What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you can learn? In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Annette Williams, confidence specialist, Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, author of Step Into Your Spotlight, and former BBC television producer. We chat about her incredible career spanning nearly 40 years, her four BAFTA awards, a very special Gold Blue Peter badge, and of course, some of our favourite childhood TV programmes! But we also dive into something so many of us struggle with , confidence and self-doubt. Annette shares why confidence isn’t set in stone, how we can learn to believe in ourselves, and some simple ways to manage nerves, stop comparing ourselves to others and take opportunities rather than holding ourselves back. It’s a lovely conversation full of nostalgia, inspiration, good advice and a reminder that confidence isn’t about never feeling nervous, it’s about trusting yourself to give things a go. About Annette Annette spent 38 years at the BBC. Starting off in the regions, working on the daily News programmes at BBC Wales and BBC Plymouth. Annette then rose through the ranks to become Head of Factual Programmes for BBC Studios Kids & Family. During her time there, she worked on some of the UK’s most iconic television programmes, including Blue Peter, Live & Kicking, CBeebies Stargazing, Britain’s Best Young Artist and The Dengineers, developing a reputation for creative storytelling, strong leadership, and nurturing on-screen talent. Her work has been recognised with multiple industry accolades, including BAFTA Awards and Royal Television Society Awards, as well as an International Emmy nomination. Among her proudest achievements is being awarded the prestigious Gold Blue Peter badge. Alongside her production career, Annette has also been an Associate Lecturer at the University of Salford for 3 years, where she has shared her industry knowledge and experience with the next generation of media professionals. Following a major career pivot aged 60, Annette retrained as a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist and founded Silverbrook Hypnotherapy. She now specialises in helping professionals build confidence, particularly around public speaking, visibility, performance under pressure and overcoming fears and phobias. Drawing on her unique combination of TV industry insight and therapeutic expertise, she works with clients worldwide. Annette is also the author of Step Into Your Spotlight: The TV insider’s guide to feeling confident when all eyes are on YOU!, a book that blends behind-the-scenes television experience with practical confidence strategies and mindset techniques. This bestseller book includes insights from well-known presenters such as Angellica Bell, Helen Skelton, Ricky Wilson, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Mark Wright and Ade Adepitan. Today, Annette combines her background in television, education, and hypnotherapy to help people step into their own spotlight with confidence, authenticity, and impact. Website Instagram Linked In Step in to Your Spotlight Book More About the Host Andrea L Evans is the creator of The Connection Compass and founder of the Human Led Impact Project. Her work brings together lived experience, professional practice, and a deep commitment to human connection across leadership, wellbeing, and cultural change, creating a more interconnected work and deepening the relationship to ourselves, each other, nature and the environments we live and work in. Live Webinar Sign Up Wednesday 23 September. The Story of The Connection Compass: A 10 year Journey of Discovery Working With Me Conversation Soul Coaching with the Connection Compass Facebook Instagram: andrea_louise_evans Human Led Impact Project Instagram Linked In
