An 18-Year Overnight Success: The Full-Circle Moment That Changed Everything

In 2007, I landed my dream job.

I remember the moment vividly—I had just finished watching The Secret with my mum (yes, I was deep in manifestation mode!) when I spotted the job ad that changed everything.

It was a role that involved travelling to high schools across Australia, inspiring teenagers and speaking to rooms full of 200 students at a time. Without fully realising it, I stepped into my very first speaking gig—standing in front of eager young faces, sharing ideas, connecting, and planting seeds of possibility.

I had no idea it would ignite a lifelong love for speaking.

Fast forward to this past weekend: I flew to Brisbane for the Professional Speakers Australia convention. On day one, I sat among seasoned speakers—leaders in the field—as they shared stories, insights, and brilliance that left me in awe.

Some captivated the room with humour.
Others delivered inspiration with ease.
Some offered masterclasses in skill and expertise.

But all of them—every single one—knew how to tell a story.

I sat there, soaking it all in… grateful just to be in the room.

That night, I slipped into a glam dress (yes, full Oscars energy!) and headed to the gala dinner. The room glowed—sequins, suits, energy, anticipation. And tucked inside the evening’s program was the announcement of the Kerrie Nairn Scholarship, one of the most prestigious honours offered by Professional Speakers Australia.

I had applied.
But I was convinced I wouldn’t win.

And then… I heard my name.

✨ I won. ✨

My heart swelled. My eyes stung.
I was awarded the Kerrie Nairn Scholarship—and it felt like everything had come full circle.

Because here’s the truth: this wasn’t just a win.
It was 18 years in the making.

Since that very first classroom gig, I’ve:

• Sharpened my stage presence – Training at a top acting school in New York
  
  
• Dived deep into the psychology of change – Completing a master’s in Coaching Psychology (and later lecturing on the same course!)
  
  
• Built real-world speaking experience – Presenting at conferences and women-in-leadership events
  
  
• Explored storytelling across mediums – Working in film and TV (one of my short films even screened at Cannes!)
  
  
• Taught across cultures – Bringing English to life in Italy through play and performance
  
  
• Lived the leadership journey – Leading a full company culture change as a General Manager
  
  

All of it… shaping who I am as a speaker today.

And here I am—almost two decades later—holding an award I set my sights on years ago, back when I barely knew what “professional speaking” even meant.

So why am I sharing this with you?

Because I want you to know something important: the dreams you’re holding—the ones that feel too big, too far away, or too out of reach—they are absolutely possible.

Even if it takes 2 years.
Or 10.
Or 18.

Keep showing up. Keep growing. Keep honing your craft. Keep putting your story into the world.

Because when you speak with heart and purpose, your moment will come. And when it does, it will feel like standing in a glittering ballroom, surrounded by peers, hearing your name called… for something you once only dreamed of.

You’ve got this.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “That could be me.”
You’re right. It could be.

Let’s get you ready for your moment on that stage. 🌟

Much love,
Casey xx

PS: Ready to turn your story into a Signature Talk that captivates and converts? Hit reply or DM me on Instagram @caseysquirescoaching. Let’s make your full-circle moment a reality.