From Fear to Stage: My Journey as a Motivational Speaker in Melbourne
Last week I had the honour of speaking as a motivational speaker in Melbourne at the InspireHER Women’s Conference, an experience that felt incredibly aligned with the themes I have been leaning into this year: collaboration and contribution.
Standing on stage as a motivational speaker is something that, five years ago, I never would have imagined for myself.
In fact, public speaking used to be one of my greatest fears.
Even during my years as an elite athlete, if I won a race and someone handed me a microphone to thank my sponsors, my heart would race and my voice would shake. I dreaded those moments.
Looking back, I can trace that fear all the way back to Year 9 at school. I remember reading aloud in class, mispronouncing a word, and the entire class laughing. In that moment I felt humiliated, embarrassed, and exposed.
From that day forward, a part of me shut down. I felt like I had lost my voice.
From Fear to Becoming a Motivational Speaker
Five years ago, I decided to change that. I hired a life coach and began working through the fear. It wasn’t easy, but it became one of the most powerful personal growth journeys I’ve taken.
I practised. I pushed through discomfort. I slowly rebuilt trust in my voice.
Over time, what began as overcoming fear evolved into something much bigger: the desire to use my voice to inspire others.
That journey eventually led me to the stage at the InspireHER Women’s Conference.
The event brought together inspiring women including Emma K Health, Rada Tochalna, and artist Che’Nelle, along with incredible vendors and contributors who created such a vibrant atmosphere. We were also treated to a powerful performance by Conlon Bonner, one of the stars of MJ the Musical Australia.
But the most powerful part of the day was the energy in the room. When women come together to share stories, lift each other up, and inspire one another, something truly special happens.
Public speaking is often ranked as the number one fear for many people. I understand that fear deeply. Yet I’ve learned that the very things that scare us the most often hold the greatest opportunity for growth.
Today, speaking has become one of the most meaningful ways I connect with others.
As a motivational speaker based in Melbourne, my goal is simple: to inspire people to believe in their voice, step beyond their fears, and create a life that feels aligned with who they truly are.
The word inspire means to bring people back into spirit.
And that is exactly what events like InspireHER create — spaces where people reconnect with themselves, their voice, and what truly matters.
One of the things that meant a lot to me after the event was hearing the feedback from the organiser, Rachel Bonner, founder of InspireHER. She shared:
“I loved how Anna put a new spin on goal setting that I had never considered before. She was down to earth and knowledgeable. Having her present at InspireHER was very valuable for everyone present.”
— Rachel Bonner, Founder of InspireHER
Experiences like this remind me how powerful it is when people share their stories openly. Speaking allows me to do something that deeply aligns with my purpose: inspiring others while also being inspired by the courage and stories of those around me.
Anna Baylis – Motivational Speaker | InspireHER Women’s Conference Reflection
