From imposter syndrome to owning the room: how Dylan found his confidence in production
Dylan didn’t grow up knowing exactly where he wanted to fit within the production industry.
In fact, he says he “stumbled into” it.
A tour around the PRG warehouse while he was being interviewed gave him his first real glimpse of the scale of the industry. Seeing the projects and names the company worked with sparked something.
“I got such a buzz at the thought of being able to cover the shows and work in this industry. That buzz has never left.”
Since then, Dylan has not just found his place. He has started making it his own.
This year, he took on one of his biggest challenges yet, independently covering the Wu-Tang Clan: The Final Chamber tour.
He photographed the show, interviewed crew and designers, produced a press release and shared the story with industry press. Seeing the resulting piece picked up by titles including TPi, LSi, PLSN and ETNow was a major pinch-me moment.
For Dylan, it was proof of just how far he had come.
The award that gave him permission to believe in himself
Winning a Breakthrough Talent Award proved to be a turning point.
Before the award, Dylan says he struggled with strong imposter syndrome. He was building his career, but did not necessarily have the confidence to put himself into new rooms or believe he had earned his place there.
The recognition started to change that.
“It’s given me so much belief in what I can achieve.”
Since winning, Dylan has found himself saying yes to opportunities he never expected, from speaking on panels at PF events and ILMC to attending Electric Cat’s inaugural industry marketing event and meeting more of his industry marketing peers.
The award also gave him something less tangible, but incredibly valuable: confidence.
“I felt like all the hard work from the past 18 months had really paid off and it was seen.”
That recognition gave Dylan a new way to introduce himself, start conversations and walk into networking situations knowing that his work had been recognised by others in the industry.
Looking back, there is one thing he wishes he had realised sooner.
Just how important it is to put yourself out there.
What comes next?
Dylan is already thinking about the next stage of his career.
He is about to begin a Digital Marketing online course with London Business School to develop his knowledge further, while also pursuing something he feels particularly passionate about: mentoring.
Having benefited from the support of others earlier in his own career, he now wants to do the same for somebody else.
“Mentoring is a big thing for me and supporting someone is my next ambition.”
He is also looking to do more videography, become more active on social media and continue building connections across the industry.
His advice for somebody just starting out reflects much of what he has learned himself.
Be self-critical and welcome feedback, but believe in yourself too. Stay hungry to learn, act on good advice and be friendly and easy to be around.
The opportunities, he says, will come.
Think you’re not ready for an award? Read this.
Perhaps the most powerful part of Dylan’s story is what he says to anyone considering the Breakthrough Talent Awards now.
“I think everyone should go through the process of nominating themselves for the BTAs, even if you don’t win.”
Why?
Because simply reflecting on the work you have achieved over the past year can show you just how far you have come.
And that feels particularly important when you consider Dylan’s own experience.
He went into the awards carrying imposter syndrome. He came out with recognition that helped him walk into rooms, make connections, take opportunities and believe more strongly in what he could achieve.
So if part of you is thinking, “I’m probably not ready yet,” perhaps that is exactly the reason to put yourself forward.
You do not have to wait for somebody else to recognise your potential first.
Breakthrough Talent Awards 2026 nominations are now open, and you can nominate yourself.