Devon, how do you describe what you do?

I like to say I’m smart in people, not around them. I’m a social engineer. I love to connect people and spark something in them. My background spans hospitality, events, UX design, and academia—but all of it is people work. It’s about using myself as a lightning rod to grow people in their desired direction.

"Being the CEO of your own life is a powerful thing."

What drew you to professional speaking, and what was the turning point for you?

I was speaking at conferences for free and didn’t realise that feeling of being ‘charged’ by it meant something. It wasn’t until a coach encouraged me to pursue it as a business that I saw it differently. My first professional keynote was on a very personal topic—and the more authentic I was, the more people connected with me. That keynote was the tipping point.

Can you tell us more about that keynote?

It was called ‘Owning Your Scarlet Letter: Reframing Shame as Strength.’ It was deeply personal. I spoke about how women often wear the labels society gives us—challenging, emotional, difficult, as burdens. I wanted to reframe those into superpowers. Afterward, a woman messaged me on Instagram to say it had a massive impact on her. That power of one? That’s everything.

You often speak about transformation. What sparked that shift in you?

Someone asked me what wild success looked like to me, and I cried. I was 37. No one had ever asked me that. I had spent my life helping others reach their goals, and I had to learn to ask that question for myself—to step into being the CEO of my own life. That shift became the foundation of how I help others grow.

"You don’t need everyone — you need the right audience."

You speak openly about vulnerability as a tool. What’s your advice for others pursuing a similar path?

There’s a difference between loving speaking and building a speaking business. Coaching helped me frame my message and value. But more importantly, it taught me to be vulnerable with structure, to tell my story authentically while creating space for others to find themselves in it.

And finally, since awards are ultimately about recognition, what would make a company 10 out of 10 in your view?

A 10 out of 10 company takes care of its people. It fosters genuine dialogue, not just top-down communication. Leaders check in, create a sense of belonging, and allow employees to show up as they are. The best companies align work with personal values, so employees choose to be there—not just because they have to, but because it serves their own goals. That’s where people thrive, stay, and succeed.

To any company entering the awards: focus on creating real connection and purpose within your team. That’s what truly stands out.