Day 1– The opening day brought together a combined Club Officer Training and round-table engagement. Participants repeatedly expressed that the sessions were unlike anything they had experienced before- dynamic, deeply engaging, and transformational in both content and delivery. The conversations surrounding club growth, member experience, leadership pipelines, and new club creation reflected a renewed enthusiasm across the district. These sessions reinforced the fact that leadership within Toastmasters is not merely functional; it is developmental, strategic, and profoundly influential for those who choose to engage with it.
Day 2 – The following day extended this momentum into the District Leadership Team for an intensive strategy session, one that quickly distinguished itself through its depth, focus, and commitment to excellence. What emerged was a level of board-level thinking that strengthened our strategic direction and sharpened our alignment with the District Success Plan. With the guidance of Regional Advisor Lilian Shaftacola, the team, led by the engaged in rigorous discussion and purposeful analysis, resulting in an atmosphere where clarity, accountability, and shared purpose became the defining characteristics of the day.
Day 3 – The final day of the visit took place at The Amplifiers, the corporate Toastmasters club hosted by Cirrus Logic in Edinburgh. The visit demonstrated first-hand the exceptional value of Toastmasters within a corporate environment. The club exemplifies what becomes possible when an organisation commits to nurturing communication, leadership capability, and professional confidence. Cirrus Logic has created an environment where employees are encouraged to grow, contribute, and lead with clarity, and this visit showcased the organisational benefits of such a commitment. The Amplifiers stand as a testament to the importance of corporate clubs, not only for individual development but also for organisational excellence.
Across all three days, the presence and influence of Regional Advisor Lilian Shaftacola were evident. Her contribution elevated the quality of discussion, brought renewed strategic insight, and strengthened the district’s resolve to pursue excellence with intention. The District Leadership Team also played a critical role in ensuring the success of the visit, demonstrating professionalism, unity, and dedication throughout the engagements.
Although the activities were geographically centred in Scotland, their relevance and implications belong to every member of District 71. The visit served as a reminder that leadership is a collective enterprise and that our success as a district depends upon our willingness to think broadly, act decisively, and support one another in the pursuit of excellence.
