JUST ONE THING to change ‘this’

Annnnnnnnd we’re through to the finals!

My heart is full. My head was dizzy. And my foot? Well, it was throbbing! (I’ll explain why.)

Last night, I had the privilege of sharing my newest keynote, ‘THE POWER OF ONE: Unlocking Focus, Engagement, and Purpose-Driven Impact’, with an audience of 60+ at the semi-finals of the PSASA Professional Speakers’ ‘Speaker Factor’ competition.

My foot? Let’s just say five months of crutches, a moon boot, and a knee scooter have kept me humble. (Thank you, Stef du Plessis, for the knee scooter recommendation!) But since props aren’t allowed in our talks – and I didn’t want to risk my crutches being perceived as such haha – so I chose to forego them.

The trade off was hours on my feet, rehearsing—until I delivered my talk last night. And I managed!

I hadn’t considered the symbolism of it all until our incredible MC, Ursula Botha, pointed it out afterward: She loved that I was ‘taking a stand’ and that I was standing on my own two feet.

This journey has reinforced something I deeply believe:

✨ When clarity, vision, authenticity, and heart align—with dedication to professional growth—impact is inevitable. ✨

Here are some of the real-time reactions from the audience. Not as a “look at me” moment, but as a testament to what happens when we share from where our hearts beat the loudest.

“You give me goosebumps!!! So real. So authentic. So powerful.”

“You’ve got what can’t be learnt, or role-played: Natural, authentic presence. My wife and I said it at the same time: Can’t wait to see where you take this to.”

“Wow Petra! I’m so touched. Loneliness is an epidemic.”

“After this speech, I am definitely doing just one thing tomorrow.”

“Petra, I am deeply moved by your speech and delivery.”

“Brilliant concept and great talk.”

“Taking notes, Petra.”

“Super inspiring Petra and powerful. Get it done.”

“I’m so inspired Petra. Thank you for this.”

Congratulations to all the contestants for showing up with courage and commitment, and to our judges for their time and dedication to our industry.
Special thanks to Brad Shorkend for your no BS insights and support, in refining my talk.To my fellow finalists—let’s do this thing!If you are a L&D leader, HR professional, event organizer, or talent agent looking to experience some of South Africa’s most outstanding speakers, join us at the PSASA Annual Convention next month! It’s a 3-day event, but you can attend individual days too.

Check out the incredible lineup and book your tickets here:
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dbccmEsB

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Written by Petra Laranjo

Hello, my name is Petra, a Clarity and Confidence Coach, Personal Brand specialist, inspirational speaker, author of 'Living On Purpose' self-help and career development book, founder of the JustOneThing365 social impact non-profit and #rescuedogmom.

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