Speaking at the SELF MADE SPEAKERS showcase
Standing in front of a room filled with people, knowing your subject might not resonate, is a test of courage for any speaker. Recently, I found myself in this exact situation, presenting my keynote, Resilience in the Face of Adversity – Turning Pain into Purpose—a talk that unapologetically centers around menstrual health and my journey with adenomyosis and endometriosis.
The crowd wasn’t exactly prepared for my message. I could sense their discomfort the moment I mentioned “periods.” There were raised eyebrows, and the undeniable vibe of unease. But these reactions didn’t deter me they fueled me.
Breaking the Silence
Menstruation is a topic often shrouded in taboo and whispers, dismissed as either too personal or unimportant. But for me, it’s deeply personal and incredibly important. My story is not just about physical pain; it’s about finding purpose through that pain, turning it into empowerment for others.
I began my talk by sharing my lived experience with adenomyosis, a condition that affects 1 in 10 women yet remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood. I explained how debilitating periods impacted my education, career, and self-esteem and how this inspired me to launch The Adeno Gang, creating menstrual health workshops and advocating for change at a national level.
Reading the Room and Shifting the Narrative
As I spoke, I realized the audience’s initial resistance wasn’t hostility—it was unfamiliarity. Many had likely never been asked to confront these topics before. So, I shifted my approach, grounding my narrative in universal truths: resilience, advocacy, and empowerment.
I shared practical takeaways:
The importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings.
Why asking for medical records and seeking second opinions can be life-changing.
That severe period pain is not normal and should never be ignored.
I saw their discomfort begin to dissolve into curiosity. Some nodded in recognition; others leaned forward, engaged by the raw honesty of my story.
Turning Pain into Purpose
By the end of my talk, I knew I had achieved something important not necessarily unanimous agreement, but the planting of seeds. The applause that followed wasn’t just polite; it was meaningful.
Speaking to an audience that isn’t ready to hear your message is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. It forces you to step into your purpose with conviction, to educate with compassion, and to inspire action where it may not have been considered before.
For me, that showcase was a reminder of why I do this work. Every story shared, every uncomfortable truth spoken, takes us closer to a world where period health is no longer a taboo topic but a normalised conversation.
And perhaps, in that room, a handful of people left with a new perspective one that sees periods not as “just a period” but as a vital aspect of health and wellbeing that deserves attention and advocacy.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself speaking to an audience unprepared for your truth, embrace it as a chance to break barriers. You may not change every mind in the room, but you’ll undoubtedly create ripples—and ripples lead to waves.
For me, Resilience in the Face of Adversity – Turning Pain into Purpose isn’t just a keynote title; it’s a mission. And I’ll continue to show up, even when the room isn’t ready because the world needs to be.
If you would like to listen to my talk please click the link`: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dxCaGDK5KcBFPQWeZThnubPJCoMSUn1X/view?usp=drive_link
