Yuki Wong, CC, ALB
HKUST MBA Alumni Toastmasters club • Hong Kong

From Passion to Action

One evening in February 2013, I gathered with my parents for dinner. It looked like any other day, but it was a life-changing moment. My heart was pounding as I made an important announcement: “I will quit my job and start my own public speaking training company.”

My parents could not believe the decision. They were very proud when I joined the banking industry after graduating from university. But despite my outstanding performance in banking, I could not feel any joy in the work.

At one point, my bank sent me on a month-long overseas training trip, which included a public speaking course taught by James Leong. I had never imagined that public speaking could be a career. I approached James with curiosity and he encouraged me to join Toastmasters. I did—and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I sharpen my public speaking skills, I also gained friendships and positive energy. Eventually, I became club president, and in 2015 I was the first runner-up in a District 89 Evaluation Contest.

I began realizing that public speaking was the right career path for me. In June 2015, I took a leap of faith, quit my job and started my own company offering public speaking training and emcee services. I believe in the power of speech to make changes in the world.

I was very grateful to the Toastmasters community, who planted the seed of optimism and offered me the support and guidance in
pursuing my passion. Without Toastmasters, I wouldn’t have had the courage and competence to become who I am today.

It’s important to walk your own path in life. And if you persevere, you’ll scale new heights and experience beauty and exhilaration.
From passion to action, it all starts with us.