Former banker threw it all in to become a stand-up comedian and entrepreneur, becomes cover star.
Toronto resident Stephan Dyer’s face, name and comedy tips have just gone worldwide, as he became the cover star of Toastmasters International’s magazine, distributed to over 364,000 members around the globe.
He credits his success to gratitude, planning and being consistent – “And going to Toastmasters every week is the most consistent I’ve ever been about ANYTHING!”, he says.
Originally from Costa Rica, he graduated from the University of Toronto before joining Scotiabank and rising rapidly through the ranks to become a Senior Manager in Wealth Management.
And then…
“I joined Toastmasters in March 2012, and I couldn’t believe the support and amount of constructive feedback that got showered on me. It helped me grow fast – and gave me the confidence to quit a great job and follow my dream.”
After just two years of working his way through the Toastmasters’ program, Dyer did his first “open mic” session at a comedy club. And bombed.
“I was horrible,” he laughs. “But I learned. And I kept trying out material at Toastmasters and other open mic sessions. And, little by little, I got better.”
“Being on stage is such a small part of being a successful comedian. Very few people see all the planning, the researching, the practicing, the networking – it is tough!”
He quit his successful banking career in April 2017, one day after applying to become a Canadian citizen. While it hasn’t all been plain sailing – he saw his income drop 80% and, having been responsible for managing millions of dollars, was turned down for a mortgage loan for $300,000 – he is now the joint proprietor of MalPensando, an award-winning comedy club and school that has helped thousands of people become funny, confident speakers
And even though he’s in constant demand by corporations, educational institution and comedy festivals around the world, he hasn’t forgotten his own advice.
“Yes, I still show up for my Toastmasters club every Wednesday morning! I learn something new every week – and I get to practice some new material!”.
For further information, please contact:
- Stephan Dyer, stephan@malpensando.com
- Wendy Williamson, Toastmasters District 60 Director, dd@toastmasters60.com
Toastmasters International has over 16,200 clubs worldwide, including over 400 in the GTA. It is a non-profit organization, dedicated to helping its members improve their public speaking and leadership skills.
