Key Points
- Gold Coast resident Joyce Santiago-Savage left a successful career in global fashion buying to pursue a career in motivational speaking.
- She now focuses on empowering others—especially women and migrants—to live with purpose and authenticity.
- Drawing from her personal journey and Filipino heritage, Joyce weaves themes of identity, resilience, and self-belief into her work, empowering others to build confidence, strengthen their mindset, and unlock their full potential.
More than five years ago, Joyce Santiago-Savage was travelling between the world’s fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, New York—sourcing the latest trends as a high-level fashion buyer. It was a fast-paced, glamorous life that many dream of. But behind the style and status, Joyce felt a growing emptiness.
“I realised success isn’t just about titles or paychecks,” she reflects. “It’s about purpose—waking up every day knowing you’re making a difference.”
That realisation sparked a bold pivot, leading her to leave the fashion industry and embrace a new calling: motivational speaking.
Through her dynamic approach to confidence-building, mindset shifts, and personal transformation, Joyce empowers individuals and organisations to overcome barriers, embrace change, and achieve remarkable results. Credit: Supplied by Joyce Savage
Before settling on the Gold Coast, entrepreneur Joyce Santiago-Savage spent 13 years in Auckland, New Zealand, after migrating from the Philippines with her family. In 2011, she moved to Sydney, Australia, following a successful career in fashion buying.
“The decision to leave everything behind was terrifying,” Joyce admits. “I questioned myself constantly—was I making the right choice? But I knew deep down that I had to follow my heart.”
The transition to motivational speaking wasn’t without hurdles. Leaving behind a secure, high-profile career brought uncertainty and doubt. Yet Joyce remained steadfast, motivated by the conviction that sharing her personal struggles could empower others to overcome their own.
Before stepping into motivational speaking, Joyce enjoyed the luxury of travelling between the world’s top fashion cities such as Paris and New York, and even launched her boutique, blending her passion for style with entrepreneurship. Credit: Supplied by Joyce Savage
She openly discusses confronting fear, navigating cultural expectations, and dismantling self-doubt—challenges common to many migrants.
“I want to empower others to break free from what holds them back,” Joyce says. “With the right mindset, we all have the power to rewrite our stories, build confidence, and unlock our full potential.”
Her talk topics include building confidence, cultivating a growth mindset, embracing individual strengths, and unlocking one’s full potential. Credit: Supplied by Joyce Savage
A recognised TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, and personal development expert, Joyce brings over 20 years of leadership and business experience to her work.
Today, as a motivational speaker and mindset mentor, she dedicates herself to inspiring women and migrants, including the Filipino-Australian community, to embrace their identity and live authentically. Through keynote addresses, workshops, and community programs, Joyce shares her personal story of transformation—one rooted in identity, resilience, and self-belief.
The Savage family spent 10 months travelling the world, including visits to Paris and the U.S. Credit: Supplied Joyce Santiago-Savage
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