Step Into The Spotlight: Say Yes (Even If You're Scared)

Was it all a dream?

I wrote this at 3:33am the morning after an unforgettable day.. wide awake, still buzzing from a dream-come-true moment.

I was journalling about my journey, the roadblocks I've overcome, and the people who helped me get here, because none of us can bring our ideas to life alone.

On Monday 2nd June 2025, I stepped into the spotlight on Day 1:INSPIRATION at UK Startup & Scaleup Week.

It was everything I'd imagined, and so much more.

And while it may have looked like I was confident speaking on the stage, here's the truth:

I was scared.. but I said yes anyway!

Saying yes to speaking at this event felt huge, however I’ve learned something powerful…

“When we say yes to stepping into the spotlight, even when we’re scared, transformation begins.” - Ann English 

Because it’s never about the person on a stage.

It’s about all of us - the ripple effect of one trailblazer stepping up to shine a light and leads the way for others to follow.

We All Inspire Each Other

It still feels surreal that I shared the stage with two legendary entrepreneurs and accomplished speakers - Daniel Priestley and Sara Davies MBE.

Not only are they inspiring on stage - they're even more impressive off it - kind, encouraging, and genuinely supportive.

A few weeks earlier, I’d joined Daniel’s Key Person of Influence webinar. Heart pounding, I plucked up the courage to ask Daniel for advice about speaking at this event. I was in the process of crafting my talk and nerves were bubbling under the surface. He kindly shared his wisdom, and it helped me focus on my message, and create The Clarity Compass eBook as a free gift for the audience.

Fast forward to Startup Week, I got to thank Daniel in person. I presented him withThe Clarity Quest IdeasBook as a small token of appreciation. His smile said it all.

In a reverse book-signing moment, I also gifted a copy to Sara as a thank you, knowing she shares my passion for creativity, journalling, and colouring in!

There is a saying that goes:

"Never meet your heroes..." 

This is because you’ll have an idealised picture in your head, so you may be disappointed...

However this certainly wasn’t the case with Daniel and Sarah, it was brilliant to connect in person!

When Others See Something in You That You Don't See In Yourself

What made standing on the stage even more special is the full-circle journey behind it.

Back in 2019, Paul Lancaster, Founder of Startup Week ,invited me to speak at Founders’ Friday.

I said “Yes” on the outside... but meant "No" on the inside. I secretly hoped he’d forget!

I didn’t feel ready.

Then… I saw my name on the schedule.

That talk, about making ideas a reality, became my first step.

Behind me were the TEDx letters. I asked a photographer friend in the audience to take a photo of me with them as a backdrop and set it as my phone wallpaper, as a visual reminder everyday that maybe "One day..." I could give a TEDx Talk.

Then the next speaker, Ashleigh King, who I didn't know at that time, stood up and invited applications for TEDx.

Right time, right place.

I applied, not because I thought I'd be chosen, just to understand the process and achieve the first step.

However step by step I got through every round, with the help of Polly Brennan, my business pal from Adventurous Coaching, who supported me throughout.

The rest is history...

And I’ll always be grateful to Paul Lancaster for believing in me... long before I believed in myself as a keynote speaker.

That one “yes” changed everything!

Then Everything Changed.

I remember speaking to Paul in early 2020 when he invited me to speak at Startup Week. We wondered about this thing called “Covid” and assumed it would pass quickly... little did we know!

Startup Week was postponed.

My TEDx Talk was delivered during lockdown restrictions, just me and the camera crew in the room.

No audience. No applause.

"I spoke to the one person who needed to hear my message." - Ann English

Six Years Later: From "One Day..." to Day One!

Fast forward to now. A friend called to say "Your speaking on Day 1 at Startup Week!"

I had no ideas. Paul had quietly, confidently put my name on the programme, again.

He believed in me. Again.

That belief in me as a speaker empowered me to believe in myself.

You see, I've always been the shy introverted one. My twin brother, Ian, was the confident actor, he'd star in school plays and local amateur dramatic productions.

I was the dancer. I loved dancing on stage andI  was often found behind the scenes, designing sets, making props and choreographing movement. 

Speaking on stage... that felt terrifying.

I was scared to use my voice.

Yet I remember something my Mam told me. Before every ballet exam, when others said they were scared, I saidI was excited. So I decided to channel that energy again.

Because fear and excitement feel the same in the body... the difference is what we tell ourselves.

"Your self-talk will determine if your ideas become reality." - Ann English

Together, We Shine Brighter

As I stepped onto the stage on Day 1: INSPIRATION I focused on my passion and purpose.

I guided the audience through The Clarity Quest, inviting them to turn their “One Day…” idea they'd been holding on to, into “Day One!” momentum.

The response was heartwarming. It's been incredible to hear how deeply my talk resonated. 

A huge thank you to everyone who…
⭐️ Spoke to me after the talk and shared how it connected with them
⭐️ Posted kind words, photos and comments on social media
⭐️ Queued for the book signing
⭐️ Bought The Clarity Quest IdeasBook
⭐️ Reached out about collaborations, my workshops, and Daydream & Doodle Day.

You've helped bring my mission to life:

To help people believe in their ideas and take action to bring them with clarity, creativity, and confidence.

Startup Week was a reminder of what is possible when we combine our superpowers, lift each other up, and support one another... through the wobbles and the wins!

None of us can do this alone.

And the good news is... we don’t have to.

✨ Magic happened because we were together, in person, making it real

More Magical Moments

✨ Alfie Joey, who co-hosted the event, offered valuable insights as I was waiting in the wings.  We first met during a pandemic project supporting local schools, when he interviewed Polly and me on BBC Radio. How wonderful to cross paths again in such a full-circle moment!

✨ Polly Brennan, Adventurous Coaching, closed the week with a standing ovation for her talk on packing your mental fitness kitbag. Polly and I have walked side-by-side as business founders for over a decade... from early morning WhatsApps to late-night Zoom and everything in between. Polly is more than a friend, she's a vital part of my story and how I've been able to overcome life's challenges.

✨ Gillian Dodd, who I first met six years ago at Startup Week. We were strangers then, sitting side by side. Then during the pandemic I offered a free VisualDoodle session to map out her vision. This time, we stood as speakers, cheering each other on from the audience.

✨ Paul Lancaster, had no work when covid hit and events were cancelled, during the pandemic I offered a free VisualDoodle session to map out his vision. Creating the outline for his 5 Star System and coaching method from his 5 day Startup week strategy which enabled him to offer 1:1 coaching harnessing his superpower talents.

A beautiful reminder of how far we’ve all come.

Setting an Alarm. Setting an Intention

I wake up every morning to an alarm that says:

"I feel free, energised & empowered to make an impact by bringing ideas to life… so others can realise their vision." - Ann English

This week reminded me... I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Mission accomplished. More magic activated! ✨

What’s Next? Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

📖 Missed the book signing? I have a few IdeasBook available at the special Startup Week price of £20 (normally £42 on Amazon). Message me or find me at an event to get one.

🧭 Download your FREE ebook The Clarity Compass visual guide to help you turn ideas into action: hub.annenglish.co.uk/clarity-compass

🎉 With gratitude and congratulations to Paul Lancaster, Neil Stephenson and the Stellar Business Events team. You turned a seed of an idea and your vision into a vibrant movement that lifts us all up.

Let's keep saying yes to stepping into the spotlight.. even when we're scared!

Together, we shine ✨