Success Coach and Motivational Speaker | Founder of Your Life Pass | Keynote and Public Speaking | Client Services | Transformational Leadership | Digital Marketing | Training & Development | Career Development
TOPICS - Life and Wellness. Speaker Coaching. Burnout. Imposter Syndrome.
From Shyness to Public Speaking Success
I never imagined becoming a public speaker, given my extreme shyness in my earlier years. Ordering food at a food court was a daunting task for me, and I relied on my sister to help. But as a teenager, I decided it was time for a change. I enrolled in a debating class called MUN, and though I struggled at first, I persevered and improved, eventually earning a spot to represent my school in England. In college, I ventured into network marketing, initially terrified of selling, but I pushed my boundaries and became the top-ranking woman in South Africa for the company. This journey led me to discover my passion for motivational speaking and helping others.
My path to public speaking is a testament to my transformation from extreme shyness to self-assured confidence. Starting as a teenager with a debating class, I honed my skills and gained the opportunity to represent my school abroad. In college, I overcame my fear of sales in network marketing, eventually becoming the highest-ranked woman in South Africa. It was during this time that I discovered my deep passion for helping people through motivational speaking and leadership training, igniting my desire to inspire and empower others.
"Yumna is an engaging speaker. She captures one from the moment she starts speaking. She has this creativity of knowing how to be herself and using that to her advantage from the moment she starts speaking. This is so capturing that you will not be able to help, but listen to what she has to deliver to you. I've seen Yumna speaking from the beginning and I can only say that she improved tremendously over the years and this is very evident. She not only improved but she is so knowledgeable at the same time. Her talks are relatable as she shares from her own life experiences and that allows one to be able to follow and understand better."
Sanele Mthembu
"If I were to define Yumna as a speaker, I would say that she is inspirational and is not afraid to be vulnerable. When you hear her speak, you always feel inspired. In the speeches I have watched her give when we invite her to speak - she always leaves us encouraged and inspired. I love how she structures her speeches. She always shares a story of her experiences surrounding the topic by bringing in a valuable story of a close friend or relative. The storytelling part gives you a sense of hope that you are never alone. I always enjoy hearing her speak because I know it's either I'm going to get inspired, motivated, or I will get comfort. She is very clear, very enthusiastic, and kind when she delivers her speeches."
Kwakho Solake