Don't You Know Who I Am? Traffic stop teaser

SPEAKER_00 0:00

You're pulled over for a traffic offense. Now that you've reached the lofty height of Toastmaster's International Director, Region 12, is it not time to pull out the old Don't You Know Who I Am?

SPEAKER_01 0:13

Well, Brendan, I can tell you I get pulled over quite a bit. Two weeks ago, I was mentoring a newer Toastmaster who has got such a tremendous future. And she decided, but what's all these speech contests about? I told her all about it and said, look, it's a great rope. You learned so much and things that you couldn't learn any other way, but besides do in a competition. So she decided to do humorous speech. And she told me where she was going. And I thought I knew where I was going. And the next thing I knew, there was a policeman behind me with his siren going on. Oh no, what have I done wrong now?

Welcome to the Toastmasters World Tour - Brisbane

SPEAKER_00 0:54

Hi, my name's Brendan O'Sullivan, a Toastmaster from Brisbane, Australia. Welcome to my Toastmasters World Tour podcast. Please join me as I travel virtually around the world and chat to Toastmasters from different countries and all walks of life. Let's explore. For this episode, we travel virtually back to my base, Brisbane, Australia, home of New Farm Park on the river, the Brisbane Powerhouse, an old power station converted into a performing arts centre, and purple jacaranda trees in spring. I chat to our new Region 12 International Director, Denise Buckby, to find out, when all is said and done, just who is Denise Buckby and what can she do for us? International Director Denise Buckby, welcome to the show. I'm so happy you've come on to join me.

SPEAKER_01 1:55

Thanks,

Congratulations - How does it feel to be International Director?

SPEAKER_01 1:56

Brendan.

SPEAKER_00 1:57

Firstly, congratulations. International Director Region 12, how do you feel?

SPEAKER_01 2:04

I feel very honored, very humbled. It's a position that enables me to support the members in our region. That's Australia, New Zealand, Hapu New Guinea. And that's about it at this stage. But that's quite a few people, and it's going to give me the opportunity to get to know people, get to know their needs, and hopefully see a change.

SPEAKER_00 2:35

Did you

First day at school on the International Board

SPEAKER_00 2:36

already know anyone else on the board? Or did it feel like your first day at school? Hi, I'm Denise. I'm here to help. Will you be my friend?

SPEAKER_01 2:45

No, it was actually interesting in the run-up, Brendan, that we got to speak to past international directors, past international presidents, and also current board depots. We were able to talk to them, ask them a number of questions, so we could hit the ground running. So I sort of had a feeling of what it was going to be like. But also, it's anticipation that I think then's always for to always feel a little bit anxious to understand and to know that what you're doing is going to make an enormous difference to people.

Explaining Australia - we don't ride kangaroos to work

SPEAKER_00 3:22

Sure. Did you have to explain though where Australia was and that we don't ride kangaroos to work?

SPEAKER_01 3:28

It's interesting. Everyone loves Australia. It's interesting how I had a few welcomes to the boards, and of course they started with your day. And it was the it it was well-meaning, and I took it in my stride because I think it's always nice to meet people where they're at. But I think we've moved on a lot in Australia from that cheesy cultural fringe. Australia, we can stand tall, and we are an entity under ourselves. And particularly cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth. I mean, they are fabulous cities. Some of the best livable cities in the world. I think it's always good to know our strengths and our weaknesses. But it's amazing, Brendan. They all mention spiders and snakes.

SPEAKER_04 4:21

Yeah, that's right.

SPEAKER_01 4:22

As if they're underneath our feet, you know, you sort of think, yeah, but they're not where we live. But it's interesting to hammer stories and exaggerate as well and make yourself feel like a bit of a hero.

SPEAKER_00 4:35

Yeah,

From District 69 Director to International Director

SPEAKER_00 4:36

exactly. So you were the immediate past district director for district 69. So you've climbed all the way through the recs to get to that point. When it came to becoming international director, was it like there's a mountain, I'll climb it because it's there?

SPEAKER_01 4:52

It was interesting. I always think after being a district director and doing your chores as the immediate past, where does everyone disappear to? You learn so many skills along the way, particularly skills that can be transferred into your own job, in your own family, or in your just your own community. I think it's really important to actually start building on those skills that you've learned. But many times I really feel that you could put it back into your district. You don't have to be the top dog, the top position. There's many things that you can do, and even at plumb level, because that's where it all starts. So for me, it was interesting to view what road I can go on, really, and what what when I it was my next learning. I don't think it's always a good thing just to stay the way you are, and you've always got to start learning and doing something new. And it intrigued me. And with my board experience in other avenues, I always found myself very curious, curious to ask questions why and why not? And there are questions that I wanted to ask, and to be in a position where I can read with heart and empathy and make Toastmasters the very best organization it was. So on looking at that, I found that the International Director was the correct path for me.

SPEAKER_00 6:22

Okay,

The 10-month campaign journey

SPEAKER_00 6:23

fabulous. So while that was the next step, it's not automatic that you take that step, and it's also not automatic that you will get that position. You had to campaign, right?

SPEAKER_01 6:33

So there are about five different steps to get there, and each time you tick ticked off your checklist. But from what I found is that it's because the process went from September last year, 2025, and finished in August 2026, that you had to view it in the form of this is a journey. This is a lifelong journey, and I'm going to really make sure that every step of the way, I'm going to learn something new. I'm going to meet new people, I'm going to make new skills. And that way it became a wonderful experience. And when it finished, it was almost like this is not the destination. This is just the beginning. So from putting your name down to doing an intensive paperwork to be know that you're not going to be conflict of interest into an interview with 14 with about 14 other international directors from the past, who I knew none of, right through to a showcase on about 11 o'clock at night, because I always have to take the pace at or, you know, new new US Sound, get all dressed up and ask six questions in six minutes and see it go onto the website. And then having to then talk to people who talked to other people, a bit like throwing a stone in the water and just seeing where they took you. So it was a great journey and it was almost a relief when it was over because it became a lifelong obsession, really, that every day you made sure and you did something to embrace yourself, to make yourself more known, to know that you represent these particular stances, that you want people to know you for what you stand for. And I think that's really important. More than just a two-minute speech, which culminated in Vancouver. It's uh letting people know more about yourself. And I think that's the most important part. And to develop your reputation as being a person of integrity and respecting other people, because we learned all about people from all over the world. And that's another growth for me, which I'm really enjoying.

It's about the voters, not the candidate

SPEAKER_00 9:06

Sounds like you really embraced the procedure and really enjoyed it. And took it on with a very positive attitude.

SPEAKER_01 9:12

Yes. Yeah, I think it was the only way to do it, really, is because it's not really about the candidate, it's about the people who are voting for you. I've always come with curious minds and say, well, what is it that I can do for you? So every person I spoke to, I I found out about their club and what they think is special about their club, their Toastmasters Club. And I have found that if someone's home club is a very special, special place for them. And people tell me why they think it's special and why they're so passionate about getting the best things for their Toastmasters Club. In an age where membership organizations are failing, failing in numbers, we have to make sure that what we're offering is something that our new members want. And that's what we need to do is always be one step ahead, always know that what we are giving to our members is what they want. And that's not always what it was like in Dr. Ralph Smedley's days when he started Toastmasters 102 years ago. And his values didn't change, that's for sure. But the way we introduce and the way we speak and the way we communicate certainly has changed, and we must continue to change because we want Toastmasters to be here in teacher generations. And particularly, I want my grandchildren to have the ability to also be part of a Toastmasters club, which is unique.

SPEAKER_00 10:51

Well, that's fabulous looking towards that for your grandkids. As much as you embraced the procedure for what it was and what you could get out of it in such a positive way, ultimately you still want to be successful in getting the position, though. Did you get a sense of how you were traveling along the journey?

SPEAKER_01 11:10

I actually

Getting a campaign manager & going global

SPEAKER_01 11:11

sought help. I actually was able to get a campaign manager, which is a funny name for saying someone who was my, I suppose, my heart and soul, who knew a lot of people and was able to introduce me to a lot of people and open my world. Because Australia is a long way away from everywhere. And I had to get to know people from Africa, from UK, from Europe, from all parts of Asia. And there's a lot of Asians, particularly one of our growth areas, United States, each have their own particularities. And I needed to be able to say, I'm Denise from Australia, I'm part of the Toastmaster Stanley. What's happening in your part of the world? Tell me. And it was just amazing, really, how Toastmasters are such a special group of people that they embrace one another. They support one another. And very often what upsets us or challenges us is very much what's challenging them. But it's really good to know that an organization can be challenged because we always improve. Feedback is such an important part of the Toastmasters whole scenario. We always want to improve, we always want to get better. So that was my mantra. How can we do better? How can I help you? What ignore issues? And the issues that came out, I'll make sure that I pass on to the board and see if they also can be spoken about. There's so much to talk about at leadings, and it's really important to know with diplomacy how they can be addressed and how they can be spoken about. Because I've, from my limited experience, I've only been here for six weeks. I realize that decisions are made very, very concisely. They're spoken about, they've got evidence, there's plenty of time for you to ask questions. So when the decision comes, you know that whatever the decision is, it was for the best interest of the organization to make it stronger, to make it more, I suppose, relevant for today. So when a decision's made, never, never think that it was just taken lightly because it's not. It's a decision that has to be made to make us bigger and stronger. And having facts makes us all understand why some things have to happen.

SPEAKER_00 13:45

Sure.

When Toastmasters is a luxury - global accessibility

SPEAKER_00 13:46

So when you met these Toastmasters from different cultures and different countries, and you ask them those questions about what was going on in their world, what was one of the most interesting answers or responses that you got?

SPEAKER_01 13:58

Yes, it was it was really interesting. Because some people in some countries, Toastmasters is out of their budget. They have to actually join corporate clubs. The corporation then pays the fees and they use the laptops that are sitting in their workplace. If it was just then joining a community club, they wouldn't have a computer and they can't afford it. We don't want to ever get to the stage when you choose, do you want to pay your electricity bill or do you want to join Postmasters? So that's not it at all. But what we found is that there is a lot of corporations in those countries, and we have to embrace that, to have those strategic alliances with organizations that enables us to have accessibility to more and more people. That made me feel very grateful that here in Australia we can afford Toastmasters. We don't have to choose between medication or the Toastmasters subscription fees. We are a lucky country, and we have a number of ways that we can embrace Toastmasters, whether it's online, hybrid, corporate, community clubs. And some people do all of those. Because each club represents groups of people and their personalities, and they develop great fellowship. So that was the thing that I found, Brendan, was I'd have immediate contact and connection with people. They're a toast nice. It's almost like you're given a free ticket to know that you're going to get on with this person because we both have mutual respect for one another. And the discussions that we'd have were quite enlightening. And they always had a bit of a giggle, you know, stories that you heard. It sort of thinks oh, that happens in your country too. It makes us feel that Australia is part of a big organization. It's more than just the 10, 12, 15 people around George Roastmaster's table. Roastmasters is a huge global organization across 149 countries. And that really makes you feel quite privileged to be part of that. Because we really do help one another to be better people. I always think at the international convention, when you see the opening ceremony, when Toastmasters get dressed in their national costumes and wave their flag with so much pride. The joy and the excitement in the room. As we come together, you wonder whether Toastmasters can have a part of world peace. Because honestly, we're all there. Ukraine came and we clapped. Russia came and we clapped. The Middle East came and we clapped. We have more in common than we have than separated. And, you know, that feeling of liberty and freedom that we have in Australia is something that people really enjoy. You were talking about, you know, what they think of Australia. They all say, I'd love to come to Australia, but it's too far away. Yeah, we've just sat there for 15 hours. We know it's a long way away. But I think, yeah, but Australia really is held in in high esteem. People love the country apart from the dreaded spiders and snakes. But they love hardwood bears and the cantaloues, of course.

Electricity bill vs Toastmasters fees

SPEAKER_00 17:38

God forbid I was in the situation where I had to choose between paying my electricity bill and paying my toastmaster's fee. But if I found myself in such a situation, the correct answer would be to pay my toastmaster's fees. Is that right? Have I got the right answer?

SPEAKER_01 17:52

Interestingly enough, there was one uh gentleman um in uh in District 69 that was interviewed for Fiend and Division Director. He did his interview by candlelight because there was a blackout and they continued, and me had to see by the light of a candle, which I thought was really interesting. It just goes to show you that being privileged is something that we should not take for granted, that we'd really be very safe for that, and maybe look across the world and see how we can help more people become accessible to Toastmasters. I don't think that you put your family or a job before Toastmasters, but it is an obsession with a lot of people and they are just so in love with it. They just thrive on it. It's such a beautiful feeling walking into a room with 1,500 people, and they're all so positive. And you don't even have to know that it's almost like they're friends, but you haven't met them yet.

SPEAKER_04 19:00

Yes.

SPEAKER_01 19:00

So I think there is this there is a way that we can get to more and more people, and that is through strategic alliances, through companies, even through universities, where people can join in an organization that's going to make them a better person.

Handover from Monique Tonner - Be yourself

SPEAKER_00 19:18

You said you met the, you know, not only the current president, but the uh previous presidents and previous board members. Did you get a direct handover from the outgoing Region 12 International Director, Monique Tonner? Yes. If so, what was the key bit of advice she gave you?

SPEAKER_01 19:34

Be yourself. Just be yourself, be authentic. She was a terrific international director, very popular, because she was always available and gave off herself. I think that's the most important thing to realize that you don't, as an international director, think you are the top of the pyramid. You're not. You're actually the servant leader, and it wasn't for the members, you wouldn't be there. You know, I had great chats with Monique even before the conference. But at the uh international inauguration, we exchanged pins. I gave her the pass, international director pin, and she gave me the current. But we had a pact, it's a secret. We would put it on each other because in previous years her pin dropped down the front of her dress and uh it was a bit embarrassing. So put it on yourself. And we thought that was actually quite good. I thought that was quite humorous, really. It's interesting. If you're nothing without the badge, if you're nothing with it, really. It's what is actually inside you. But I do find that uh Toastmasters do give a lot of respect and they really do implore and support their leaders. I think that's something that we all should be mindful of. You don't have to like people, you don't even have to know them, but you shouldn't respect them. As a respective leader, we're putting ourselves forward, we're giving up our own time, and we're doing the best we can to make the best possible decisions. So I think it's really important to know that we represent Toastmasters international, not ourselves. It's nothing about yourself. If you go in with that ab too, I don't think you'd last. So I think being the team player, being humble, is is always the best way of going and always feeling your fellow Toastmaster. I'd like to think that every decision that I might have a part of takes into consideration how it does impact our members.

Pulled over for a traffic offence - the full story

SPEAKER_00 21:46

I love that. Denise, let's say, hypothetically, of course, you're pulled over for a traffic offence. Now that you've reached a lofty height of Toastmaster's International Director, Region 12. Is it not time to pull out the old Don't You Know Who I Am?

SPEAKER_01 22:04

Well, Brendan, I can tell you I get pulled over quite a bit. Two weeks ago I was mentoring a newer Toastmaster who has got such a tremendous future. And she decided, but what's all these speech contests about? I told her all about it and said, look, it's a great growth. You learn so much and things that you couldn't learn any other way, but besides doing a competition. So she decided to do humorous speech. And she told me where she was going. And I thought I knew where I was going. And the next thing I knew, there was a policeman behind me with his sewing going. I thought, oh no, what have I done wrong now? So I pulled over and pulled the window, the window glass down. And he said, Madam, do you know why I've picked you up? I went, no, I have no idea. And he said, What are you doing? I'm lost. I don't know where I'm going. I'm going, I want to go to 161 Charlotte Street. I sounded like a little kid, you know, I want to go home. And he said, Well, he said, that explains it. I've been trailing you and you're just so intense. Where are you going? He said, show me your license and showed him the license. He checked that, he checked my registration, and he said, For goodness sake, if you want to go and see your friend, give her speech, slow down, and stop at red lights. And I felt like saying, don't you know we start on time? Don't you know there's going to be a sergeant at arms at the at the front desk that won't let me in. And so I had to stop at red lights. It was true that I probably didn't cruise through the red light, but the policeman was very kind and gave me a warning. So I did arrive late. But that was interesting because they had to move rooms. So the whole of the the club had to move rooms because beside their normal meeting room was some a big party. And now weahooing and carrying on. So they had to go downstairs. So in that interruption, I really wasn't that late at all. So all good. All ended well. So all well that ends well. Yeah. So stop at red lights, guys. Even if you're running late.

The gift of the gab

SPEAKER_00 24:31

Sounds like you used the gift of the gab to get out of it. And left the don't you know who I am in your pocket as a back.

SPEAKER_01 24:39

But it was truthful, Brendan. It was like I was lost. As it was sort of like, you know, I honestly was looking for a one-way street to get down. And you and you throw in the road works. There's road works everywhere at the moment, and all to do, I think, with the underground rail, trying to get in and around it through. But yes, I think sometimes you can talk yourself out of it. But if it's truthful, and it was truthful, and I was distressed that he gave me the benefit of the doubt.

SPEAKER_00 25:12

Very good.

SPEAKER_01 25:13

I don't know if he knew what Toastmasters was, and probably thought it was like Galcoholics Anonymous. I don't know.

Who is Denise Buckby? The Anger Management question

SPEAKER_00 25:25

Speaking of Don't You Know Who I Am? There's a scene from the 2003 movie Anger Management with Jack Nicholson playing Dr. Buddy and Adam Sandler playing Dave. And it's a group therapy scene. Dr. Buddy Dr. Buddy asks Dave who he is. First he answers with his name, and the doc bats that back saying he doesn't want to know his name. He wants to know who he is. He answers with his job. Then Doc says he doesn't want to know his job either. He wants to know who he is. Then he starts telling him about his hobbies. Again, Doc corrects him, saying he doesn't want to know his hobbies. He wants to know who he is. So then Dave is a bit riled by this and asks someone else in the therapy group what their answer was, to which Doc laughs and says, You're asking him who you are. So can you see where I'm going with this, Denise?

SPEAKER_01 26:18

Yes, it's true, isn't it?

SPEAKER_00 26:20

So my question for you is, who is Denise Buckby?

SPEAKER_01 26:24

Yeah. I actually have come across a lot of my Toastmaster friends saying, Oh, you know, you're going to be the international director now, you won't talk to us anymore, etc., etc. I just replied, I'm still the same person. I'm still the old little old girl there who is working for Toastmasters because I love it. So nothing really changes. I am the same person. There were uh reserved seats up in the top of the uh each of the meeting rooms at the convention, and someone was looking for me. But I was actually sitting down the back of my friends, who were these are the people who've supported me. I didn't really feel because I was international director that I wanted to sit up in the reserved seats. I was very happy to sit up back. I, as I say, I am a humble person, but I will speak out and I will certainly uh speak my mind in a very diplomatic way, but just I am one person, and I think it's very important to not get ahead of yourself. I am still the same person as I was before the 18th of August. I think you can get a little bit ahead of yourself, and I I don't like that feeling. I don't like the feeling where people hide behind their punches or their title. I think it's really important to just be yourself because if you're yourselves, you can't never go wrong, can you? It's your guiding light, and that comes from an experience from many, many, many, many years, from your childhood through to your experience as an adult, etc. And I've been round the block or two times too, so I know that um I know that it's very important to be inquisitive, to be curious, to be respectful, but also to know that it's all good to ask questions, to get the best possible answer. And we want to strengthen Toastmasters. We don't need people just nodding our heads. Toastmasters International want input. Toastmasters International want to hear. They do really what the best for our organization. I mean now, but the future.

What makes Denise tick - Rotary, polio, community

SPEAKER_00 28:45

Outside of Toastmasters, what makes Denise Buckby tick?

SPEAKER_01 28:49

Passion is always what I do. Whatever I do, I do it with passion because I don't know it. I'm a Rotarian. A Rotary is a service organization that works in um almost every country in the world. My little club in Newfoundland, we work on homelessness and domestic violence within our capabilities. We do lots of things in the local community, we support our neighborhood centers, we do funding barbecue. Not because we're the barbecue experts, it's that's the way we get our money, so that money can go towards different projects. We support ending polio. That's our world project. Many young people wouldn't know what colio was, but it was the most dreadful disease. As a doctor, Brendan. A lot of your colleagues would never have seen colio. But if someone presents as a polio patient, they probably wouldn't recognize it. But in the 1950s, there was the classic shock of polio victims in iron lungs and their big metal structures that breed for them. But we're down to that much away from eradicating polio. It's only in about three or four countries now where the countries don't allow vaccinations. We have many Rotarians who go and vaccinate, particularly in India. That was just a huge effort. And eradicating in Nigeria was also a huge effort. So it started back in 1978. So it's been a long, long, long journey. But polio meant that uh they eventually died because they couldn't breathe, and of course they couldn't walk. It was a decrepit disease, but I believe there's only ever been one disease eradicated from the world, and that was smallpox. So it'd be great to say, Rotarians, with the help of other people and collaboration, we eradicated polio. Uh, we've started looking at malaria now, but that's going to be really complicated because it comes with from mosquitoes, and mosquitoes come from trees and lice. You're never going to get rid of trees, are you? So the Mozzies is a is a big thing. But again, there's a lot of money going into malaria. We have a lot of money going into peace resolution in our hometown of Brisbane. We actually have a peace center in the University of Queensland, an international house where people come to learn on peace resolution, particularly after a war, particularly after a civil conflict, what you do to restore peace. And it's a wonderful thing to go and listen to their when they go on a research or when they go and do their research of their particular project, what they have to do. It's it's just a remarkable, um, remarkable person that goes into those places to restore peace. They say that women are a wonderful instrument in peace resolution, but I would say that that probably would be true. We're also into not always giving and giving. We're actually teaching economies of um for third world countries to emerge so they can actually not just live on handouts, but they're actually starting uh businesses themselves. But the one thing that's really sad and touches my heart is that um babies are born healthy, but because of the infection, they die. It's uh something that really needs to be addressed. And we do a lot on childcare and uh maternal health. We have little packs that we put together to tie off the indulgable cord. They use string. Quite humbling, really. It's uh very interesting, particularly those areas where mums have a baby and then go back into the fields to start, you know, doing their work in the rice fields as well. And someone else has looked after their baby, it's it's really quite sad when you see how much we look after our own patients and our own maternal welfare in in our country. So those are the sorts of things that the rotary does. And for the very first year, we have an international president from Africa, which really gives it a great flavor, full of colour, full of music, and they have their own issues as well. But it's really important in a in a war, in a war and troublesome world that there are humanitarians doing good in the world. I'm also a local historian. I really enjoy living at New Farm. We have a very large organization, almost unheard of. We have 270 members in our historic well. We do one-monthly meetings where we have a guest speaker and we finish with a scrumptious out to tea where everyone can sit and talk together. For some of those people, that nostalgia really gives them self-esteem, but this could be their only interaction with me off of the month. So we do create a a very important function. Some person that I really remember was a lady that was 99. I said, You'll have to invite me to your 100th birthday party. She said, No one live to be a hundred. I went, say that when you're 80, not when you're 99.99, a bit like Donald Bradman, isn't it? And she said, Oh no, she said, the days are just too long. I'm just lonely. It's too long. No, I don't want to live to be a hungry. You know what? She didn't. So I think loneliness is something that is a huge, a huge splurge. In times where uh Coast Parsons is a communications company, of course. But we may communicate through texts and whatever, but people are lonely, Brendan. They say that loneliness is like smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and we know where that will end. So loneliness is something that we've started in our Romary Club once a month. We have a project called Chit Chat and Coffee. We um we invite people along for a chit-chat, and we give them a coffee and we take and talk to them. And again, what you learn from people that may not have the title, may not have a job, maybe suffering from mental health, or maybe just recuperating and rehabilitating from drug or alcohol, what they can teach us is just enormous. So that's very, very rewarding, just having that hour or two and sharing food with them and listening to their story. And I think that's another very humbling thing to realize that we as a community, we must judge on ourselves on how we treat our most vulnerable. So, yeah, so my other passion that I've just finished being chair of Arathme, on Erathmy Ward, Arathmy stands for Association for the Friends and Relatives of the Mentally Ill. We call it Arathmy because mentally ill is not the word we want to use these days. We want to say mental wellness, mental well-being. But when you think about people with mental health, the scourge and the reputation that they have is really, really, it's it's so upsetting if we can advocate for mental health and know that you know someone's got a broken leg, but you don't know if they've got a mental condition. Is um the message always is, Brendan, to be kind and never ever judge anyone because you never know what they have got on or what's on their mind. So Arachme is a beautiful organization that look after the carers that are mentally ill. And more than I would say one of their biggest issues is what happens when I go? Who's gonna look after my adult child then? It's a huge concern. But it's very important that mental ill health does take its place and we have a responsibility to look after everybody.

Should we poach Rotarians into Toastmasters?

SPEAKER_00 37:36

When you say you don't know what someone's going through, and to be kind, you know, 100% I couldn't agree more with that. Dennis, before you were talking about, as you know, Toastmasters, like a lot of similar organizations, is in membership decline. And you also mentioned before that one of the functions Rotary is doing is with Peace Resolution. You also mentioned earlier than that that Toastmasters could be a great organization for peace resolution. So have you thought of poaching some of these Rotary people and bringing them into Toastmasters?

SPEAKER_01 38:08

Yes, I have. Wouldn't that be lovely? Some organizations, there are Rotary, a collaboration between Rotary and Toastmasters. There is an alliance at the club level, but there could be a lot of things that could happen pyra because we do actually complement one another. And I think that it could be great. I know a lot of Rotarians who are Toastmasters and vice versa. So we help people, we help individuals to help themselves, which helps for a better community, if Rotary helps other people. So, you know, I think it's it's important, and we can share each other's skills. So I just quite take up that challenge of who knows, we could end up with a Rotary Toastmasters week.

SPEAKER_00 38:56

Denise,

That plane ride home from Anaheim 2024

SPEAKER_00 38:57

you and I both attended the international convention in Anaheim in 2024, and then just per chance on the way home, we'd happen to be on the same plane. I was stoked when I saw that I was sitting opposite you. I thought, great, I can chat with Denise all the way home.

SPEAKER_01 39:12

We did. I believe we entertained the whole back of the plane. That was that was uh it was really nice uh to get to know you and have just really good discussions was lovely. Uh getting your view on Anaheim, which was our hundredth centenary, talking about all the photos that you took with people that you really used it. It was a great network activity. The ball was wonderful as we're all dressed up in Gatsby gear, which of course the big time in the the twenties. Yeah, I remember that with great pleasure. And uh every time I think of that, I think it brings a smile to my face to get to know people a little bit more. So when I see you up on stage to be a contest chair, I'm thinking yeah. That's a friend in his professional capacity, but I know him as a person and I know that he had to get an assignment finished, which is very uh I didn't realise at that time that you were even a doctor, Brendan. I just thought you're just doing a a bachelor course or something. But yeah, that was tremendous to think that you did a um an assignment so quickly. I really admired you for that. And of course, we're all there to support our fellow Colin in his pursuit where where he got to where he was semi-finalist, which was just a wonderful, wonderful thing. So who knows, this year we might we might have somebody else from District 69 present us. But if you actually had the opportunity and you wanted a message, a really strong message to give to fellows, not only you just chose some of us, it's a great, great platform to be a world champion to get your speeches and your message through. Did you get a chance to see the the speeches this year?

SPEAKER_00 41:05

I did. Yeah, but I was lecturing on the day, unfortunately, so I didn't see them live. My club all got together as they do each year and watched it live, but I had to lecture, so I kept checking on YouTube and eventually the the wedding, you know, three speeches came out. Yeah. I saw those, but I I didn't get to see the whole thing. Yes. It was a shame.

SPEAKER_01 41:26

It was an interesting strategy, not knowing whether his goal was shot or not, being uh the winner. I'll have to use that strategy, believing people think. And I think that's the best thing in the speech is to to make people think for a long time. Colin's speech, I still think that. Don't don't uh don't upset your children. You know, the sunshine in their lives, it's like what you're saying that could have an impact for all their lives. So the winner's speech is nickname it, which I think is great. That uh make that decision, make it quick, don't wait till it's too late. I mean, that's a fabulous one. And um the second speech was I thought was good. You're good for nothing. Now, how often have we heard that? You are good for somebody, I thought that was excellent as well. It was interesting to look at it just as a participant and just hear their story. It's also interesting to look back and look at it in an analytical sense from a toastmaster's point of view to see how they use the skills that we try to perfect. And of course, in fire dictum in Los Angeles, um Aaron, I I was just overcome with grief on that. Yeah, that someone looked after someone's cats as a spirit of connection, and how that happened was just amazing. Because animals really have become part of people's lives, people's families. And in lots of situations, it is animals that have kept people alive. I've seen that in my own experience, you know, particularly older couples and being together for 60 years. But an animal that's bought back, they've had to go and take the for walks that they meet people when they do that, it's good for their health. But I remember one gentleman, being a gruff businessman, ended up having his dog sleep at the end of his bed, and then that would never have happened. So animals are uh a big part of keeper's lives, and to know that someone would have risked their own lives looking after someone's pants, I thought was was very humane.

Anaheim vs Vancouver - convention comparison

SPEAKER_00 43:44

Yeah, 100%. Putting the contest speeches aside, yes, which we we've just discussed, how do you think the latest convention in Vancouver compared with the Anaheim one that we both went to in twenty twenty four?

SPEAKER_01 43:57

Well, Anaheim was much special because Was a hundred years. Hundred years has got sizzle, hasn't it? You know, even just Saints and Timory, whatever. Unfortunately, there was uh a drop in numbers, mainly for the fact that there were many people who couldn't get visas this year. Whether they tried too late or whether it was the fact that they were coming from the Middle East or coming from a different part of the world that Canada and America did not allow. We were waiting right down the last gasp to see there was one competitor, it was a candidate for elections who had to do his speech online because he didn't get his visa. And that's a shame, and maybe that's why next year we've got our conference in uh Paris. That it's probably a little bit easier for people to go to Paris. It does have the scene as well. But yes, it was it was difficult for a lot of people to get into Vancouver. But Vancouver's a beautiful city.

SPEAKER_00 44:58

I think that again, it's for people that make them from Miss getting back to our plane ride from LA to Auckland.

SPEAKER_01 45:05

Yes.

The 13-hour podcast that never was

SPEAKER_00 45:06

It's just a shame I hadn't been doing my podcast back then because I could have used the opportunity to record it all on my iPhone. We could have passing it back and forth across the aisle.

SPEAKER_01 45:15

Yes. We could have done that.

SPEAKER_00 45:17

Editing for a 13-hour conversation.

SPEAKER_01 45:20

Yes, it was very spontaneous, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_00 45:24

It would really sort out the the dedicated listeners from the passers by.

SPEAKER_01 45:28

It was interesting, you know, because um some of the best podcasts I've heard, it's just been a wonderful conversation, and I really feel part of a conversation. It doesn't have to be anything fabulous. It's just people's experiences and people get to associate with that. But in my role now as international director, I realize the responsibility that I've taken is that I stand for Toast Narcissus International and I will take that very seriously. I'll be a wonderful role model. And that will take me to Griffin Conferences. I've been told I'll be going to Sydney, Perth, and Auckland to be part of their district conferences. Just like my Nick came to our conference in Santhor. So we get to represent uh Toastmasters International. That really is a great honour. And it's it's an easy thing to do when you love the organization that you're representing. I am going to get to know many, many people, and I'll do a lot of listening, and I'll bring all that what I hear back to the board. Um, it doesn't mean that I could promise anything that I will fleech that I will serve all the members and I will bring back to the board things that I hear. And really honestly, Brendan, I think that the board probably has heard these things before. I'm not Robinson Crusoe bringing, you know, things that never have heard before. But I think the magic happens when 19 people around the boardroom table have great discussions with mutual respect, that these ideas can breed new ideas and spark innovation. Because that's what it's all about, is seeking innovation to keep us relevant and uh to know that we are going to be able to offer the younger people something because we'll all have to speak at some stage. It's more than speaking, it's it's self-confidence and that self-belief that uh is priceless and great value to us as individuals. So it's an easy thing to do to represent something that you believe in and certainly love.

SPEAKER_00 47:45

Sure.

If you could effect one change to Toastmasters?

SPEAKER_00 47:46

I love that. I love listening first. I think it's a really important principle. But putting that aside, in your new role, if you could affect one change to Toastmasters, what would that be?

SPEAKER_01 47:57

Oh, it's interesting. And I think we are moving towards it. Uh it's to create um an organization of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. That if you live, no matter where you live, you're able to join Toastmasters. That to me would be a great, a great achievement and a great seat. And to accept diversity means that it doesn't matter who you are and where you live, you're respected. And you add the diversity. And I know some of my clubs where I have rich diversity at membership, they are the most interesting, wonderful clubs because they bring to the table things that I've never even heard of. It's almost like traveling. When you travel, you learn about it. So I think the diversity, inclusion, and accessibility is and I believe that we perhaps will be moving towards paying in your own currency. That would be great, but that's something that I would work towards is paying in your own currency so you don't have to pay transfer fees. But just to hop on the line and pay in your own currency would I think be something that would have been very empowering. As they say, um I can't promise anything that that's what another thing that I'll hopefully bring to the to the table.

How to bring more diversity - paying in your own currency

SPEAKER_00 49:20

Sure. Apart from paying in your own currency, do you have any other ideas about how we bring more diversity to the organization?

SPEAKER_01 49:28

Yes, I suppose it's uh um bringing through another uh the new new look Toastmaster. You know, when you see a new Toastmasters club, which we have many in District 69 now, those that come from multicultural backgrounds, it's just enormous. It's just wonderful that they're not white, pale, and privileged. They're actually very, a very diverse group. And they bring together their their love of of their own culture, but they are embracing the culture of Australia as well. I was happy to go to a meeting yesterday, first meeting of the new multicultural club. Kenyans in Queensland. They are extraordinary people. Mas they are very intelligent. Many of them have done, you know, doctorates and masters at the universities here in their own particular, own particular branch. And they are proud Australians as well. And I'm thinking that's phenomenal. Um, I've been invited to 4EB, which is a radio station that transfers to 72 different nationalities. That is fantastic. Could you imagine when that's the take us? Because they're on a radio station and they are speaking in their own language to different people. I think that could be uh a huge step forward as well. But, you know, just listening to these people's icebreakers just brings tears to your eyes. It's just so passionate and so authentic. And you sort of think, yeah, you know, we are in good hands, join in with different organizations. I've got this feeling that I want to bring the French into as well. Like French is the second largest um five-country language spoken in the world. And if you think if we could get on to the French, if we could get into many of the French islands in the Pacific where toast glasses isn't even there. Like Panuatu, for example, is French. Many of those islands, which would be part of District 69, I might add, would be an enormous feature. And there's many areas where we could bridge the gap, which would make us, I suppose, more global, truly global. And then we might find then that we've got other things to to host out and people will know more about us. A lot of people know but they might know who we are. So if we're available and we're accessible, it will certainly that will increase membership.

SPEAKER_00 52:16

Marviga.

The most controversial issue - five generations in one org

SPEAKER_00 52:19

What do you think is the most controversial issue when it comes to steering this organization into the future?

SPEAKER_01 52:25

I think there's not too much wrong with their organization really, um, because the issue is we have five generations in our organization. I don't know if you're in a quote with the Toastmaster that's been there for 16 years. I have. To listen to a Toastmaster of 16 years is such a wonderful experience. But their their points of difference is the way they communicate. Um, obviously, compared to a 20-year-old, where they don't write anything down, everything has to be digital, everything has to be on their phone in comparison to pencil acre. I remember the 60-year-old, he was more than 60, and his Sathen and Toastmasters for 60 years, he got a badge uh with big 60 on it, and you know, made a big fuss in because recognition is so important. He said, This is great. Um, because before that, he said, I've got a fluk, I've got a trophy, but you can't wear them around your neck. But I can wear my badge. And and that was to me, it was good, you know. So I think it's really important to um to understand that we probably won't have the new generation staying for 16 years. That's fine. What we need to do is make sure that people, when they leave, lean on a good note. 'Cause if they do, they will tell other people about it. Now, for example, I know that uh one gentleman joined our club purely for the fact that he wanted to be able to speak at his wedding. He was petrified. And when he had his wedding and he then became best man for two or three of his mates, he'd achieved his goal. And he said, Thank you so much. I've just loved so much. And the guy might be back one day. And I think he will be because number one, he achieved his purpose. Number two, he went with a positive attitude. And number three, when his need arises, when in actual fact he might be moving into a stage of his life where he'd had his family and he's increasing his opportunities for work, he may want to come back. So I think it's really important to know that people come and go as long as they've had a great experience. And I think that's the biggest challenge is to know that we may have a more transient membership. But the important thing is to focus on the club and focus on the member product. Because that is what people are going to remember. And we know that members will bring members if they've had a good experience as well. So I think that's our biggest thing is to eschew episodes at the club level.

Advice for someone contemplating joining

SPEAKER_00 55:25

Denise, what's one thing you'd like someone contemplating joining Toastmasters to know?

SPEAKER_01 55:30

That you don't have to be perfect. You come as you are. Come as you are, um, and open your mind, participate. You can't expect to get that enjoyment and that rope if you don't turn up. So it does require a little bit of commitment. It's like you go to the gym and join up, but you don't automatically get bit muscly because you join the gym, you've got to go there and do the work. So I think that if we make our meetings fun, enjoyable, people want to come anyway. And as a result of that, through their participation, through time, they will see the growth. I've seen it, you've seen it, that the amazing growth of some people because of their dedication and their commitment. We also have seen people that don't stay. We want to know why they don't stay. Um, and we hope it's not because it wasn't a good product. But I do believe that we have to show excellence in our product, and that's our club meeting.

SPEAKER_00 56:39

Anything else you'd like to add today, Denise?

SPEAKER_01 56:42

Uh

Member of nine clubs & final thoughts

SPEAKER_01 56:43

well, if you haven't noticed, I really love Toastmasters. I'm a member of nine clubs.

SPEAKER_00 56:50

Nine?

SPEAKER_01 56:51

Yes. So the reason why I'm a member of Nine Clubs, very simple, is that each of those pubs offer me something different. They offer their own personality, their own diversity, and teach me different skills. I think it's important to always know that if you have issues with your club, whether it be you can no longer go at their time slot or whether they're they're not hitting what you particularly want, or you're not getting enough time to speak, because some of our larger clubs may be getting to that. You can always look around and find a club that really suits you. And you've got to have fun. And I think this is the major thing that I believe that Toastmasters is such an extraordinary association that helps people. And in order to help people, you're helping yourself. And I've never heard a Toastmaster say no. If they can help, they will. It's just an extraordinary group of people that I'm very, very proud to be be a member of and very thrilled to be in a position now where I can enhance our our our position as well. But more than anything, um I am a mother, I am a sister, I am an auntie, I am a grandmother. Um somewhere, family is also very important to me. But my family realize that it's very important for me to do something that I really enjoy and love. They allow, give me the freedom to do that. So I'm very, very grateful for my family for their support. And I look forward in the next two years to to enlarge my scope and to look and seeing what we can achieve together. Um, because I think it is important to always grow, because if you're not growing, you're moving backwards, I think. So I think overall, extremely thrilled to and relieved after 10 months of work. I really believe that uh I have something to offer. So let's see how we go. Uh I do thank you for your time. And and to giving me the um the open questions where I can give you little stories and background as well. Congratulations, I'm a great lover of your podcast. And uh I can't wait to give you being hung the next time I see you.

Wrap up and thank you

SPEAKER_00 59:21

Look forward to it. There you have it, ladies and gentlemen, our new Region 12 International Director, Denise Buckby. I hope you're all clapping along with me. Thank thank you so much, Denise. It's been such a pleasure and an honour.

SPEAKER_01 59:34

Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 59:40

Thanks for listening to today's show. One of the key elements of Postmasters is evaluation. This is how we grow and improve, both by encouraging comments for things we got right and points for improvement. We all learn and benefit from these evaluations, not just the first of being evaluated. So any feedback in the comments is greatly appreciated. We'd like to be up to