#291: Using a Personal Energy Audit to Pause, Reflect, and Reset — Ambeka Khadse

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.

[25:52] When managing your time isn’t enough, it may be time to look at where your energy is actually going. In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Ambeka Khadse, a talent development leader and Toastmasters contributor, about how a personal energy audit helps speakers and leaders move from feeling busy to working with greater focus, clarity, and intention — without adding more hours to the day.

Ambeka explains why many people struggle despite carefully managing their calendars. The issue often isn’t time, but energy — specifically, when demanding tasks are scheduled without regard for natural energy highs and lows. By identifying these patterns, speakers can align preparation, creative thinking, and important conversations with the moments they are most alert and effective.

The conversation also explores how unmanaged energy shows up in teams. When energy is misaligned, capable and motivated individuals may appear disengaged or underperforming. Small, intentional adjustments — rather than major overhauls — can help individuals build sustainable habits that support consistency, confidence, and follow-through over time.

Ambeka’s article, “Where Does Your Time Go? Use an Energy Audit to Pause, Evaluate, and Implement New Habits,”appears in the January 2026 issue of Toastmasters Magazine.

Listeners will hear…

• Why time management alone often fails without energy awareness

• What a personal energy audit is — and what it is not

• How energy misalignment can quietly affect credibility and performance

• Practical ways to identify daily energy highs and slumps

• Why small habit changes are more sustainable than major resets

• How short movement breaks can restore focus and clarity

• When and how often to revisit a personal energy audit

A personal energy audit is not about doing less. It is about doing what matters — at the right time — with intention.

About Ambeka Khadse

Ambeka Khadse is a talent development leader, inclusion advocate, and founder of The Flourish Compass. With more than 15 years of experience in corporate learning and development, she helps individuals and organizations build clarity, leadership capability, and sustainable habits for growth. Ambeka is also a longtime yoga practitioner and serves as Vice President of Education  for Toast of Queens Toastmasters.

Ambeka Khadse lives in New York City, New York, and can be reached at: www.theflourishcompass.com

She also offers a short personal energy audit worksheet, available through the Resources section of her website.

Other Resources:

Also mentioned in this episode: Snack on Exercise - Listen to our interview with Lauren Parson, AS #266: Meet Lauren Parsons, Toastmasters Newest Accredited Speaker.