My story...part one

I’ve been a storyteller all my life—40 years as a journalist and writer, helping others share their truth and shine. I’ve spent my career helping others find their voice.?

I was 10 years old when I decided what I wanted to do with my life. I loved watching 60 Minutes and flipping through the paper. There was something powerful about sharing stories—stories that could change lives, spark change, and make a difference. When I was asked, I took myself off the library research jobs that fit what I loved. With my idols, Ray Martin, Jana Wendt and George Negus, front and centre. I don’t think little Annette had it all figured out, but looking back, I reckon she knew deep down that words were her way of making an impact.

By that age, I'd already been through a lot. I’d been to four primary schools, fled Tasmania with my mum to escape a violent stepfather (he ended up in jail), and spent most of my time in playgrounds being bullied.

Through all that, I found comfort in words and books. I was that nerdy kid who spent school holidays at the library, lost in stories. Those stories saved me—they gave me hope when life felt too hard. They inspired me. They reminded me that, no matter what, there’s always a way forward.

That’s where my "why" comes from. Stories aren’t just entertainment—they've the power to connect, inspire, and heal. They remind us we’re not alone and that there’s always hope, even in the darkest moments.

That’s why I do what I do today—whether it’s writing award submissions or articles or speeches, mentoring clients, or MCing events, it’s all about helping people see the value in their stories, experiences and challenges. I know what it’s like to feel invisible, to think your story doesn’t matter. The truth is, every story matters. Telling it can change everything.

That’s what drives me—helping others find their voice and giving them the confidence to step into the spotlight and own their story. Because when we share our stories, we create change—it’s where the magic happens.

Getting into business wasn’t something I planned—it was more of a survival move. After leaving News Ltd in Sydney and moving back to Brisbane, I found myself at a loss. All I ever wanted to be was a journalist, like my heroes, but after a court battle that I lost, twice, my dream career ended. I returned to Brisbane, tail between my legs, defeated, wondering, what now?

I shifted into corporate communications and worked with non-profits for a while, telling stories with meaning and purpose. But after years of working for other people, my role was made redundant. Suddenly, at 43, I was jobless, with no idea what to do next…along with 1000s of others whose jobs disappeared after the Queensland government slashed public service jobs.? I didn’t know a thing about running a business, but I knew how to write, tell stories, and help people get noticed. I spiralled into depression.?

One weekend, a friend DRAGGED me along to a seminar about webinars. I didn’t know what to expect, but I figured I had nothing to lose.

“Who’s an expert in the room?’ the speaker asked the room. A few hands went up. My stayed firmly by my side. I was a loser who had lost her job.? With an elbow in my ribs from my friend, I shared my many years in comms and media and know how to get people in front of the right audience through PR. At that moment, it hit me that I knew stuff.?

My storytelling experience could be a business that helps small businesses get noticed, grow their visibility, and build their reputation. I was picked as the guinea pig to show it the webinar process worked. Within 24 hours, I created a program and done a webinar to a few hundred people—LIVE—and sold 10 packages, which was awesome because my redundancy payout was running out.

The speaker talked about how small businesses could use webinars to share their expertise, attract clients, and grow. But what really caught my attention was the message about visibility—how getting your business in front of the right audience through PR could be a game-changer. A lightbulb went off.

Publicity Genie was born. I didn’t have a business plan, fancy tools, or even a proper office—I had my laptop and a determination to help small businesses tell their stories. I started with the basics: reaching out to local businesses, writing press releases, and coaching entrepreneurs on how to get featured in the media.

It was a steep learning curve. I had no clue what I was doing, but I kept moving forward, determined to make it work. Over the next few years, I built a reputation for helping small businesses grow through strategic PR and storytelling. Every setback I’ve faced has taught me that reinvention is always possible. It’s never too late to change, heal, and thrive.?

Every setback I’ve faced has taught me that reinvention is always possible. It’s never too late to change, heal, and thrive.?

I stumbled into award writing almost by accident.?

A client asked me if I could help them enter a business award. I figured, why not? It’s just another kind of storytelling, right? So, I gave it a go—and they won.

That win was a lightbulb moment. Awards are a powerful tool—not just a nice trophy to display, but a way for businesses to gain credibility, attract new clients, and build momentum. I also noticed something surprising: most people don’t think they deserve recognition, especially women. I’d meet incredible business owners doing amazing things, but they didn’t feel worthy of entering awards. That’s when I knew I had found more than just a niche—it was a way to empower people to see their own value.

I do what I love - telling stories about amazing people…even if they don’t realise they are amazing yet.

From running a PR agency to mentoring over 150 businesses, my focus has always been on building others up, helping them embrace their achievements, and empowering them to share their stories. But somewhere along the way, I lost me.

For years, I threw everything into my work and ignored what my body was trying to tell me. Hashimoto’s, endometriosis, and burnout were dragging me down, but I just kept pushing through. By 2020, I weighed 139kg and was in constant pain. I hid from the world, avoided photos, skipped events—anything that might draw attention to how much I was struggling. One day, after a talk on imposter syndrome, it hit me: if I didn’t change something, I wasn’t going to last another 10 years.

In 2021, I made the tough decision to have weight loss surgery. It wasn’t an easy call, and it certainly wasn’t the quick fix some people think it is. But I knew it was time to take control of my health. The process was hard—those first weeks of bone broth and baby steps tested every ounce of patience I had. But I stuck with it, and slowly, things started to change.

I’ve since lost 80kg, dropped seven dress sizes, and—for the first time in decades—my thyroid is working normally. The best part? I no longer feel like I need to hide. I’m back, fully engaged with life and business. That clarity gave me the courage to walk away from something I poured into and get back to what I love—helping others grow through storytelling. It was a tough decision, but I knew I needed to realign with what matters most to me—authentic storytelling, strategic impact, and helping people step out of the shadows.?

Part two will delve into the hardest decision I've made in business...