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John Angiolillo Receives Spirit of Excellence Award
Written by Diana Dee
Past District Governor and Distinguished Toastmaster, John Angiolillo, receives the Spirit of Excellence Award. Current Founder's District Director, Diana Dee, presented the award at the District Executive Council meeting on Februrary 14, 2019.
Angiolillo recognized the crucial need to keep club and district officer contact data current and, for many years, has volunteered to maintain the District Directory and update vital officer training data throughout the Toastmaster year. For example, the day after club officer training at the Leadership And Communication Experience (LACE) event last January, John swiftly compiled the officer training data and made it available to the district leadership. Those in district leadership positions know that John is consistently dogged in pursuit of the data needed for the District Directory.
John's positive, proactive spirit goes above and beyond expectations by providing outstanding service to the district. We thank John for his hard work and dedication.
The Spirit of Excellence Award is given to recognize a member who has had a big impact on many members throughout the District. Recipients embody the qualities of mentoring, leadership, service, outreach, and most of all, a Toastmaster's heart.
The District Directory and Calendar is painstakenly updated twice a year and hard and soft copies are provided to district leaders and chairs. The club officer training results are published on the Founder's District web site and updated in near real-time during the two training periods each year.
Founder's District celebrates 75 years of producing leaders and enriching the lives of members from around the world. It all started in Orange County, California on July 1, 1944. As the birthplace of Toastmasters, Founder's District is the first of nearly 130 districts founded across 143 countries worldwide.
In 2019, Founder's District serves as the creative catalyst, preparing members for their future with seven divisions, supporting 135 clubs, and serving over 2500 members across Orange and Los Angeles County. Toastmasters' long-term success and sustainability reflects the effectiveness of our hands-on, experiential learning as envisioned by Dr. Ralph Smedley, "Toastmasters is a laboratory where members experiment with words, ideas, voice inflection, body language and emotional connections."
With a collaborative and communicative mindset, our leaders and members continue to engage, expand and evolve Toastmasters into an inclusive and interconnected network of members infused with creativity and positivity. Toastmasters is a human connection ecosystem that enables people from different cultures, backgrounds and professions to converge weekly or bi-monthly in a fun, friendly and supportive atmosphere. A club meeting or district event is where members can "turn fear into opportunity" and "strangers turn into friends". With opportunities to lead and collaborate throughout the organization, members gain as much energy as they exert. Members choose to co-create with each other or co-develop a special project to elevate themselves, the club, and/or the organization. As a result, everyone rises together.
Looking ahead, John Kotter, author of Leading Change states, "The rate of change is not going to slow down anytime soon. If anything, competition in most industries will probably speed up even more in the next few decades." The rapid rate of change can be intimidating for any one person. Toastmasters can ease the rapid transformation pressures by providing a relaxing and fun environment in which members can experience:
1) personal transformation 2) professional development and 3) social skills to improve themselves and ultimately, 4) to be of service others.
As a member since 2016, I have observed the transformational powers of the Toastmasters process. I've grown first from the inside, and Toastmasters has left an indelible mark in my life. Over the next few months, I will interview and share stories from visionary leaders and members within and outside of our district to cast a net of ideas, thoughts and actions with you. By sharing our stories, we can uplift, inspire and become the creative catalyst for others. Happy 75th Anniversary, Founder's District!
Contributed by: Gisele Nguyen, President
Sensational Salesmen Toastmaster, Club 417
Just like there are different genres of dance, like jazz, ballet or hip hop, there are different genres of speeches. There are fun and heartfelt wedding toasts, inspiring 45 minute keynotes, persuasive campaign speeches and countless others.
Each speech genre has a different tone depending on the audience, content and performance. I've given speeches to audiences of various sizes, cultures and ages. I remember all of them, but there are 2 that stand out to me the most: the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking and TEDx.
In 2016, I surpassed 35,000 contestants to place 3rd place in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Since then, I have been invited to speak all around the world including, India, 4 countries in the Middle East, China and Russia.
Which led to an invitation to TEDx on January 2018.
The two genres are drastically different and I had to adjust my speaking style and writing in each.
Here is a breakdown of the main differences.
TEDx: https://youtu.be/FGEeJy18elE
Audience: U.S. The TEDx was set in Culver City, CA. An audience of about 120 that consisted of mostly native English speakers. They shared my culture and humor and I didn't have to adjust my jargon to be understood.
Content: Research based. Credibility should be established through research. Although, I included a personal story to emphasize my pointe, the subject should be rooted in solid arguments.
Structure: Simple. I used an easy to follow structure that had 3 examples to support my argument.
Humor: Not essential but appreciated. There are a few sprinkled here and there but I didn't bury the content under humor.
Type: Inspirational/Educational. The audience should walk away with a new piece of knowledge.
Performance Style: Casual. Much more conversational and intimate.
World Championship of Public Speaking: https://youtu.be/miek-FY0flg
Audience: International. There are about 2,000 members in the audience from 142 countries. I had to focus on a common human experience (friendship, appreciation, work ethic etc) that speaks across all cultures.
Content: Story based. I used stories from my own life to support a single message.
Structure: Artistic. I used many literary tools like foreshadowing, call backs and metaphors in my speech. At this level of competition, there must be some technical skills that go beyond just a message.
Humor: Frequent and well timed. Humor is an unwritten requirement in a Championship speech. I averaged at about 7 laughs per minute.
Type: Entertaining/Inspirational. The audience should walk away uplifted and inspired.
Performance Style: Dramatic. Facial expressions, acted out dialogue and staged choreography. Championship speeches have evolved into an almost theatrical performance.
Although there are many types of speeches, if you can master one, you can master them all. Just like dancing, you can learn all the tools, but the most important part is to actually practice them.
And that is exactly why Toastmasters is so valuable.
Josephine Lee is an industry leading entrepreneur and an award winning public speaker.
Follow her on
https://www.instagram.com/josephineylee/
https://www.facebook.com/josephineylee
At your service,
Josephine Lee
949.302.7172
The Pointe Shop
200 E. 3rd Street
Santa Ana CA 92701
Website: www.thepointeshop.com
TEDx: https://youtu.be/FGEeJy18elE
KABC: https://youtu.be/ykA0ELXZUfY
Pointe Magazine: https://www.pointemagazine.com/community/josephinelee
OC Register: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lee-631620-shoes-pointe.html
After 20 years with the same company, it sold, and I was out the door; 60 years old, out on the street, resume in hand, looking for work. My self-esteem gone.
When I was about at my lowest, a good friend asked me to attend a Toastmaster meeting with him. I told him, 'I need a job, not a meeting.' But he kept asking. Finally, I decided to humor him and gave in. That morning changed my life.
When we got to the meeting, I found the room bursting with positive energy. These people seemed going somewhere in life. I left that meeting with a membership application in hand and my heart was beating again.
I joined, and jumped in with both feet, achieving my Competent Communicator pin in short order. As I did, my self-confidence began to return. And something else: an old ambition of mine was awakened. I had always wanted to start my own business, applying some of my own ideas and using my new Toastmasters skills.
After a year with Toastmasters, and my wife's total support, I begged, borrowed from our IRA and a good friend, and started my own Company.
I had to get out and sell people on my idea and convince them to buy it and become part of my company. I held meetings all over California. I spoke everywhere and anywhere I could get in the door - service clubs, chambers of commerce, - sometimes 3 times a week.
My Toastmasters experience was pushing me forward!
Once I recruited franchisees, I had to go back to their offices and train their sales team using all the skills I learned at Toastmasters. Where did I get the courage and confidence to do it? You got it: Toastmasters!
One thing I know: Whatever your ambition, if you want to be the best you can be, you will never outgrow your need for Toastmasters.
The Gene Beckwith Memorial Trophy was established at the Founder’s District Fall Conference in 1981. The Founder’s District Director selects the Toastmaster who best exemplifies the humor, wisdom and leadership qualities of Gene Beckwith, DTM, PDG. The first recipient of this award was Roy D. Graham, DTM, PID.
I've never met Gene Beckwith so I have no idea how to compare his humor, wisdom, and leadership qualities. Our only option is to compare such qualities with those of recent past recipients of this award. This is the most prestigious award the district will bestow on a member so this selection is not taken lightly. Not one, but multiple years of contributions are considered.
This year's recipient began his venture into leadership by serving as a simple club coach for a struggling club. Ten years ago this club had 7 members and on its last leg. Through hard work and perseverance he helped the club grow its membership year after year up to 37 members and is consistently Presidents Distinguished every year. He remains a member of the club today.
He found his passion in pursuing leadership positions that involved coaching clubs, teaching others to coach clubs, building new clubs, and especially youth leadership programs. As Lt. Governor of Marketing, a position we now call the Club Growth Director, he was largely responsible for building enough clubs to achieve distinguished district status, a rarity in Founder's district for the last 20 years. Two years later as district governor, leading his team under the theme "Pursue Your Passion", he incredibly achieved for the first and only time in the history of the district, select distinguished status.
His leadership skills and wisdom are incontrovertible. As far as humor ... well, if you've ever heard him speak and tell the story about the tortoise and the hare, you would agree that he has no problem with humor. And even more importantly, he is inspirational.
Congratulations Distinguished Toastmaster, past district governor, Harry Yan.
2018-2019 District Leadership Committee Report
Written by Daniel Cossack
In accordance with the Article VII, Section (d) of the District Administrative Bylaws, the District Leadership Committee, comprising of Bob Hudack, DTM, PDG, Cliff Shimizu, ACS, CL, Frannie Stein, DTM, Harry Yan, DTM, PDG, Kathy Hughes, ACS, ALB, Linda Robinson, DTM, Norm Stein, DTM, and Randy Kleinman, DTM, has nominated the following candidates for the 2018-2019 District Officers, in order by office and then alphabetically if there is more than one candidate per office.
District Director
Diana Dee, DTM
Program Quality Director
Lori Shapiro, DTM
Club Growth Director
Christine Brady, ACB, ALB
David Hosmer, ACS, ALS
Division A Director
John Christopherson, ACS, ALB
Division B Director
Brent Felsted, ACS, ALB
Division C Director
Minh Le, ACB, ALB
Division D Director
Mike Sato, ACB, ALB
Division E Director
Julie Murphy, CC, ALB
Division F Director
Steve Saffell, CC, ALB
Division G Director
Ann Shimizu, DTM
Reported by Siri Payakapan, DTM, PDD, Chair, District Leadership Committee
Karen Lucas joined Toastmasters as recently as 2007 and has accomplished quite a bit in the last nine years. She is a charter member of Caltech Toastmasters, reviving the club as the sole remaining member and awarded the Caltech Toastmaster of the Year in 2011. She simultaneously served as an Area Director in two districts, completing her DTM in 2015, and became a Qualified Speaker of the District 12 Speakers' Bureau and the District 100 Speakers' Bureau. While serving as an Area Director in Founder's District, she was a powerful force in the club building effort assisting other area directors across areas, divisions, and even districts. Her reach into the inner workings of Toastmasters International finds her building key relationships into the upper echelons of the organization. She is currently serving as the first Director of District 100 and we would not be surprised to one day see her serving as the International President, but we suspect her ambitions are much higher than that. Outside of Toastmasters she is a maverick in her community. For the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, she was selected as a White Suiter on her first try, served on the Street Committee, and is the youngest member to be appointed to the Heritage Committee. She is a former Board Member of the Pasadena branch of the United Nations.
In planet Toastmasters, her approach to leadership is novel, sometimes controversial, but definitely innovative. Above all, her dedication to enriching the lives of every Toastmaster member is worthy of recognizing her has having a Toastmaster's heart. Founder's District proudly recognizes the February 2018 Spirit of Excellence Award recipient, Distinguished Toastmaster, District 100 Director, Karen Lucas.
The “Founder’s District Spirit of Excellence” award was set up by past District Governor, Linda Ulrich, to recognize and thank some of our members who have made the biggest impact on the greatest number of members throughout our District and the organization.
The first recipients of this award were Richard Elliott, Chris Gregory, John Latin, Ed Mihalka, and H. Al Richardson. These persons embody the qualities of the "Spirit of Excellence" -- mentoring, leadership, service, outreach, and most of all, a Toastmaster's heart.
In 2007-2008 Bob Hudack served as the District Lt Governor and recognized for Excellence in Education and Training at the International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2008-2009 he served as the District Governor and initiated the electronic distribution of The Founder newsletter and district directories, resulting in thousands of dollars in savings to the the district. Having superior technical skills and district knowledge, he continues each year serving as the alignment chair for the district in what is a very monumental task. In 2015 he served on the District Reformation Committee contributing to a successful negotiation in the heated debate of splitting the district. He has always been an outspoken champion for the Toastmasters member and every decision and action is made with the individual member in mind. When he speaks, you should listen. For his ongoing mentorship, proven leadership, dedicated service, and devotion to transforming members, he is without question, a Toastmaster with a big heart. Founder's District proudly recognizes the February 2018 Spirit of Excellence recipient, Distinguished Toastmaster, Past District Governor, Bob Hudack.
The “Founder’s District Spirit of Excellence” award was set up by past District Governor, Linda Ulrich, to recognize and thank some of our members who have made the biggest impact on the greatest number of members throughout our District and the organization.
The first recipients of this award were Richard Elliott, Chris Gregory, John Latin, Ed Mihalka, and H. Al Richardson. These persons embody the qualities of the "Spirit of Excellence" -- mentoring, leadership, service, outreach, and most of all, a Toastmaster's heart.
Founder’s District Congratulates Our Newest Distinguished Toastmasters!
Written by Cliff ShimizuFounder’s District is proud to recognize the following members for achieving their Distinguished Toastmaster award. Achieving the designation of DTM requires each member to earn the following education and leadership awards: Competent Communicator, Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Communicator Silver, Advanced Communicator Gold, Competent Leader, Advanced Leader Bronze, and the Advanced Leader Silver (which includes the High-Performance Leadership (HPL) Project).
Please help Founder’s District in congratulating:
Donald T. Baliaba
Donald joined Toastmasters in January 2015 and his journey has been amazing. He initially joined Toastmasters to improve his speaking skills, but with the help (or sometimes push) of his mentor, Chris Gregory, he became more involved in the program.
He first served as a club officer and then as the Area C1 Director. He became a DTM two and half years after joining the program because he had great mentors who challenged him and provided support. He can't thank them enough! Maybe the best decision he made was to join Helmsmen Club #770 in Huntington Beach, one of the best clubs in the world.
Donald believes strongly that it's better to teach people how to catch fish rather than feeding them. With the help of several people, including his Founders district family, he started a Toastmasters club in Yaounde, Cameroon in Africa more than 8,000 miles away from here. Today, many Cameroonians are enjoying and benefiting from this fantastic program.
As a DTM, he is planning to use his newly acquired skills to continue to learn… and more importantly, to assist and help others to succeed, as well. This is just the beginning.
Arnie Lynn Bengo
Arnie was first introduced to Toastmasters by Jeanne Cassidy. Jeanne was the catalyst that began her journey as they chartered the 3030 Communications club at Working Wardrobes. It was at that point that she took on the role of VP of Education. In the year that she served as VPE, she earned her CC and CL in hopes of inspiring other members to achieve both leadership and education awards. She quickly immersed herself in the Toastmasters World after seeing her public speaking skills improve. Arnie then took on the role of President and eventually became the Area Director for J-2.
It took a little over 2.5 years for her to earn her DTM, an award she desperately sought out since becoming a charter member.
Lou Ann Frederick
Lou Ann is occasionally asked, “Why another DTM?” The answer is about how committed she is to both setting and achieving goals. It is important on an individual level but even more important when she participates as a member of her club to achieve Distinguished Club Status.
This is Lou Ann’s 4th or 5th Distinguished Toastmaster award and while the first one was the most notable, the work done for each successive award is equally important. Every new club that was developed, every speech project she devoted herself to, every relationship as she worked through leadership, it all added a positive dimension to her.
As she joyfully ages, she sees the need to step into a new phase of her life:to move out of the way so the newer members can fill roles and enhance their own futures. January will mark her 35th year in Toastmasters. It has been a great journey and Toastmasters helped Lou Ann achieve things in her career that were not possible otherwise.
Connie C. Haddix
Connie joined Toastmasters as a charter member of Quote Masters, in January 2009, because she needed a change from a season that was difficult, at best. She had lost her husband three months prior and her father just 6 weeks after that. She needed a way to re‐direct her grief.
Toastmasters delivered on that promise and then some! She found camaraderie amongst the members, creation of new goals and vision for her life, and an exciting adventure as a Toastmaster. This will never change for her.
Her DTM journey has been intentional and she is very pleased to reach that goal. However, the best part has been engaging with other members, by mentoring and holding each other accountable. Her heartfelt thanks goes to the Toastmasters International leadership and staff for continuing to strive for excellence in all facets of resources, educational platforms, and member engagement. You have served your global community well, with a compassion than lingers.
Claudia Kabot
Claudia began her Toastmasters journey eight years ago. At first, it was about improving her own communication and leadership skills. But, as time went on, she gained even more from helping other members.
Claudia became very active in her club by initiating and organizing successful club events; representing her club at area and division contests as a speech contestant; sponsoring and mentoring many new members; and attending all business meeting at District Conferences.
As an Area Governor, she built relationships with her area clubs. She chaired division contests and brought many of her Tools 2 Lead club members to serve at Area and Division contests.
Earning her DTM marks not the destination of her Toastmasters journey, but the beginning of many more great accomplishments.
Kimberly M. McFee
Kimberly joined Helmsmen Club #770 Toastmasters in May 1995. She joined because during a work performance review she was told that she needed to work on her platform skills. Her goal was to join a club and get through her first ten speeches and get her competent communicator award and then quit. That was over 20 years ago. Her bucket list goal with Toastmasters was to, one day, achieve her DTM. Because of work commitments and life, time got away from her. Fast forward to 2 years ago she pushed herself to run for club president, become an area director, and complete her HPL. Finally, she achieved the DTM in July 2017. Mission accomplished!
Jodi Rifkin
Jodi Rifkin has been a Toastmaster since she was a teenager. Back then she was shy but after years with Toastmasters she grown to be more confident and outspoken. She is a proud member of Unimasters and is a Speakers Exchange Coordinator. Her career in E-commerce has been enhanced by the skills she honed at Toastmasters. She enjoys traveling, being a Girl Scouts Brownie Leader and Girl Scouts Trainer. She aspires to fulfill a childhood dream to carry the Olympic Torch.
Olimpo Salmoran Palomino
Olimpo got passionate with Toastmasters when he attended his first contest in 2009. At that contest Olimpo was impressed by the level of engagement and the spirit of service and professionalism of everyone involved! Since that remarkable event in 2009, Toastmasters has been an inspiration for his life!
The thing that he loves most about Toastmasters is that Toastmasters International improves the life of all members in one way or another.
Olimpo’s commitment in the future is to continue to support Toastmasters members in achieving their objectives and to improving their lives.
Anna Shcherbak
Anna has been on an amazing 8-year journey to achieve her DTM award. Along the way, she met many remarkable people, established life-long friendships, and gained the confidence to pursue her passion of teaching children. The Toastmasters community has influenced her life in many positive ways and she is forever grateful for the support, love, and encouragement she has been shown by her fellow Toastmasters.
It’s time to hold club officer elections and submit your club officer lists!
Written by Christine BradyIt’s time to hold club officer elections and submit your club officer lists!
For all clubs with semi-annual officer terms, new club officer lists need to be submitted by December 31. Clubs who submit on time receive credit towards their Distinguished Club Program.
You want to be sure to submit club officer lists for the “future term” otherwise you may be updating the current term list.
You can use the instruction link below to submit your list through Toastmasters.org using “Club Central.”
More...
As Public Relations Manager for Founder’s District I have a motto which I wish all to follow:
Make History, Not Lose History
The reason I have this motto is that I feel that there have been opportunities that we’ve missed to celebrate over the last few years. We’ve missed out on the opportunity to document, photograph and write articles on certain special anniversaries of either clubs or club members.
In an effort to curb that, I have implemented a few changes to the Public Relations Team, which include recruiting Christine Brady as the Talent Scout and David Moore as the Special Events and Anniversaries Scout.
Both are asked to scout throughout the district and through our available data to “go where no person has gone before” in order to find pertinent information and share it with the right people who can share it with the appropriate Toastmasters world.
Their information will be passed both to the Division Directors and to either FDTV for talent or Social Media for Special Events. We need your input to help make this happen. If you have information for Talent or Events, please give to Christine for Talent or David for anniversaries or events.
I encourage more participation across the board in the Public Relations arena both from the Public Relations Team and from the Toastmaster members. All Public Relations members are also included in this offer which includes the Division PRM’s plus their teams. Also encouraged to participate is any individual member who either brings an outstanding article or brings light on something that is happening within Founder’s District. Each month, I will be looking for those whom I believe have gone above and beyond their Toastmaster expectations and I will be rewarding 2 members a $25 Toastmaster gift certificate.
The 2 individuals I’ve chosen to recognize under that program initially include:
Avis French, who even while ailing, remained liaison between Founder’s District and the local community. Avis continually works to make sure we have opportunities to serve as local judges for local school and community speech events. These events weigh heavily on Toastmasters participating as they see us working to our core values of integrity, respect, service, excellence. Avis is also looking to our Toastmasters community for someone who may want to help out and possibly transition through the next few years. Thank you, Avis.
Steve Itzkowitz, who worked up until the final hours before being admitted to the hospital for his surgery. Steve is a real trooper and is always the first in line to help make it happen. After the awards night, Steve took on doing a lot of the articles. I love him for all he does and now need him to concentrate more on delegating. Thanks for all your work, Steve.
Here are a few other mentions of individuals that I really appreciate stepping up to the plate:
Lawrence Crandall, who is always there when you need him and then some
Jeff Lee, for stepping up when Steve was ailing given how much we had to cover.
David Shostak, the man of the hour, who is setting the way as an example for everyone.
Mike O’Neil, who has been my right hand man in the Tech Team.
George Day, who has been doing amazing programs and software in the background that have made a big difference. We need you back.
I could go on but let’s save some for next month.
2017 Division Director of the Year - Cliff Shimizu
Written by Ann Shimizu
How does a software engineer who can spends hours in the dark, playing video games, alone, without moving a muscle... become an inspiring speaker, a master of the stage, a Contest Master, an empowering leader and a motivational force in the success of others?
Let me tell you that story... it will inspire you, it will encourage you, and it will make you want to stand up and cheer!!!
Yes fellow Toastmasters! Let me tell you about the journey of Cliff Shimizu, ACS, CL - a journey that began a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
In 1998 two seasoned and influential Toastmasters in Founder's District (Avis French, CL and Colette Gardner, DTM, PDG) were working at Unisys, as was Cliff. They were rebooting the corporate "Unimasters" club and suggested (in their typical gentle way) that Cliff join them to be a Charter Member. With an understanding that Cliff's manager had encouraged him, AND that Cliff's office mate was none other than Mitchell Knight - another seasoned veteran in Founder's District and President of the club - of course Cliff agreed.
Cliff knew enough about himself to understand how beneficial this first step would be ... he felt comfortable in one-one situations, but large groups made him freeze! He focused on the development of his speaking skills, never thinking about leadership - he was happy giving speeches. Of course he held club officers roles - he was among friends and colleagues at Unimasters, that was his comfort zone; he worked with them everyday - no stretch to help manage the club by taking a role now and again...
Cliff was very happy with this state of affairs - for 17 years he was happy with his journey.
Something changed in 2015... as was often the case, the incoming Division Director asked if Cliff would be an Area Director. Cliff's answer had always been an unequivocal "No". But this year, he said "YES".
What happened.... was it that Cliff had a change in career, maybe a mid-life crisis, or did they just wear him down with the question year after year? We may never know exactly what he was thinking, but we do know he has great respect for Marie-Noelle Palermo, ACB, ALB; he wanted to work with her and her Division G team; he was just beginning to see that the whole is so much more than the parts - that every club member contributes to the larger organization by inspiring and supporting others. Saying "Yes" was the catalyst Cliff needed to stretch his leadership wings, test the water, expand the envelope, step outside the box - you know what I mean - take that first step into District Leadership!!!!!
Cliff knew he would be challenged in this new leadership role, but he also knew three things would help him succeed: 1) his mentors (Avis and Colette) would encourage and support him; 2) Marie-Noelle was a proven leader and would provide the vision and leadership for a successful Division G team; 3) Ann Shimizu, DTM was also going to be an Area Director that same year... how could he fail?!?!
Cliff's success as Area Director that year (2015-2016) extended beyond the reports, the training, the meetings and the contests... what he learned about himself, about working beyond his personal boundaries, about how to mentor and inspire others, about the acts of leadership - this experience instilled in him the drive to see beyond his own needs and objectives and to focus on the development and success of others. It instilled more deeply in him the idea of and the practice of servant leadership.
Then, a funny thing happened... In the Spring of 2016, the Spirit of Excellence award recipient delivered a game changing statement that transformed how Cliff saw his own Toastmasters journey. He heard a phrase that resonated with him then and continues to drive his commitment to servant leadership. The speaker said "I had taken so much. It was time I gave back."
Cliff turned to Ann and said: "We should run (for Division G Director)!"
Ann's practical reply: "Why both of us?" Cliff: "Because it will be FUN!!!!!"
What happened to the dark room and video monitor as your only friend? After 18 years Cliff saw the light - giving back as a servant leaders was now his passion.
Born in that moment was the TRIO approach to Division G: Cliff, Ann, and Raymond (McCullough) all ran - no matter who would win - they would act as a trio in driving Division G success... well, we all know how that turned out. And yes, the Trio approach to leadership for Division G worked flawlessly. With a combined vision, Cliff's pursuit for inclusive leadership, and an outstanding crew of Area Directors, Division G soared into success as a President's Distinguished Division - that is how to define leadership!
Cliff spoke to his Division council each month about his leadership passions, his expectation for pushing boundaries, how to reach for success, his inspiration for mentoring others - his message could not have been clearer; it resonated with each Area Director - the results speak for themselves.
Now that his term as Division Director is complete, his leadership goal has shifted ever so slightly.... he no longer cares to pursue success in his own interest, but rather - in the true sense of a servant leader - his joy is to encourage and support others in their pursuit of excellence.
Cliff - We applaud you! We cheer for you, and for those whose journey you have inspired. We ask you to continue to be the leader, mentor and visionary you became once you stepped outside of your comfort zone. The District awaits you...
Founders District is very pleased to announce that Mike Sato, Area G3 Director, is the Founder’s District 2016-17 Area Director of the Year.
"Mike's dedication and commitment went above and beyond what I have seen from other area directors. He visited his clubs several times throughout each 6 month period," said nominator and Division G Director, Cliff Shimizu. "He delivered trophies to our area and division contest winners and worked diligently to ensure the success of each club."
Sato addressed challenges in his area with dedication and commitment. Three of his four clubs faced relocation of their meeting sites in the past year and Mike was directly responsible for arranging a new meeting location for one of those clubs.
Despite the challenges, Mike's area is currently distinguished. Two of his clubs have the DCP points to be distinguished and only need a few more members to be at charter strength.
Faced with a particularly struggling club in his Area, Ziggurat 425, Mike joined the club as a member, even though this would preclude him from receiving credit as a club coach. The club had 8 members before Sato joined and now has 15 members and became a Select Distinguished club.
According to Shimizu, "Mike was committed to helping the club and made them commit to rebuilding their club. He worked with the club and the members worked hard as a result. He pulled in the support of the division and nearby clubs to boost the attendance and speakers at the club. Members of the club were helping at the Fall Contest as functionaries and by the Spring Contest, the club was sending contestants".
"The turnaround," said Shimizu "has been nothing short of remarkable."
Mike not only led the turnaround of the club, he recorded his efforts in the form of a case study which he voluntarily wrote up.
Mike is now involved in the process of chartering the Ware Malcomb club. This prospective club needs only three more applications to charter. The club has already started conducting their own meetings, beginning on June 2nd, 2017.
In addition to his tireless work with his clubs, Division Director Cliff Shimizu noted several occasions where Mike assisted his Division. "Mike also jumped in as the Division G Chief Judge when past district governor, Colette Gardner, was no longer able to attend due to her medical condition. He also aided Division F as their area contest chief judge, and helped guide Jean Tanquary as a brand new chief judge for the division contests", Shimizu said.
At the end of the day, Mike left no stone unturned as he helped build a new club within his area while assisting his established clubs in achieving excellence.
Founders District congratulates Area G3 Director, Mike Sato, for his outstanding work with his area and for his inspiring leadership by example.
What a journey this has been. For me, and for you as well. Because my story is not unlike your story. When I walked in to my very first Toastmasters meeting, I never dreamed in a million years that I would be where I am today, that I would learn what I have learned today, or that I would feel what I feel today.
I will never forget my first year as an area governor. That is a special time for any Toastmaster, one that will change your life one way or another. It was there that I met some of the most influential people in my life. Many of you have shaped me over the years. Some old friends, some new friends, and some who I hope to become friends. Each one of you in some way, big or small, has had a lasting impact on me. Sometimes it was your helpful suggestion, or a nod of approval, your show of support. But most of the time it was your kind words of recognition, and many times it was in the way I saw you offer a kind word to someone else who needed it. And that’s made all the difference.
Think about all of the situations in your own journey that has helped to get you where you are today. Was it completing a communication manual? Or a leadership level? Was it winning a trophy at a speech contest? Or being a part of committee chair and challenging yourself to do something you didn’t think you were capable of doing? All of these things are nice, but I think what made the most difference in your life, and in mine, is the kind words of friends.
A kind word is the most powerful force in the universe. Kind words have not built our skyscrapers, or highways, or any booming metropolis. Kind words did not usher in the technology that built the internet, that saves lives, and makes the planet a better place to live. Kind words didn’t do any of that, but kind words built the men and women behind those great accomplishments. Kind words can move mountains.
This year, we intend to move mountains. Together we can accomplish more than we ever thought possible. I have the benefit of following some of the smartest and wisest people I know. Each of you in some way have contributed to building my character and into the person I am today. Years ago when I was an Area Governor I had no idea what I was doing. Today, I am confident – confident that I still have no idea what I’m doing but at least now I know I am surrounded by friends who won’t let me fail. I have learned a lot over the years from some very special people and past district governors. Starting with Celly Adamo, may God rest her soul, the only District Governor to have all 8 divisions presidents distinguished. Celly taught me to think big and to respect others beliefs and opinions. Her year was distinguished.
Alanda Dyer showed me how to laugh and be resilient under pressure. She also showed me how the power of kindness and kind words can make a big impact on so many people.
Bob Hudack taught me to find the hidden talents in people and direct others toward their natural talents.
Maira Pineda taught me to be extraordinary, to find your inner light and let it shine.
Ede, Distinguished District Governor, Ede, taught me how to inspire others and lead by example. Ede is a beacon of light for all of us to follow.
Distinguished District Governor Wes Hoover, saw the big picture but also cared about the experience of each and every member. Wes taught me to see the good in all people.
And Victoria Dotson, someone very special to me, near and dear to my heart. Victoria taught me not to be afraid to take chances. Leaders are not always right, but you can never go wrong if you follow your heart. And Victoria is all heart.
Calm and methodical, Harry Yan, the only Select Distinguished District Governor in Founder's District. Harry taught me to remain focused on the mission. Never lose focus.
Linda Ulrich, always there with a hug and a smile. Linda helped me to recognize the human element in all that we do.
Pan Kao, helped me to realize that we are not super human with super powers. We are just people all working together to make this world a better place to live.
And finally, Siri, a master delegator. How she does all the things she does so well I may never know, but I hope to learn someday.
I’m someone who embraces change. Change is exciting for some but scary for others. The world is always changing. Toastmasters is changing, and we must change as well or suffer. Experience has taught me how important it is to remain laser focused on our mission – to build new clubs and support all clubs to achieve excellence.
What then, about the members? Members are the foundation of our district. Without members we are nothing. Strategies and policies do nothing to instill any real change in the lives of the members. I alone can have little impact on the greater population of our district. But each of you can move mountains, by giving all members the same thing you have given me – a kind word. A kind word is all it takes and doesn’t cost a thing.
Be generous with your kind words. Give a kind word to every guest that walks into your club meeting. Give a kind word to every speaker in your club, to your club leaders, to your club’s future leaders. Give kind words to your Area Directors and Division Directors who work so hard for you. Give kind words to your mentors, your mentees, your friends, your colleagues, those you agree with and those you disagree with. Give kind words with reckless abandon and more importantly, be sincere. Change one person’s life with one kind word, and you’ve changed the world.
Founder’s District hasn’t been Presidents Distinguished in almost 40 years. It’s an ambitious goal, but hey, let’s think BIG! Let’s not be afraid to take chances. Let’s enhance our natural talents and be extraordinary. Stay focused on the mission and above all be generous with our kindness to others, give a hug, give a smile, give a kind word. And let’s be Presidents Distinguished Again!
DISTRICT MISSION
We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.
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