Lifestyle

Beyond the podium: Leading with camaraderie at Toastmasters Leadership Institute

By Grishma Shrestha

Toastmasters Leadership Institute

The landscape of professional development in Nepal is undergoing a transformative shift, with Toastmasters leading the charge. On January 31, 2026, the halls of Triyog High School vibrated with the collective energy of over sixty Toastmasters club leaders. Organized by Toastmasters International Divisions C and D, the second cycle of the Toastmasters Leadership Institute (TLI-2) was more than a training; it was a masterclass in excellence, designed to equip executive committees with the strategic tools and refined mindsets necessary to steer their clubs toward success. While the curriculum focused on strategic guidance, the impact of TLI-2 extended beyond training. It served as a powerful reminder that Toastmasters is much more than public speaking and leadership development; at its heart, it is a force of camaraderie. This event showcased the 'Toastmasters ecosystem,' where professional growth is inextricably linked to mutual support. For participants, it was a sanctuary to sharpen skills and embrace vulnerability among peers. For trainers, it offered a platform to distill years of expertise into actionable wisdom. For organizers, it was a feat of orchestration, proving that the best leaders are those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to elevate others. In this environment, networking felt like a vibrant fellowship of lifelong learners. The profound, multifaceted benefits of TLI prove that while members may join to find their voice, they stay because they found their tribe. Curated by Division C Director Saroj Tamarakar and Division D Director Chandrayan Pradhan Shrestha, the TLI-2 served as a vital mid-year touchpoint for executive committee members. The day was a rigorous yet rewarding deep dive into the Distinguished Club Program and the mechanics of club success. As trainees, club officers received a crucial refresher on their specific mandates, ensuring every leader returned with renewed clarity. Specialized sessions on Membership Building and Awards and Recognition allowed attendees to move beyond theory, absorbing the 'gold standard' practices of high-performing clubs. The most profound benefit was the collaborative brain trust formed during the breakout sessions. Officers engaged in candid discussions regarding club best practices and challenges and exchanging solutions tailored to the local context. The technical sessions were complemented by two powerful keynote addresses that brought the 'human element' of leadership to the forefront. Distinguished Toastmaster Diptee Acharya, District 41 Club Growth Director, anchored the audience in the Toastmasters foundational DNA. She emphasized that the four core values-Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence-are not merely slogans, but the very lifeblood of leadership. Her message served as a reminder that when we lead through these values, the 'work' of management is transformed into a rewarding 'gift' of mentorship. Following this, Mr. Raman Nepali, with an incredible legacy of 15,000 events facilitated over 25 years, delivered a powerful speech that resonated deeply with every attendee. He masterfully bridged the gap between administrative excellence and human connection, urging the audience to cultivate a mindset of radical positivity and gratitude. His message was clear: true leadership requires leading with empathy and heart. The seamless execution of TLI-2 was a testament to the 'ultimate ownership' practiced by the organizers. The committee, comprising 10 District Leaders and seven volunteers, did not just manage logistics; they practiced high-level event and project management. From synchronizing diverse working styles to striving for a unified goal, they practiced the critical arts of resource allocation and strategic delegation. Similarly, the ten trainers involved found that 'to teach is to learn twice.' By facilitating workshops rather than just lecturing, they refined their own subject matter expertise while extracting shared wisdom regarding clubs' best practices and troubleshooting common obstacles. This experience in adaptive leadership-managing a diverse mix of club cultures-translates directly to the executive skills required in the professional world. As the event concluded with a networking lunch, participants didn't just leave with certificates; they departed with a renewed sense of purpose and a thriving ecosystem. TLI-2 was a catalyst. For the clubs, the lessons learned will ripple through their meetings for the rest of the year, raising the bar for communication across the Kathmandu Valley. In a world that increasingly demands clear communication and empathetic leadership, the Toastmasters in Nepal are proving they are not just ready to follow-they are ready to lead the way.