Why I Loved Speaking at the Cumberwell BIG Event

The theme of the day was Visibility—helping women become more confident in talking about their businesses, sharing their expertise and positioning themselves as the experts they already are. It was a theme that couldn’t have been more relevant.

There’s something special about standing in front of a room full of ambitious business owners who are genuinely there to learn, grow and support one another. That was exactly the atmosphere at the Business Women in Cumberwell BIG Event, and it was a privilege to be one of the speakers alongside Sally Stockreisser and Helen Langford.

Awards Are About More Than Winning

My session, WINNER Mindset: How to Win Business Awards, Build Authority & Turn Recognition into Revenue, wasn’t simply about writing award entries. It was about changing the way people think about recognition.

Too many business owners still see awards as something reserved for large organisations or businesses with huge marketing budgets. The reality is very different.

Awards are one of the most powerful ways to build credibility, create trust and open doors to opportunities you never imagined. They’re not the end goal—they’re a catalyst for growth.

Seeing so many people realise that during the session was incredibly rewarding.

The Best Conversations Happen Afterwards

One of my favourite parts of speaking isn’t being on stage—it’s what happens afterwards.

The conversations over coffee, the questions from people who suddenly believe they can win, and hearing about businesses doing incredible things but never thinking they were “good enough” to enter awards.

If my talk achieved anything, I hope it gave people permission to recognise their own achievements and stop waiting until they feel “ready.”

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from judging and winning business awards over the years, it’s that confidence often comes after you take action, not before.

Visibility Creates Opportunity

The event reminded everyone that visibility isn’t about being the loudest person in the room.

It’s about being visible for the right reasons.

Sharing your expertise.
Telling your story.
Celebrating your successes.
Helping people understand the value you bring.

Whether that’s through speaking, entering awards, writing articles or simply being more confident in conversations, visibility creates opportunities that staying hidden never will.

A Room Full of Inspiration

It was also fantastic to hear from fellow speakers Sally Stockreisser and Helen Langford, who shared practical insights around confidence, communication and showing up authentically in business.

The organisers created an environment where collaboration came before competition, and where everyone genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. That’s something our business community needs more of.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Michelle, Sophie and the entire Business Women in team for inviting me to be part of such a fantastic event.

Speaking is always an honour, but speaking to a room full of women who are committed to growing their businesses, supporting one another and embracing their visibility made this event particularly memorable.

To everyone who attended, asked questions, shared your stories or came to say hello afterwards—thank you. Your passion, ambition and willingness to learn are exactly why I love doing what I do.

Here’s to being seen, celebrating success and recognising that your achievements deserve the spotlight.