From Panic to the Podium: How I Transformed Anxiety Into a Speaking Career
🧠 A Former Anxious Wreck Turned Keynote Speaker
Public speaking used to terrify me. Not in a butterflies-before-a-talk kind of way. I’m talking full-blown panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety…
Now, I stand on stages across the world speaking about Stoic philosophy, mental resilience, and how to step outside your comfort zone to change your life.
So… what happened?
🌀 Discomfort Became My Training Ground
What changed wasn’t magic—it was mindset.
I discovered the concept of askesis: the ancient Greek practice of deliberate discomfort. This was used by Stoics and Cynics to build mental strength by intentionally seeking out challenges.
Inspired by this, I began experimenting with my own discomfort training:
Cold showers and ice baths
Walking barefoot out in the wild
Facing my fear of needles through acupuncture
Running marathons
Embarrassing myself (on purpose!) with awkward jokes to strangers
The result?
I rewired my brain’s relationship to fear. I turned anxiety into fuel.
🎤 How Speaking Became My Greatest Therapy
As I built more resilience, I started writing. My first book, How to Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable, opened doors I never expected.
Soon, I found myself invited to speak. At first, the idea was terrifying. But leaning into that fear—just like the other challenges—became its own kind of training.
Now, I speak on stages, in corporate settings, and at global events about:
Overcoming anxiety through discomfort
Mental health as a trainable skill
Applying ancient philosophy in the modern world
Stoicism and CBT in daily life
And here’s what’s wild: the very thing I deeply feared has become the thing I deeply love. Speaking connects. Speaking heals. Speaking activates.
💬 Why I Speak
I speak because I know what it feels like to feel stuck, small, and overwhelmed.
And I know what it feels like to claw your way back.
Every talk I give is a reminder: resilience isn’t genetic—it’s built.
And even the most anxious among us can become the most impactful voices in the room.
🧭 Looking for a Speaker on Mental Resilience, Stoicism, or Mental Health?
If you’re looking for a motivational speaker with a deeply personal story and practical tools, I’d love to connect.
I blend ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and humour to deliver talks that are both inspiring and immediately applicable.
Whether it's a corporate keynote, mental health event, school workshop, or festival talk, I’m always excited to share the message that changed my life.
➡️ Contact me for bookings and availability
