Region of Peel, Ontario is a workshop
called Leaders Leave Legacies. A key feature of my workshop is helping the students understand the
importance of creating wonderful memories and leaving a legacy.
Let us take Thomas Clement “Tommy” Douglas, a Scottish-born Canadian who became the father of
universal health care program. As boyin Winnipeg doctors told his parent his leg had to be
amputatedbecause they could not afford the cost of the treatmentfor the medical condition that
affected his leg.. Fortunately his leg was saved when his parents agreed to allow medical students to
observe his treatment by a well-known orthopedic surgeonwho treated him for free. The experience
convinced Tommy Douglas that health care should be free to all.
Another story I share with the students is about Sir John Alexander MacDonald, the first Prime Minister
of Canada. He was a dominant figure of Canadian Confederation and had to agree to join forces with his
political rival, George Brown. This decision resulted in the British North America Act and the birth of
Canada as a nation on 1 July 1867.
There are lots of great leaders past and present that I admire such as Nelson Mandela and Michael
Manley. Good leaders are an enabling force, helping people and organizations to perform and develop.
In large corporation leaders ensure that a sophisticated alignment is achieved between the aims of the
organization and customers’ needs. Attitudes and behaviours as it relates to humanity and the concept
of serving are fundamental to the leadership role. Leadership is a about serving others that is selflessly
putting the needs of others ahead of personal needs.
A year ago I was invited to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to join in the celebration of the 10th
Anniversary of the Tortola Toastmasters Club. Ten years earlier I had arrived on the island and yearning
to make friends and integrate into the community I was instrumental in chartering the club and became
the first president. On the night of Saturday November 3, 2012 at the 10th
Anniversary Dinner at the
Moorings Restaurant I truly humbled by how the simplest things we do leaves the greatest memories.
When I spoke that night these were my words “Ten years ago, a group of us planted a seed and that
seed was nurtured and flourished to this beautiful moment. I met strangers, but we formed friendships
and bonds. We had a dream 10 years ago and that dream led to this moment of glorious celebration.”
Leaders leave legacy, what memories are you creating? What will be your legacy?
Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well
as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor. He can be contacted by
email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622. Read my blog
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