Daniel Thambyrajah
Experiential learning
By breaking through our bubbles, we embrace reflection and ignite transformation
Q: How does the culinary scene in South Africa compare with what you enjoyed in Sri Lanka and Nepal? Have you discovered any local dishes that you love – and if so, what are they?
A: The culinary scene in Johannesburg is vibrant and diverse. I find that it has more alternative offerings, and the vegetables and fruits are so fresh.
Nepal also had a great culinary vibe, offering a wide variety of cuisines. I particularly loved the momos and dāl bhāt of Nepal, although nothing beats our spicy Sri Lankan pol roti and sambol.
Q: What aspects of the natural environment in South Africa do you find most appealing – and how do they differ from the landscapes of Sri Lanka and Nepal?
A: Overall, I think that Johannesburg is greener. At the time of this interview, it is spring; and it’s beautiful to see the jacaranda trees in full bloom, lighting the city in purple.
Despite being a landlocked city, it is nice to see how residences, offices and wide roads in Johannesburg have been built around these large flat and open green spaces.
Of course, we really miss the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka and picturesque mountains of Nepal!
Q: And what inspired you to become a motivational speaker and life skills coach? Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey?
A: I don’t define myself as a motivational speaker. Rather, I see myself as a facilitator of growth and learning, inspired profoundly by my mentor Kumar Nadesan, the Managing Director of Express Newspapers (Ceylon).
As a teenager, I faced challenges in accessing the education I longed for. Nadesan emerged as a guiding light, mentoring me in self-directed learning and introducing experiential concepts that sparked a realisation of the power in learning through experience.
I finally understood that my learning flourished when engaging with material through practical application and real world experiences. This transformation led me to embrace self-learning and guide others in their journeys.
Q: In the context of being a facilitator of growth and learning, where do you stand today?
A: Today, I’m dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential, fostering an environment where experiential learning thrives. My work is both a passion and commitment to empowering others to become facilitators of their own learning journeys.
Q: What are the common challenges you see individuals face in their personal or professional lives? And how do you help them overcome these challenges?
A: In both our personal and professional lives, we often create a comforting bubble – a cosy status quo that shields us from discomfort.
While it feels safe, this bubble can blind us to new perspectives and self-growth. We risk becoming trapped in biases that stifle our potential. My mission is to guide those who are ready for change by facilitating open conversations that challenge these boundaries. Together, we can explore thoughts and feelings that are often overlooked.
By breaking through our bubbles, we embrace reflection and ignite transformation. Remember – real growth begins where your comfort zone ends.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Wife – Kenosha Kumaresan (Communications specialist at UNESCO South Africa)
Six-year-old son – Kyan Thambyrajah
Mother (resides in Sri Lanka)
Elder brother (resides in Dubai)
SCHOOLING
Kandy International School
HIGHER EDUCATION
Master’s in aid and development (Australia)
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Full-time dad
Co-Founder – Snap Ark Global
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
South Africa
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Johannesburg
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Since 2018, Daniel Thambyrajah has been a full-time dad and an entrepreneur, balancing both roles.
Inspired by moviemaking and shaped by global cinema, he has over two decades of experience in training and development, designing and facilitating meaningful learning engagements that resonate with participants and reflect real world scenarios.
He sees himself as a facilitator of growth and learning.