From Self Doubt to Self Belief: Step into Your Spotlight with Annette Williams

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.