From Fear to Fulfillment

Have you ever paused to reflect on your journey and celebrate the milestones that define your growth and purpose?

29 September 2024: I received the CSP medal, and I was beyond excited. To celebrate this milestone, I shared a heartfelt post on Facebook with some beautiful moments from the journey. (The location was divine; the photos were beautiful; you might feel inspired seeing it!) I also tagged my speaker friends and mentors, who have been a guiding light in my speaking career, and I was overwhelmed by the response—more than a hundred warm and encouraging comments!

But one particular comment stood out—a senior global speaker suggested that I call this a "great achievement," not an "award." That simple rephrasing made me pause, reflect, and dive deep into my journey over the past five years.

This realization prompted me to look back on all the efforts, growth, and transformation that led me here. It’s not just about reaching a milestone; it's about embracing the journey and recognising every step that shaped me.

So, why should we call it an achievement and not an award?

Because achievements are earned through effort, persistence, and passion—every step of the way.

Before sharing the background story, let me give you a little idea of CSP.

What is a Certified Speaking Professional, CSP?

It is an achievement to join the ranks of fewer than 800 speakers worldwide who have earned this prestigious certification. Earning the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designation proves commitment to the speaking profession and capability that one has top-notch speaking ability with a track record of professionalism and success. (VSAI)

I am greatly honoured to receive the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation at the Global Speakers Summit 2024 (GSS2024) in Bali!

What have I done to earn it?

• 2018: I first spoke on the Global Speakers Summit GSS2028 stage in Auckland, New Zealand.
• 2018: Philippines International Leadership Symposium
• 2019: I was invited to my TEDx on my signature topic, "Speed of Mind" (now Mindspeed)
• 2019: I started my Thought Leadership Practice in Australia
• 2019: I started working with the University of Denver as an Affiliate Professor, where I developed tailored courses for the executive leadership programme
• 2020: Spoke at the HRLEADer Online Summit UK
• 2020: Published my book "Mindspeed"
• 2021: Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) Convention
• 2022: Women Global Leadership Summit Afghanistan
• 2022: Speaker's Summit Dhaka, Bangladesh
• 2023: Professional Speakers Summit Chennai, India
• 2024: Started my signature mentoring programme, Mind Your Business
• 2024: Started working with UNSW masters students on a responsible leadership course
• I also gave back to the community, and regardless of the time differences, I said yes to delivering a speech. I have a record of speaking at 2:30 am with a 104 fever.
• I spent lots of time and money investing in my professional development

If I simplify, I consistently deliver training, group sessions, or 1:1 coaching.

• I often worked 75-80 hours a week, which included early morning sessions in the US, daytime training, evening sessions, and late-night sessions for the South Asian regions.
• I also participated in my professional development training and coaching sessions.
• I consistently delivered values on multiple platforms—online and in person.
• I received high-level feedback from clients and participants.

Moreover, within the last five years, I maintained and reached the income threshold set for my location of work, Australia.

What does it mean to me?

Looking back to when I started, I started with excitement. When life happened to me, I faced it and made intense eye contact with life.

On the outside, I carried a shield of "fearlessness," but deep down, I felt the grip of fear.

• I was afraid—afraid of not being able to navigate the transition of moving to a new country while managing everything. I feared not being able to provide my son with the life and stability he deserved. I worried about losing respect in the eyes of my friends and family, knowing they might see my career struggles as failures.
• In response, I shut my eyes to the fear and worked relentlessly, so intensely that nothing could scare me off. And when I finally opened my eyes, I saw myself standing there, wearing the CSP medal around my neck. I saw my friends and well-wishers cheering, and most importantly, I saw love and respect in their eyes.

What Does It Truly Mean?

• Now, I understand the deeper meaning of following my passion—doing what I love and loving what I do.
• It’s not just about the achievement but the growth, resilience, and love that came with it.
• This achievement isn't just a milestone; it’s a celebration of the courage to live authentically, face fears, and embrace love in all its forms.

As I move forward, I will hold onto every single message, every phone call, and every word of encouragement. They are my reminders to stay inspired and grounded in love. I will continue working with so much love and passion that the hard work no longer feels hard. 🌟

Onwards,

Ayesha

I help you create a mind-friendly business that suits your lifestyle

ps: I expanded my professional endeavours from national to international in three years. I am on a mission to help professionals and researchers create businesses that suit their lifestyles through my programme, Mind Your Business. DM or email to book a free call to audit your potential.