From a Covid-era idea to a much-loved District 71 tradition
16 August 2020. The world was in lockdown, Toastmasters meetings had moved online, and staying connected had never been more important.
It was against this backdrop that the Sunday Leadership Series was born.
The brainchild of then Public Relations Manager Elizabeth Jordan, the idea was simple: bring inspiring leaders and thought-provoking voices to Toastmasters across District 71 and beyond. The aim was to keep morale high, share expertise and remind members that leadership and learning could continue, even when we couldn’t meet in person.
The first speaker was Mark Snow, the first Pathways DTM globally, joining from District 69 in Australia. And that set the tone for what was to follow.
Over six years, the series has featured International Presidents, World Champions of Public Speaking, distinguished Toastmasters and experts from beyond our organisation. Richard Peck DTM spoke on Leadership in Challenging Times during the pandemic. Ted Corcoran explored the history of District 71 as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations. World Champions Aaron Beverley and Luisa Montalvo drew large audiences, while a panel of Toastmasters who are also Rotarians highlighted the Alliance between the two organisations.
More recently, the series has turned its attention to the changing world of leadership, with sessions including Leadership in the Age of AI with Abhijeet Joshi and Leading with Emotional Intelligence with David Corcoran.
But the Sunday Leadership Series has always been about more than the speakers.
It has been about connection, curiosity and sharing what we know so that others can grow.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers has kept the series moving, with Nick Collins, Sarinca Janga, Steve Campion, Elizabeth Jordan, Matty Behan, James Finnegan and Mairead Dillon, alongside former team members Sue Burnett, Gearoid Murphy and Liz Welch.
Six years on, what began as a way to keep Toastmasters connected during an extraordinary time has become a lasting part of the District 71 story.
And the conversation continues. You can catch up on the Sunday Leadership Series on the District 71 YouTube channel.
Olga Byrne
D71 PR Team
