Christine Lennon, DTM

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international and regional level):

Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

State Manager of Australian wide Corporation and was part of a National Team that worked on a five year Strategic Plan for the Corporation in a time of change in the environment. Was important to be focused on the outcomes while working as a part of a team. At the same time making sure that there was a good working environment for a diverse staff. I believe that the skills I gained in this role and at this time will be helpful in my role as a Board Meeting. Being able to contribute as a Team member, work to achieve an outcome and to be mindful of our members. Demonstrated that I could be an effective Team member in times of change.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

State Manager of Australian wide Corporation and was part of a National Team that worked on a five year Strategic Plan for the Corporation in a time of change in the environment. As well as doing a National strategic plan was involved in creating a strategic plan for my State team of 33 direct staff and 150 indirect staff.
As a District Director worked to and on our District Strategic Pla,

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

As a State Manager I had to create and work with a budget. As District Director we had a budget to work with and keep to. I have worked in the Banking industry for many years.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

In an ever-changing environment I have been involved with developing policies that are relevant to the environment. Reviewing existing policy and looking to make sure that they are still relevant. Having worked in a Registered Training Organization as both a trainer and in Compliance I was involved in developing policy that was compliant with the working environment that were created for.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

I like to lead by example it is important it helps to gain respect. Everyone has ability in some respect being a leader means helping them find and reach their potential. It is important to always communicate and to listen to what others are saying. Teamwork is important as they can share a lot of ideas. You don’t have to do everything yourself others have skills to do things. It is important to recognize and give praise and to structure feedback so that it is motivating. It isn’t always easy being a leader but you learn and grow from the opportunity.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

My previous experience as a Board member outside of Toastmasters. My length of membership in Toastmasters gives me an indepth knowledge. Having been involved with Toastmasters in a country and culture other than my own gives me an understanding of diversity of our organization. I am willing to be actively involved in discussions and will not take it personally if people do not agree with me. I am straight speaking but am aware that not everyone is. I am a patient person. I have worked successfully in many teams.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I know that I can add value to the organization and its members with experience gained both inside and outside of the organization. I know that I could be an effective Team member of the Board building on the foundations of past Boards and helping to take the organization into the future while making sure that the current and future members are being met. Through my experiences I recognize and respect geographical and cultural differences and their impact on the organization. I am passionate about the benefits of Toastmasters and helping others. I would like to serve to grow the organization, bringing us into the future, and serve the needs of our diverse global community by delivering value, providing the best-in-class education programming, and technology

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I have been a part of many Judging panels of speech contests run by the schools in my Gold Coast community and also by Rotary. These contests range from 10-year-olds up to young adults about to leave High School and start their university studies.
Developed and ran two three month long Entrepreneurial Programs at a Queensland based Correctional Centre to assist the males inmates with their communication and presentation skills . The idea behind the workshops was to assist and develop the participants with the skills required to be able to have a smooth transition back into their lives outside the Correctional environment and help them have the skills to gain employment. Not only did they grow as individuals but they also developed as positive influences in their environment.
Was a part of the Female Alumni Mentoring Initiative connected to the Papua New Guinea Australian Awards Alumni for several years acting as a mentor to females from Papua New Guinea. These women had gained educational achievements through funding from Australian awards and the mentoring was to help them to develop their confidence and leadership capabilities.
Mentor and support members of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub-start-us and entrepreneurs . Give my support at workshops and events that are run.
Served as a Volunteer -a Game Changer at the Commonwealth Games when they were held on the Gold Coast Queensland 4th-15th April 2018. I was a driver for the sports people and officials.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

I am currently serving on a Board at the present time. It is also a Not for Profit Organisation. I came on as a fledgling Board member and am growing with the experience. I am involved in discussions and planning to sustain and grow this Organisation.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

I think that Toastmasters International’s major objectives put simply are to continue and to grow into the future building on its foundations and growing its membership to gain recognition as its envisioned world leader. In order to achieve this it needs to continue to meet its current and potential market needs . Do we have policies that will ensure that we achieve that. I believe the Board is working on this. I am sure that there are no new ideas but different prospectives and ways of doing things. I would participate in discussions and work on committees when requested where I could add to the strength of the collective Board.

Additional information about candidate:

Awarded Excellence in Education and Training for District 69 2014-2015
Awarded Toastmaster of the Year District 69 2020-21
Awarded a Commendation Award 2023-24 for Outstanding Service to Club Growth
Won District 69 Humorous Speech Contest 2021-22

International Women's Day Award for Senior Ambassador for Education on Gold Coast
International Global Women of Essence Finalist for community contributions.

Christine lives on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia with her husband Murray, Puggie – a Pug dog and Dexter a French Bulldog. Her son Daniel, his wife Ashley and her Granddog Winnie are based in Nelson Bay in New South Wales Australia. Her daughter Alexia and her husband Hamish base themselves between Melbourne Australia and New Zealand but reside around the world for six months of the year.