Candidate’s Name:
Mike Burrows
Candidate’s Office:
Division A Director
Toastmasters member since:
November 2011
Education:
BSc Mechanical Engineering
FMM (Fellowship in Manufacturing Management
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service:
In D93: VPE, Jinju TM Oct 2021-2024;
Schoolmasters Pres, Jul-Dec 2021 & VPE Jul-Dec 2022
Div. A Director, 2019-2020;
Treasurer Northavon Speakers, Apr 2019-2024;
Bath Spa Treasurer, 2021-2024
Area 62 Director, 2018-2019, Jan-Jun 2021;
Treasurer Bath Spa, Mar 2015-2019 & Dec 2019-2020
Area 70 (D93) Governor Area 2013-2014;
President Jinju Toastmasters 2012-2013
Toastmasters honors and recognition:
DL4, Mar 2022; VC4, Dec 2022; PM2, Feb 2024
Distinguished Toastmaster June 2020;
Recognition Awards: Division Online Ovation Silver Award 6/2020 Valleys and Vale Speakers Coach Complete Jun. 30, 2021
Bristol Central Speakers Coach Complete Jun. 30, 2019, Pathways Guide Dec. 5, 2018
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a District leader:
I worked for some years as Manufacturing Director in an Electronics Company, with responsibility for Purchasing, Materials Control, Manufacturing and Delivery of Products to Customers.
What experience do you have in strategic planning?
As a Division Director previously, I ensured all Division & Areas Events were planned and executed. I contributed to business plans of the Company above as a member of the Board of the Company.
I also contributed to business plans and budgets for high value capital equipment in the last organisation I worked for before retirement.
What experience do you have in the area of finance?
I have had to work withing budgets for the roles I have held in industry. I was the Treasurer of Blackfriars Overseas Aid Trust, a registered charity based in Oxford for several years. I am Treasurer of two Toastmasters Clubs, and have been in role for over 9 years in one club.
I am currently serving as a District Auditor in District 91
What experience do you have in developing procedures?
I was instrumental in rolling out Enterprise Resource Planning for the Company I was working for up to retiring in late 2018. I mapped all the company procedures, representing them in a large flow diagram of the internal business transactions from purchase order receipt through to product delivery to numerous countries, including materials and manufacturing planning within the company.
What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?
I led an HPL team successfully, leading to my DTM. I believe I am a fair, but firm – when required – leader. I held numerous roles as a manager of people during my working career: I have had to hire and fire people, discipline people and praise people for their contributions. I have held project management roles and delivered, even when I did not have direct authority over contributing team members.
Why do you want to serve as a District leader?
My progression was knocked back by Breaking my arm, my back and then having Lymph Node Cancer: now recovered I want to continue my growth within Toastmasters. My ambition to do well in my pursuits has not diminished. I want to give back to Toastmasters by helping develop future leaders within the voluntary structure we have in Toastmasters. As I am retired, I have time available to ensure that I perform and deliver.
In your opinion, what are the District mission’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?
The mission of the district is to empower members and to encourage club growth. I would take part in District meetings with other Division Directors and ensure I cascade targets, event dates and support to/with my Area Directors. I would ensure Division Conferences happen and support the Area Directors and Clubs. I will schedule regular team meetings with Area Directors and 1:1 meetings if they need help and support.
Additional information about yourself:
Having retired from industry, I am available most of the time to discuss issues with people as and when they arise. I would pro-actively identify struggling clubs and seek to help them with a fact finding visit and recommend potential ways forward to help them. I am a volunteer driver in the Link System, I help others by taking them to medical appointments, where it is too expensive for them to use taxis.
Last Updated on 6th April 2024 by Diane Richardson