Helena Boden-Brewer, DTM

Member Since: 2009
Home Region: 10
Home District: 91
Supporting Districts: 17, 69, 70, 72, 73

Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international, region and District level):

• 2025-2026 Region 11 Advisor
• 2022-2023 Immediate Past District Director
• 2021-2022 District Director
• 2020-2021 Program Quality Director
• 2019-2020 Club Growth Director

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

• 2020-2021 Excellence in Program Quality Award
• 2019-2020 Excellence in Club Growth Award

What key factors are most important as a Region Advisor to help the District achieve success?

The Districts across all Regions are aiming for high level success in this current program year. This drive and determination demonstrate the commitment which is evident through the regular meetings with the RA and the District Trios. This is an opportunity to review the Districts performance, using the Assessment Worksheet keeping the focus on achieving the Districts goals. By providing the space within the meetings, opens the opportunity for Districts Leaders to learn and grow and reach their own solutions. As RA, listening, asking questions, and actively listening to the responses. When listening, it’s sometimes what is not said, which is actually picked up. In coaching there’s a term to challenge with a loving boot. This is a useful device to use for shine a light on an area for Districts, on their performance, keeping the main thing the main thing and ultimately in achieving the District Mission. The accountability and value elements of the District Leader Training, have been invaluable. As RA I can call back to these in our meeting, particularly maintaining a positive approach with above the line thinking. Whilst the District Leaders will experience challenges, it is supporting them to work through, and rather than providing them with answers (the guidance on the side). I have found sharing stories of my own leadership experiences which are relatable to the question at hand have been effective. Empowering and supporting the District Leaders, to delivered the success for their Districts.

What key strengths do you bring to the District leaders?

I recall that I demonstrated, resilience, stamina, stability, patience and kindness, sometimes all at once. As a District Leader, I led by example then and continue to do so now. The pandemic years were challenging to be serving as District leader. Many of our members turned to the Toastmasters community for assistance and guidance on what to do, on a wide range of topics, not all Toastmaster related. Endeavouring to ensure connection, I would be visible joining online club meetings, contests, training and recognising those achieving educational and personal goals. Whilst remaining composed, at a time of continued uncertainty, in the belief it would eventually end. In my year as PQD, re-establishing the webinar series in service to our members, which ran weekly in that program year. This started with only a handful of attendees, covering a range of topics and the attendance built up over time. In my year as DD, I implemented the theme of “kindness in leadership”. This approach flowed throughout the year. I have been able to pick this up and deliver this themed training again.

Why are you interested in serving again as a Region Advisor?

The experience of serving as a Region Advisor has already opened my mind. I know that I am currently making a difference, providing lived experiences with District leaders, to help them achieve their personal goals and achieve the District Mission. In service within District Leadership, alongside the main trio roles, I bring experience of serving as both District PR and District Administration Manager. In taking the bold step of serving as a Region Advisor this has provided the opportunity to continue my journey within the organisation, whilst paying it forward. I wish to continue to do so. As a District leader, I thoroughly enjoyed attending training and learning opportunities. I found myself being inspired by the Region Advisors, their commitment and dedication to supporting the District leaders. In serving, I want to continue to create camaraderie of learning in a supportive and collaborative environment, for fellow leaders to achieve success. I am looking forward to hosting the regular peer to peer meetings, to facilitate the sharing of ideas and solutions. I am a people person, and people feel comfortable sharing their stories with me. I am also a trusted confidante to many.