Michael Bown, DTM

ILC Nominated Candidate

International Director from Region 1

 
The idea is actually not that complex – a group of people gathered in a meeting format practicing a skill. However – Regardless what brought us through the door that very first time we visited a Toastmasters club there was magic in the experience. Perhaps it is the fact everyone in the meeting is equally committed to your growth as their own, the stories we hear from our fellow members or maybe it is the changes we see in ourselves soon after joining. 
 
Regardless of the reason for this magic it absolutely has transformed lives and continues to do so everyday.  For me personally the Toastmasters program has provided me tremendous professional growth that has fuelled my career, improved confidence in life and perhaps most importantly a global collection of connections around the world who I am proud to call friends.
 
In return for this ongoing journey of learning and making new friends around the world, I offer a commitment to delivering service aimed at organizational excellence while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and respect to all.
 

Empowering Voices, Inspiring Leaders: A Global Network for Transformative Growth

When I close my eyes and imagine Toastmasters in 10 years I see:

Accessibility: A world where everyone has access to a Toastmasters program regardless their location, background, abilities and beliefs. Enhanced support for meeting formats and multilingual resources to meet the needs of more individuals. I imagine a world with accessibility in underserved communities through various initiatives including strategic partnerships and continuing to promote the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial fund.

Quality: Every leader has the training, tools and resources to lead a team in their area of responsibility to distinguished recognition. Every member has access to an innovative educational program and mentorship from members who deeply understand our purpose. Individuals want to join and remain in Toastmasters because they understand our purpose and experience continuous growth in themselves.

Sustainability: As an organization we are able to diversify our funding sources, further invest in technology to leverage new tools and promote continuous improvement to offer more services without adding costs to our membership.  Our organization thrives in accessibility and quality because proceses are optimized and we lead in innovation.


Toastmasters Experience

  • 2022-2023 Presidential Citation
  • 2020-2021 District 21 Toastmaster of the Year
  • 2020-2021 Immediate Past District Director
  • 2019-2020 District Director  – District Online Ovation Gold Award (only district in the world to achieve)
  • 2018-2019 Program Quality Director – Excellence in Program Quality
  • 2016-2017 Club Growth Director
  • 2015-2016 Division Director

About Michael Bown, DTM


Michael was born in Canada and has been endlessly curious since childhood. Growing up, he spent countless hours exploring the woods near his home, uncovering hidden remnants of the past. As a teenager, meeting fellow students from around the world sparked his fascination with different cultures and languages, fueling a lifelong passion for travel.

This passion led Michael to live and work in Hong Kong, China, during his early adult years, opening doors to meaningful connections and adventures across Asia and Oceania. Although he eventually returned to his native Canada, Michael has never lost his sense of adventure. He continues to explore the world with curiosity, regularly traveling to experience its wonders firsthand.

When not traveling, Michael enjoys walking around his local community in Victoria, British Columbia. He actively contributes to community events and volunteers as an election official at all levels of government. Michael credits his spouse, Jojo, for inspiring his successes and challenging him to grow every day.