Stepping out of hiding—with strategy—has the power to blow open doors that once felt tightly shut.
Som Puri is a TEDx speaker, sought-after copywriter, and sometimes socially awkward person who has mastered the art of turning diverse personal narratives into a superpower.
A past-life TV presenter and a closeted comic, she blends sharp insights, humour, and hard-relate storytelling to help people own their voice, step into their unique version of confidence, and show up like a natural, even when it feels uncomfortable, clumsy or riddled with self-doubt.
For years, Som felt painfully out of place, convinced her otherness, her strangeness, her imperfections were things to hide. Now, she harnesses them, and teaches her audience to do the same. She speaks to rooms full of people about how to craft a powerhouse personal story from where they are RIGHT now, and one that’s true to who they really are—messy, unpolished bits included—and use it to show up powerfully in any room, conversation, or career move.
Her keynotes and workshops focus on:
- Confidence for everyone– Sustainable ways to build confidence that feels aligned, not performative or against your natural grain.
- From hiding to showing up boldly – Why being the most you you can be isn’t just liberating—it’s a strategic advantage.
- Networking without the cringe – A way to navigate networking that doesn't feel like scratching your nails on a blackboard (and perhaps even a bit of fun?)
By day, Som is a seasoned copywriter, working with national and international brands like Disney, Kmart, and Sheet Society to craft compelling stories that cut through the noise. But her real magic? Helping people do the same. Because whether it’s on a stage, in a brand, or at a party—you make the biggest impact when you show up leveraging, not hiding your imperfect, no-linear, powerful self.
She just wishes her 17-year-old self had known that before straightening her vigorously curly hair to fit in.
Talking Points
Confidence Isn’t Just For Everyone Else—It’s For You, Too
Awkward, introverted, unsure? You can still be confident. Confidence is not just for the naturally bold, the effortlessly charming, or the ones who seem born for the spotlight. It’s for anyone willing to challenge the idea that confidence looks a certain way, sounds a certain way, and is owned only by a certain set of people.Confidence Isn’t Just For Everyone Else—It’s For You, Too
Key Takeaways:
- How to build confidence in a way that feels natural, not performative.
- Why confidence starts with authenticity—not just “acting the part.”
- Rewriting the belief that confidence is bestowed (spoiler: it’s built)
- Practical ways to show up, even when it feels uncomfortable.
- The power of magnetism (confidence’s underrated cousin).
Hiding vs. Showing Up: The Power of Owning Your Diversity & Authenticity
When you start to show the parts of yourself that you’ve kept hidden from the world at large, a surprising thing happens – you feel aligned, more seen and somewhat invincible.No more fear of exposure, just the freedom and flow. In this lighthearted and insightful talk filled with personal stories, stagecraft and lashings of comedy,you’ll discover why being the most you you can be isn’t just liberating; it’s a strategic advantage.Hiding vs. Showing Up: The Power of Owning Your Diversity & Authenticity
Key takeaways
- Tools to uncover your unique voice and the unexpected plot points that make you stand out.
- Strategically weave your story into a larger message that resonates on stage, in boardrooms, at dinner parties.
- Gain impact, influence, and confidence—without forcing a version of yourself that doesn’t fit.
- Watch how authenticity shapes the risks you take, the spaces you step into, and the way the world responds to you.
The Simple Networking Mindset Shift That Ends The Dread
You don’t actually hate networking—you just hate what you’ve been told it has to be. A room full of people selling themselves, forced small talk, and an unspoken pressure to perform? No wonder it feels draining. But networking can be so much more than that. With subtle shifts to your approach, it becomes an opportunity for connection, curiosity, and, dare I say, even a bit of fun.The Simple Networking Mindset Shift That Ends The Dread
Key Takeaways:
- How to navigate networking with a sense of ease, even as an introvert, small-talk-skeptic or someone who’d rather be anywhere else but there.
- Showing up authentically, so networking feels meaningful (and not like a chore).
- Largely untapped ways to give and receive value beyond just landing a job or making a sale.
- A way to handle the question ‘So tell me about yourself” that doesn't feel like scratching your nails on a blackboard
- A framework to design your own version of networking—one that feels natural and aligned.
Video
Why We Need to start Telling Better Stories About Our Lives
Som Puri always wrote great stories in secret, but when it came to telling them out loud, she froze in panic. In a deeply personal and performative talk, she explores how when we’re intentional about how we narrate, highlight and link stories from our lives, we can create powerful personal narratives. This can change not just how we view ourselves, but how we show up in the world. Som Puri is a copywriter, a speaker and an only child with a rich inner life. Her main love is helping people express the quirky parts of their personality and tell their non-linear stories in aligned, memorable and impactful ways.Som is an accomplished storyteller with buckets of stagecraft, talent and charisma. She has the ability to hold her audience with her excellent use of comedy and her cleverly constructed hon ... keep reading Generation Women Melbourne
Som has not only nailed the art of storytelling from the stage, she understands the power of uncovering personal narratives. By the time the day of filming arrived she was completely prepared and ready to step on to the TEDxMornington platform. As a result, her stage presence was engaging and fluid in its delivery, whilst also allowing for a sense of play.
Som delivered a powerful and heartfelt masterclass for our One Roof community. With humour, depth, and practical tools, she guided us through the art of crafting authentic personal narratives, including stories that embrace the messy, imperfect, and brilliant parts of who we are. Her unique ability to weave storytelling, mindset shifts, and personal reflection left everyone feeling more confident, connected, and inspired to show up fully in their businesses and lives. We’re so grateful to Som for sharing her wisdom and can’t wait to have her back!
