#266: Meet Lauren Parsons, Toastmasters' 2024 Newest Accredited Speaker (1st of 2)
January 01, 2025Categories: Accredited Speakers, Personal Development, Change, Inspiration
The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin
The Toastmasters Podcast is like a radio talk show featuring interviews with Toastmasters usually featured in the Toastmaster magazine. The purpose of the podcast is to amplify the magazine - to dig deeper or to put a voice to a face or written wordBut unlike a radio show, a podcast is on the Internet, and available, for free, to anyone in the world with an Internet connection, and a connected device capable of playing audio. 250+ episodes are at ToastmastersPodcast.comThe Toastmasters Podcast is co-produced by Toastmasters International and Archieboy Holdings, LLC, for our global audience of Toastmasters and those interested in public speaking and leadership.
[33:59] Lauren Parsons is one of two members who successfully completed the final step of the Accredited Speaker (AS) application process at the 2024 Toastmasters International convention in Anaheim, California. She was subsequently awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation joining an elite group of only 95 individuals to receive this accreditation and honor since the program began in 1981.
In this episode, host Greg Gazin speaks with Lauren Parsons. You'll hear inspiring and interesting stories about her AS, Toastmasters, and personal journeys. Lauren also shares highlights and valuable lessons from her AS final presentation and personal story, Resilience: To not just survive, but to thrive. You might just pick up some valuable tips along the way including how to adopt an Attitude of Gratitude, How to be Present and to proverbially Snack on Exercise.
Lauren Parsons is a Distinguished Toastmaster, speaker and wellbeing specialist, with over 20 years of experience. She is a Certified Speaking Professional, New Zealand's current Keynote Speaker of the Year and Educator of the Year as awarded by the Professional Speakers Association of New Zealand. A TEDx speaker, author, and host of the Thrive TV Show and Podcast, Lauren is dedicated to helping people and leaders create thriving workplaces.
Lauren is passionate about helping people thrive, helping leaders create thriving workplaces. Working full-time as a speaker, Lauren regularly travels to speak at conferences and in-house on topics such as wellbeing, resilience, and communication, helping leaders create thriving teams. Her practical solutions have helped thousands of busy people feel vibrant, confident, and energized.
Lauren Parsons lives in Manawatu, New Zealand, where she is also a wife, and a mother of three.
You can connect with Lauren through her website, LaurenParsonsWellBeing.com which offers a wealth of articles and resources. You can also watch her entire AS presentation on YouTube or her TED Talk, Snack on Exercise she referenced in the interview.
You can also read the article, New Accredited Speakers Exemplify Resilience: The Two Accomplished Women Who Persevered Through Previous Doubts, by Stephanie Darling, in the January 2025 issue of Toastmaster magazine.
The Accredited Speaker (AS) Program recognizes some of the most exceptional professional speakers in Toastmasters. It is designed for sought-after presenters who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word. This AS award requires applicants to pass two rigorous levels of judging and is the highest-earned designation recognized by Toastmasters International.
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