The Moment I Chose Purpose Over Burnout: Why I Started TEMPR Media
By Nikki Freeman, Founder of TEMPR Media
It was a cold morning in London when everything changed.
I was standing in a busy train station, watching streams of commuters rush past me, everyone on autopilot, all looking exhausted. The same sense of burnout that I’d started to feel myself.
For years, I’d built a career I was proud of. Or was I. I worked hard, learned fast and thrived in the fast paced corporate world. But that morning, something shifted. As I watched everyone rush by, something hit me and I questioned everything. I was successful in the eyes of society but the reality was, I felt so unfulfilled and so lonely.
That was my lightbulb moment.
Right there, amongst the noise of the commuters and train station, I knew I had to do something different. Something that meant something to me. Something that focused my energy, passion and purpose. Something that didn’t just deliver brilliant work, but also built connection, culture and heart into every project.
That’s when TEMPR Media was born.
Taking the Leap
Leaving behind a secure corporate career was far from easy. If you’ve ever thought about stepping away from the safety of a well trodden path, you’ll know that mix of excitement and fear all too well!
People often say “It must have taken so much courage”, and it did but I finally had clarity.
Once I had that moment of realisation, I knew I was ready for change. In a big way. I wanted to build something that felt different, something that would inspire others in the industry to rethink what success looks like.
TEMPR Media started with one simple mission: to bring energy and personalisation into speaker booking – instead of the current transactional feel it had.
One Year On: Reflections on Growth, Challenges and Gratitude
Fast forward to today, and we’ve just celebrated our first anniversary. And I can’t quite believe we’ve already hit the 1 year mark! This past year has been full of growth, lessons and a fair share of challenges but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Starting a business isn’t linear. The highs and lows are extreme so you have to be resilient.
But every project, every client conversation and early start reminds me of why I started.
We’ve had the privilege of working with incredible event agencies and partners who share our belief that people and purpose sit at the heart of great work. We’ve helped brands find voices that connect deeply with their audiences. And we’ve seen the impact that thoughtful speaker placements and storytelling can have on culture, leadership and wellbeing.
To Anyone Feeling Stuck in the Corporate Cycle…
If you’re reading this and feeling the same tug, that quiet voice saying “there has to be more” – I get it believe me. And that voice is there for a reason.
Sometimes the biggest clarity comes in the smallest moments. For me, it was standing in that station feeling like it was groundhog day. For you, it will be different.
That clarity doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. But it does mean it will be worth it.
Looking Ahead: Energy, Connection and Purpose
As TEMPR Media steps into its second year, our focus is on scaling and of course energy: helping event agencies and organisations harness the power of the right speakers, stories and strategies to create connection and impact.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about what’s next, new collaborations, new ideas and new opportunities to transform how events feel.
If you’d like to follow our journey and get insights on event strategy, speaker booking and leadership storytelling, sign up for our newsletter via the contact page.
You’ll get honest reflections, industry insights and behind-the-scenes stories on building energy and purpose into every event.