On Friday night, I stood in a room with 180 mums - tired mums, busy mums, overextended mums, women who carry more than they ever say out loud.
And for the very first time in my life, I stood on a stage as…
a published author.
I shared the story behind The Art of Giving - the unexpected moment my life changed at 19, the years I spent caring for someone I loved, the identity I slowly lost, the burnout that followed, the rebuilding, and the lessons I now carry into motherhood myself.
What I didn’t expect was the way the room responded.
Women went silent.
Women got teary.
Women gently rested their hands on each other’s shoulders.
Women told me, “This is exactly what I needed to hear.”
And it reminded me of something powerful: our stories don’t just belong to us - they belong to the people who see themselves inside them.
Recently, a loved one gave me feedback on my book. At first, I heard it as criticism. They said, “You’re not the only one who goes through hard things.”
It stung -because I value this person’s opinion deeply (a whole post on that is absolutely needed). But my response came out quickly and without hesitation:
“I know I’m not. That’s why it’s relatable.”
We all go through hard things. But how many of us have the courage to say them out loud? I’ll tell ya…Not many.
So why did that room fall silent on Friday night when I spoke about things we call “normal”? Because it was a room full of women finally hearing someone articulate the parts they never dare admit. And that’s what they gave me that night: a reminder.
The parts we keep unspoken are the very parts looking for someone brave enough to share them. I learned that truth early in the writing process - but that room sealed it for me.
And that’s why, in 2026, I’m officially opening a limited number of speaking opportunities.
Talks, workshops, keynote sessions, panels - all grounded in the themes of my book:
🌿 The invisible cost of being a carer
🌿 How identity gets lost inside responsibility
🌿 Boundaries, burnout, and the courage to receive
🌿 Rebuilding yourself after giving too much
🌿 Motherhood through the lens of compassion
🌿 The “quiet expectations” placed on women everywhere
It feels surreal to write that.
But Friday night showed me just how needed these conversations are.
And as I step into this next chapter, I want to speak directly to the organisations, workplaces, and industries who are supporting the very people who support everyone else.
If you’re a business wanting to offer your support workers a wellbeing session - one led by someone who has seen firsthand what happens when you don’t prioritise yourself - then I would love to connect.
Similarly, if you work in an industry that frequently pours from an empty cup, and there’s space for someone to bring real, practical, lived experience to the conversation, I would be honoured to share my story with your team.
These are the rooms I’m passionate about being in.
These are the people I’m committed to reaching.
If you were in the room on Friday night - thank you.
Your presence gave me courage.
And if something I shared stayed with you or helped you feel held, even in the smallest way, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a short review. Your words help me continue bringing this message to other people who need it.
Here’s to more rooms, more conversations, and more of us remembering we deserve care too.
Love, Karlee
Author of The Art of Giving
Speaking availability for 2026 opening soon