Happy International Women’s Day! We are marking this important day – and also Women’s History Month that runs the whole of March – by featuring amazing women such as a young motivational speaker Vanessa Sam. Joah Freeman spoke to the 17-year old star in the making who already has a incredible list of job titles to her name. As well as an international motivational speaker she is also a presenter, actress, content creator, The Inspiring Vanessa Show Host (SKY TV, REP DAT TV & Amazon Prime) and The Diana Award Recipient. She can truly claim her stage name ‘Inspiring Vanessa’.
You started your motivational speaker career incredibly young when just nine years old – how did that happened?
Well, my journey began when I attended an inspirational seminar when I was 9, with my mum. She had already started her personal development journey, which influenced me to have some knowledge about the world of motivation and exposed me to audiobooks like ‘The Secret’. Entering this event, I was introduced to entrepreneurs, amazing young people and of course, speakers! A speaker that I was following online was delivering a talk, and that was the first time I really understood what it meant to use a stage as a platform for good.
In 2016, I was massively introverted, whilst oppositely being a big talker, but only around those I was comfortable with, so when I was unexpectedly asked to go on stage with him, my head absolutely spun. I truly owe so much to my mum, and especially at this moment, because she encouraged me to go on that stage, despite my nerves and doubt.
Being on stage showed me that speaking was my way in the world, my way to make an impact. I was always determined about helping others but I hadn’t known how I could achieve it, until I discovered that I could make a career out of using my voice, for those who don’t have the confidence yet to use theirs. From that event, I went on to open my social media accounts (with my mum’s supervision and support), and we went to every single event!
Networking is a huge part of entering any field or sector, and it’s most certainly how I began to build a name for myself and develop my experience as a speaker. I’m very grateful for the growth I’ve had across these several years, and there’s only more to come for the future!
Vanessa Sam receiving the Diana Award
What advice would you give to young women to help improve their confidence when speaking in public?
My main advice towards stage fright is grounding yourself with ‘why am I doing this in the first place?’. Why have you decided to speak to an audience? To teach someone something, to tell a story. No matter what you speak about, you must be in it for the right reasons, otherwise your drive isn’t going to overpower that fear anytime soon.
When I first started my journey, I didn’t felt nervous, and since then, I have experienced some anxiety before bigger talks. But I always remind myself that as long as I positively provoke at least one person in the audience, I’ve done my job.
Public speaking is also a performance as much as anything else – you may have a script you want to follow, a pacing that makes your story land, the way you move across a stage to enhance engagement. With all of those elements you really build a character. Creating a confident version of yourself on stage, that is still authentically you, causes you to move a certain way and approach and speak entirely differently.
When you ask yourself: How would I present this if I didn’t care what others said about me? The whole perspective shifts, and that’s what influences your mind to remain present in moments like that; focusing on the narrative you want to present, not the story you think others won’t listen to. When you enter a stage, the focus is on you, the audience do that naturally, so cease the moment! They have their attention on you, don’t lose it. Use it.
Young motivational speaker Vanessa Sam – What is your proudest achievement so far?
My proudest achievement so far isn’t necessarily a milestone, but something I always look back on. These are the testimonials and responses I get from audience members and people I meet. As much as I’m aware that I am publicly portraying a personal brand, I do forget that people are impacted by what I share or say.
Being a role model was a huge driving force for me starting out, so looking back at how far I’ve come and knowing that I made my 9 year old self proud, means everything. Hearing from young girls that they feel more confident to open up about their stress or anxiety, or listening to a parent share their gratitude because my channels are adored by their kids.
I think life is so fast-paced and we forget that the things we manifested for and put on our vision boards years ago, are things we are experiencing in the present! I am quite hard on myself because I’m a major perfectionist, so validating my achievements for what they are, isn’t easy. Receiving messages from people I had a positive impact on is something I take pride in. It’s a kind reminder that I’m not just going around in circles but I’m actually getting somewhere.
You are doing so many different things at the moment – presenting, speaker engagements, content creation. What else? What’s your favourite?
I have no clue what my favourite is, I’ve never been asked that question before – wow. I think I love them all so much because my skill sets thrive in all of them. I am such a strong believer in ‘if you are good at more than one thing, do more than one thing’.
Especially as women, being too intelligent in something or ‘too talented’ (if there’s even such a thing), we get belittled, underestimated and we’re seen as a threat. But if you have multiple gifts, let them thrive and unravel in as many roles as you please. I know that because I am so passionate, I am happy dipping into loads of industries no matter what stress comes with managing it.
It’s never too late to start fresh or enter something else you love, or even something out of your comfort zone. I’d love to explore more roles in the film industry, perhaps directing down the line. As well as continuing my acting career, I enjoy marketing, project management and event planning, so that is 100% something I see rolling into my future!
What do you enjoy doing when you are not busy working?
I definitely need to find more things to do when I’m not working. At the moment it’s either just bingeing shows with my mum or watching a comfort film, reading a book and creating something – whether it’s a collage, vision board, fun presentation etc. I’d love to get more into journaling and setting a routine to do it consistently. On the occasion where my schedule aligns with my friends and vice versa, I love to be with people who lift my energy and don’t require a ‘social battery’ to be around and enjoy their company.
What else do you hope to achieve in the future?
I wish to see myself more content and pleased in what I’m doing, actually taking time to smell the roses and express more joy in those moments. I hope in the next decade I’ll be an established actress. Maybe I have my big break haha? I want to be travelling more often and speaking on bigger stages across the globe. I’d love to be featured on Forbes ‘30 Under 30’, so manifesting it here now, I’ve got 13 years to go! Financial independence is also huge for me, so enhancing my financial literacy and being able to treat my loved ones for their wonderful support is always a goal.
Which female role models have inspired you in your career?
My mum is my ultimate female role model; she is literally my best friend. I’ve also always heavily looked up to Zendaya. Her kindness and the way she carries herself, her talent and also her impact on the fashion industry with Law Roach. When I have the opportunity to attend premieres and red carpet events, I will always show up because it’s so integral to my growth as a personal brand. “Dress as if you are that person, before you become that person.” Seeing other young actresses rise and dominate the acting industry like Ariana Greenblatt, Sofia Wylie, Jenna Ortega and more, is always highly inspirational to me too.
What words of encouragement would you give to women to inspire their professional journeys?
There is no time like the present! No matter how much we hear it, it holds so much truth because nothing is promised. It’s a blessing to breathe, to age, to make decisions and to have the access to the resources we have. I feel like it’s a waste to use up all of our lives not doing what we truly love, not telling people we love them and comparing ourselves to other people we don’t even know.
Take pride in your pace, and always stay focused. The start of 2024 felt weird for me because I was spiralling about what would happen in the year and achievements I had to hit. I was constantly in a headspace of ‘what would other people think if nothing was going on with me’, and this quote I discovered gave me so much clarity. “Patience and determination is powerful, you can move slow and steady and you will move mountains.” Wherever your journey starts, never forget to practice gratitude, appreciate the present and surprise yourself with what you can achieve, because you can.
