Nisal Weerakoon, DTM

Member Since: 2013
Home Region: 13
Home District: 82
Supporting Districts: 51, 82, 102, 227, 228, 229, 230

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

• 2023-2024 Immediate Past District Director
• 2022-2023 District Director
• 2021-2022 District Program Quality Director
• 2020-2021 District Club Growth Director

Toastmasters honors and recognition:

• 2021-2022 Excellence in Program Quality Award
• 2020-2021 Excellence in Club Growth Award

What is your understanding of the Region Advisor role and how does your experience relate to the role?

During my three years serving as Club Growth Director, Program Quality Director, and District Director, I was able to closely witness the profound impact Region Advisors make on District leaders. They serve as mentors offering wisdom, coaches providing practical solutions, and facilitators for better learning and collaboration. When I joined Toastmasters, I was hesitant to take up leadership positions. However, through consistent mentorship, encouragement, and structured leadership opportunities, I was able to transform myself into a leader who could serve and inspire fellow members while achieving the District mission. Undoubtedly this journey showed me the power of guidance, patience, and leading by example. Therefore, in my view, the Region Advisor role is a trusted resource for District leaders in navigation. Just as Region Advisors inspired my transformation, I believe their guidance can uplift entire leadership teams, empower members, and help Districts to achieve District mission.

What is your experience with coaching individuals and/or teams?

I have experience in coaching individuals and teams at every level of Toastmasters. As a mentor to Division Directors and Area Directors, I guided them through leadership development, succession planning, and problem-solving. They applied practical strategies from our coaching sessions, leading to stronger club performance and improved member experiences. As Club Growth Director during the Covid-19 pandemic, I coached my team to charter 22 new clubs despite the uncertainty. Later, as District Director, I guided my District Leaders to charter 14 new clubs during a financial crisis. These experiences taught me that effective coaching means breaking down complex challenges, equipping leaders with practical tools, and empowering them to find their own solutions. All while staying aligned with the District mission.

Why are you interested in serving as Region Advisor?

Toastmasters has been a life-changing journey for me. I started as a stammering speaker who avoided leadership roles, yet over the years, this program transformed me into a confident communicator and a leader who could successfully serve a District of 160+ clubs with more than 50 District leaders. Having experienced firsthand how our program can positively transform individuals, I feel it is my responsibility to give back to the program in return. I have seen the vital role Region Advisors play in mentoring, coaching, and facilitating in ways that inspire District leaders to grow and achieve the District Mission. Their simple acts of guidance can often create profound results, and I wish to contribute in the same way for the leaders of tomorrow. With my experience conducting trainings, mentoring multiple District leaders, and guiding my home District through challenges such as the pandemic and financial crises, I believe I bring the right mix of facilitation skills, mentoring ability, and resilience to this role. Serving as a Region Advisor excites me because it allows me to multiply impact not just by supporting one club or one District, but by empowering leaders across an entire Region to achieve excellence and fulfill the District mission.