The Odyssey Project is now closed.
For 7 years (2019-2026), it offered Toastmasters members the possibility to find a mentor, a mentee, or a networking pair, and to establish and follow-up a mentoring relationship.
Running this program has been a wonderful learning journey, and we are grateful to all participants, to the ambassadors, to past Odyssey team members and everybody who has contributed to it.
Masterminds
☀ The Odyssey team is happy to announce that starting with April 18th 2024, we offer the Odyssey Project participants the possibility to participate in masterminds.
What is a mastermind?
☀ Mastermind is a unique group format where participants are united by their profession or area of expertise and share similar values and goals.
☀ Mastermind groups meet on a regular basis to exchange experience, to share best practices and to generate ideas that help each participant to move toward his/her personal goal.
How can I register?
☀ To learn more and register to mastermind sessions click here:
Testimonials
“I endorse project Odyssey and commend its creators for creating a great tool that matches mentors and proteges in Toastmasters and beyond.
Odyssey came to my attention in July of 2020 and I began exploring its process and possibilities. I was not disappointed. The software was easy to register in and the mentoring period was short enough that I could easily incorporate it into my busy schedule.
I was happily surprised by the rapid success of the model. I was immediately paired with someone who was looking for my skills, and we forged a wonderful mentoring relationship. We lived on opposite sides of the world yet my protege and I were able to meet on multiple occasions and even worked on several activities beyond the scope of our mentorship calls. Odyssey made the relationship more effective by providing easy-to-use processes, follow-ups, and offering ways to improve.
If you have not yet tried Odyssey, I highly recommend you do. Whether you are seeking to enhance your skills or have skills and wisdom to share, you will benefit from this useful tool.“
Margaret Page, DTM PID
International President 2021-2022, Toastmasters International, Canada
“Odyssey is a great way for me to expand my network of peers and friends within my organisation. Thanks to the programme I met some amazing people and formed really strong friendships with peers outside of my home region. The programme also provided me with insights on the challenges that overseas peers and colleagues face, thereby transforming me into a better leader and furthering my skills as a coach and mentor. I highly recommend the programme to anybody wishing to broaden their horizons and meet fantastic people at the same time."
Florian Bay, DTM IPDD
Public speaking trainer, UK
"We used 2020 to bring Toastmasters closer together than ever before. Thanks to us holding almost 100% of our sessions online one can visit Toastmasters clubs everywhere in the world. At the same time Odyssey helped us automate the matching of mentors, mentees and networking partners worldwide. Thanks to initiatives like Odyssey, Toastmasters has become even more International in 2020.”
Andreas Geiger, DTM
D109 Corporate Program Evangelist, Switzerland
"The Odyssey project is great incentive to develop own mentoring skills and learn from peers and mentees equally. Additionally, the opportunity to work with individuals from different ethnic backgrounds and cultures is rewarding.”
Leena Rantala, DTM
Finland
"I love the idea and hope to gain more from this wonderful project. My networking has expanded to places where I never thought I'd have connections. This program is brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. I also had a great experience with mentorship.”
Maria Belenkova-Buford, DTM
Chartered Professional Accountant, Canada
"Odyssey Project is a holistic learning and networking project for sharing experience, thoughts, and practical knowledge. By being a mentor, I improved my communication and personal skills. Besides, I engaged in an opportunity of being a mentee, which reinforced my own study skills and knowledge of public speaking and leadership. Also, having a networking pair supported me to start applying new skills and ideas for my speeches.”
Dr. Najwan Adileh
Professional Certified Coach, Turkey
"Going on this journey as both a mentor and a mentee, aboard the Odyssey ship has been enlightening and empowering. I was honoured to be matched with the right mentor (DTM Jaap Russchenberg), who poured out his depth of experience and knowledge into our time in Odyssey. This quality time and knowledge has built me up and he connected me with other experts to help me think deeper and more creatively about my goals. I daresay I found a Coach as well in him and a connection I hope to nurture with each of the milestones I achieve here on. I'll certainly recommend Odyssey to anyone who desires to crossover to the other side of hesitation, to discover their next Horizon. It helps you shift to that next Higher level, when you make that commitment to challenge yourself further.
As I mentor others on this Odyssey trip, I also had the opportunity to meet other Toastmasters who could benefit from my experience and knowledge. Thank you Odyssey Team and keep Scaling Higher Heights!”
Patricia Dzifa Mensah-Larkai, DTM
Ghana
"My reason “why” for joining Odyssey was to test the waters to see if it is possible for mentoring to work 100% online and see what happens when you go beyond the walls of your local Toastmasters club. My Odyssey experience has been rewarding, as it proved to me that you can do real mentoring work, on a virtual platform. There is also value to be found, and meaningful connections to be made in cross-district mentoring activities. If only mentor-mentee pairs invest a bit of time in exploring common ground, based on their Toastmasters club experience, and through this establish a shared purpose, the impact of such connections and the mentoring results they produce can be global. After all, it is called Toastmasters *International* for a reason.”
Panos Korelis
Greece
Once upon a time ...
How did it start?
Adriana, the founder of the project, recounts: "I like to put numbers into figures and observe correlations between different data. While preparing a presentation for a speech and checking the number of club members, of experienced club members and how well the clubs in Finland were doing, it became clear that the struggling clubs had very few experienced members. Well, you might not really need a study for this, but I hoped that an image told the story better. It turned out these clubs were also, more often than not, geographically isolated. I also noticed at my home club how the new members were very enthusiastic about getting a mentor, and how the experienced members got easily overloaded. So, to make the story short, after I heard three new members at my club asking at their very first meeting how can they get a mentor, I thought that we should build some kind of mentor pool for Toastmasters in Finland. Soon after, I became Club Growth Director and the idea of extending this to the entire district, came only naturally. To tell the whole truth, I admit that I am a bit shy and was dreaming that this platform can help also those who are hesitant to go mentor hunting in the district.
Why "ODYSSEY"? Is it somehow symbolic?
Yes, it is symbolic. Here is the place to quote Valeria, our team member, who proposed the name Odyssey with the following: “When I started looking for the synonyms and the etymology of the word MENTORING I came across an interesting note that Mentor was the name of the person whom Odysseus trusted with the care of his son, Telemachus, while he was travelling. Then I thought maybe the Odyssey project might work? This guy had a clear goal but faced obstacles (like finding a great mentor) and he also had to network a lot while traveling home. And the story actually had a happy ending.” What else to say? :-)
Our team
Anna Maria Filipek
Why Odyssey? I joined this amazing, international Project because I believe in power of talking to each other, sharing experience and inspiring people with our stories.
Hobbies: Archaeology, foreign languages, jazz
Marta Lewenda
Why Odyssey? It's a mentoring and networking journey of sharing knowledge, ideas, experience and a possibility to guide and inspire one another towards reaching their full potential.
Hobbies: Travelling, project management.
Valeria Kholodkova
Why Odyssey? 'No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it' (H.E.Luccock)
Odyssey Project for me is collaboration and partnership at all levels: management, team-building, mentoring,
networking all around the globe, communication and leadership. It's not that easy to feel how united all Toastmasters
are unless you're on board.of this Odyssey ship. Go try it! :)
Hobbies: Powerpoint design, South-East Asia, Board games
Adriana Vasilache
Why Odyssey? I believe mentoring is a cathalyst for learning and networking a portal to new points of view. The testimonials we get from the Odyssey participants confirm these beliefs and give me the certitude that our contribution matters.
Hobbies: Odyssey, Gymnastics, Dance, Badminton, Running, Reading, Continuous Learning
Marcin Wasko
Why Odyssey? My 5 years Toastmasters journey revolves around mentoring. When I learned about the project I immediately took interest, as I saw a tremendous possibility to improve my corporate club. Also - while helping other people - I never worked with a mentor, so that seemed like my best opportunity. So far my journey with Odyssey is the best thing that happened to me as a Toastmaster.
Hobbies: Reading, learning, planning, music, martial arts, biking, running, story-telling, dreaming ...
Odyssey Ambassadors
Maria Belenkova-Buford
District 28 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I love to network and get to know people. Odyssey allowed me to find friends around the globe without leaving the comfort of my home. I also see great benefits to people who want to become mentors or find a mentor. You are no longer restricted to your Club or area. It's incredibly easy to connect, learn, and make friends with Odyssey's help.
Hobbies: Filmmaking, traveling, singing.
Fred Eijkenboom
District 59 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? When visiting an online meeting of a club in Vietnam I first got in touch with The Odyssey Project. I loved the idea behind it, because it involved learning by helping others and developing yourself, mastering your skills. Build on a principle. The best masters learn from their students. By sharing knowledge, passion and experience being able to make a difference, to be connected with people all over the world, while having fun getting educated. That's why. I didn't hesitate stepping up to the plate to volunteer for Ambassador for the Odyssey Project.
Hobbies: My greatest passion is personal development, ancient cultures and my participation in the sea cadets in Rotterdam. I love the ocean, water and ships, and still have learning to sail on my list. Empowering people and having fun is another passion. My favourite quotes are Credendo Vides, which means, by believing one starts seeing and "You can't determine how the wind blows, but you can determine how you set the sails". Ending with that, related to this Project... Life is an Odyssey, an adventure on which you have to take charge, and become captain of your ship called life.
Patricia Gray
District 71 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I think that the Odyssey Project is an excellent way to allow members to have access to mentors and networking Worldwide, especially now that Covid has given us more online clubs, instead of just having local members as mentors we now have the choice of mentors in different countries online or locally in person. I want to be involved with the Odyssey Project and help spread the word to more members and encourage them to join this exciting project, enabling members to expand their knowledge, by learning new skills, and to gain a lot more self confidence, having a mentor will enable members to achieve their goals and set new goals.
Hobbies: Volunteering (in Toastmasters, Girlguiding, Dunfermline Advocacy, Poppy Scotland). I enjoy meeting new people and volunteering enables me to do that and it is very rewarding.
Marcus Bonsiepen
District 95 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I love making international contacts and to learn new ideas from other Toastmasters via Odyssey Project.
Hobbies: Tennis, piano, nature, kayaking, travelling.
Craig Curtis
District 95 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I wanted to join the Odyssey Project to help other Toastmasters with impromptu speaking, speeches, and other aspects of being helpful in Toastmasters. It was a great opportunity for me in my Toastmaster journey to re-visit the Mentoring aspect as a Mentor.
Hobbies: Listening to music (Pop, Rock, R&B, Jazz and Opera), doing Improv Classes at Theatre Language Studio Frankfurt (TLS Frankfurt), watching Winter sports, and Volunteer work.
Raminder Singh
District 105 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? Odyssey project inspired me to share my knowledge and experience. Thanks to all Toastmasters inspiring me in my journey as a Toastmaster. It is helping me in my personal and professional life.
Hobbies: Learning, reading, playing instrument (Tabla & Harmonium), serving the humanity and cooking.
Sudarshan Seshadri
District 105 Ambassador
Anna Maria Filipek
District 108 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I joined this amazing, international Project because I believe in power of talking to each other, sharing experience and inspiring people with our stories.
Hobbies:Archaeology, foreign languages, jazz.
Ainur Shamkelova
District 108 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I joined Toastmasters because I wanted to improve public speaking. Odyssey is a start for mentoring and networking where I can improve my communication and management skills.
Hobbies:I am a shy and introverted person. I like travelling, sewing, art, dancing, reading, acting, swimming.
Elena Gramennou
District 109 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I believe that if you get on board, the Odyssey ship is the best way to travel overseas online, search for the right answers to your questions, find great inspirational mentors all over the world and become a better speaker and leader. It's a chance not to be missed if you want to excel in developing your skills and competencies.
Hobbies: Toastmasters, Trekking, Travelling, Tennis, Networking.
Opeyemi Eunice Morakinyo
District 94 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? 3 months into my Toastmasters membership I joined the Odyssey Project and I was paired with a mentor to whom I owe my success story. His commitment to my growth is second to none. Through the Odyssey, I found my best friend, from Spain, via the Odyssey Project Networking Pair. She was my first network. I am very fortunate to have such a kind hearted, talented and generous network pair. As a result of our interactions, we took meeting roles at each other's clubs. We shared personal struggles and helped each other to grow by sharing information and ideas. Other contacts I have made in Odyssey have been a great plus for me and I am grateful for that. This is why I encourage every Toastmaster to register and be actively involved in the Odyssey Project today and not procrastinate because mentorship and networking are truly the way to fully maximize your membership as a Toastmaster. Being able to contribute to other people's happiness and growth and knowing that there are others who truly care about you are the true evidence of healthy relationships.
Hobbies: I have interest in coaching and building businesses to scale, fulfilling their mission as a business entity. My hobbies are playing scrabble and baking.
Past contributors (Ambassadors)
Stu Miller
District 21 Ambassador
Why Odyssey? I believe that through Odyssey I can live in and help build a larger more connected world.
Hobbies: Travel, Learning and Discovery, Creative play in the kitchen and in visual arts, hiking and walking in nature.
Vijay Bhaskar Chada
Vijay was a very involved Toastmaster and Odyssey ambassador who hoped for a bright future for him and those around him.
He also was one of the most committed Odyssey ambassadors. Unfortunately, he does not have a chance to pursue this future.
Rest in peace, Vijay! You are dearly missed!
Past contributors (Team members)
Marie-Joe Chahine
Why Odyssey? To practice my technical skills while helping this platform grow and reach more Toastmasters who might benefit from it.
Hobbies: A person with many passions, one of which is for Toastmasters (President of Mercury Toastmasters Club Lebanon) Also loves Astronomy, Language Learning and of course coding :)
Frequenly Asked Questions
Every Toastmasters member can participate. Also past members can participate, but only as mentor or networking partner.
Q2. WHAT HAPPENS IF I REGISTER AFTER THE CURRENT ROUND STARTS?
In that case – you will get a match in the next round.
Q3. DURING ODYSSEY PROJECT CAN YOU CHANGE YOUR HOME CLUB?
Yes! This is not a problem. Please just make sure that you update your information in the system.
Q4. HOW LONG DOES THE JOURNEY LAST?
The mentoring journey is usually a long term activity. At the end of each round, you will be asked if you want to continue with the same mentor. If both of you desire to meet again, then you can continue for as long as you like. Otherwise – you will have a new mentor assigned.
Q5. DOES THIS SYSTEM REPLACE THE MENTORING SYSTEM AT THE CLUB?
No, the platform serves as support for the club mentoring system, by providing easy access to mentors/mentees from all over the world.
Q6. WHAT SKILLS CAN I MENTOR OR BE MENTORED IN?
Communication Skills: Visual Aids, Body Language, Vocal Variety, Conquering Stage Fright, Impromptu Speaking, Speech Structure, Get to the point, How to say it, Persuasion, Using humor, Visual and Video Communication, PR Communication, Blogging, Sales Communication, Informative Speech, Brainstorming, Facilitating Discussions, Podcasts, Storytelling, Preparing for Speech Contest
Leadership Skills: Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving/Decision Making, Delegation/Managing Work, Emotional Intelligence, Mentoring, Evaluation/Giving Feedback
TM Officers: President, VPE, VPM, VPPR, Treasurer, Secretary, Sergeant at arms, Area Director, Division Director, Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director, District Director, Public Relations Manager, Parliamentarian, Finance Manager, Administration Manager
SW Platforms: Pathways User Interface, Easy Speak platform, FreeToastHost, WordPress
Based on demand we can update the list.
Q7. WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ENGLISH?
The registration platform is in English and we recommend to have at least basic knowledge of English. You can select one or more languages that you use in the mentoring and networking meetings and they can be any language. Finding you a mentoring or networking partner in your selected language depends on the current availability of people registered in the platform who speak the same language.
Q8. HOW IS THE PAIRING DONE?
The pairing or matching process is done automatically by a computer program. The matching criteria for mentoring are: language, skills, level of experience, home club, meeting time preferences. The matching criteria for networking are: language, home club and meeting time preferences. By pairing people who are not from the same club we aim at reducing the probability of people already knowing each other. In both mentoring and networking the two people have not met before through the Odyssey platform.
Q10. WHY SHOULD I FILL IN A FEEDBACK FORM AFTER EACH ROUND?
The feedback form role is to give feedback to your pairs, to the system for improving the platform and make it better for your needs, and to mark if you want to continue with the mentoring pair or not. We also want to make sure the participants are active and responsive because it is unpleasant to be paired with somebody who does not answer. If people do not fill in the feedback form they are automatically put in “inactive” mode. This way the feedback form also has the role of making sure the people are responsive and active for the benefit of the Odyssey community.
Q11. I AM INACTIVE. HOW DO I BECOME ACTIVE?
You go through the registration page and check the boxes for the roles you want to take. You will be in effect starting with the following round.
Q12. HOW CAN I CHANGE THE ROLES I HAVE IN ODYSSEY PROJECT? For instance I start as mentee and after a while I also want to be a mentor?
When you want to change your roles, you go through the registration page and check the boxes for the roles you want to take. You can also uncheck the roles that you want to stop for a while. The changes will be in effect starting with the following round.
Q13. HOW CAN I UPDATE THE THE SKILLS AS A MENTOR OR MENTEE?
By going through the registration page you can update your skills as mentor or as mentee. The changes will be in effect starting with the following round.
Q14. I HAVE A QUESTION OR COMMENT ABOUT ODYSSEY. WHOM CAN I CONTACT?
Contact us at .