From Surviving to Speaking: Kelly’s Powerful Story at Confidence Live 2025

18 Jul From Surviving to Speaking: Kelly’s Powerful Story at Confidence Live 2025

On Thursday 19th June 2025, something truly special happened at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. As part of the Confidence Live conference, our very own Kelly Shenton stood on stage and shared her deeply personal story with a packed audience — and in doing so, she inspired a room full of professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs to think differently about confidence, connection, and the power of community.

As proud sponsors of the event, NetworkIN was thrilled to support this transformative experience — not just by contributing to the event’s goody bags and networking with amazing attendees, but by having one of our team members take the stage and deliver a message that truly moved people.

A Platform for Change

Confidence Live is unlike any other professional development event. It goes beyond traditional business skills and digs into the emotional barriers that hold so many people back — self-doubt, fear of judgment, imposter syndrome. It’s about tools and techniques to not only accept yourself, but also to lead with authenticity and connect with others more meaningfully.

Kelly’s story was a raw, honest account of growing up in care, facing hardship, and overcoming trauma. She spoke of survival, shame, and — ultimately — hope. It wasn’t just a talk. It was a turning point for many in the room.

“Networking isn’t about business cards and LinkedIn connections,” Kelly said. “It’s about people. It’s about community. It’s about showing up — even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.”

Audience Reaction: Emotional and Unforgettable

The response from attendees was immediate and emotional. Here’s just a sample of what people had to say:

Jo Thompson, Commercial Recruitment Manager:
“You didn’t just do it – you absolutely smashed it Kelly Shenton!! I cried Tuesday and I cried yesterday!!!! Well done!! :)”

Kirsty Hulse, Confidence Live organiser:
“You should be so, so, so proud, and I am so incredibly happy I was able to give your voice a platform.”

Rowena Wilding:
“You were utterly, utterly brilliant, and you gave a voice to all of us. I couldn’t have asked for a better spokesperson.”

For Kelly, this moment was more than public speaking. It was about taking off the “coat of shame” she carried for years, and replacing it with strength, support, and the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and accepted — both in life and in business.

Why NetworkIN Believes in Confidence

At NetworkIN, we believe that real business growth starts with connection. Confidence Live reaffirmed why we do what we do — because behind every business is a person, and behind every person is a story.

We were proud to meet so many inspiring entrepreneurs throughout the day. Whether they were just starting out or scaling up, one thing was clear: confidence and community go hand-in-hand. That’s exactly what Kelly embodies in her role at NetworkIN — offering more than just a marketing strategy, but a support system for those stepping out of their comfort zone.

Watch Kelly’s Talk

If you missed the event, we strongly urge you to watch the video of Kelly’s speech. It’s a reminder that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, sharing your story, and finding your people.

And if you’ve ever felt unsure about referral marketing, worried about networking, or struggled to put yourself out there — reach out to Kelly.

Let her walk that journey with you. Because confidence is a skill you can grow. And at NetworkIN, you don’t have to grow alone.

Ready to grow in confidence and community?

Start your journey with Kelly by your side. Contact us today or connect with Kelly directly to learn how referral marketing can work for you — with heart, not just hustle.