From Casting Director to Hype Woman: How Lucy Mills Backed Herself Into the Spotligh

When you think of sports arenas, screaming fans, and big screen hype, the person you don’t imagine is the casting director sat behind the scenes. But that’s exactly where Lucy Mills started — working at BBC, Vice, and one of Europe’s biggest ad agencies before daring to put herself on the mic.

Today, Lucy is a full-time presenter, known as the UK’s “hype woman” — the energy behind the camera, on stage, and in the crowd. In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, she opens up about imposter syndrome, mental health, and why curiosity is the one skill that’s carried her career across industries.

From Behind the Camera to Centre Stage

For 15 years, Lucy built a career in media production and casting. She was the one scouting talent, booking celebrities for campaigns, and running casting departments for global brands.

But all along, she wanted to be on the other side. The turning point? Finding her voice in her 30s and finally saying it out loud: “I want to present.”

That moment of daring — of choosing herself — changed everything.

Imposter Syndrome vs. Evidence

Lucy admits there were times she wanted to quit. Personal challenges, bad relationships, and the constant voice of doubt nearly knocked her sideways.

But here’s the truth she learned: confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself. It’s about collecting the evidence. The gigs you’ve done. The arenas you’ve stood in. The athletes and fans who respond to your energy.

Confidence comes from doing the thing, not waiting to feel ready.

Boundaries, Burnout & “Showtime” Mode

Being a presenter looks glamorous, but Lucy reminds us: you don’t get to take a bad day to the stage. Your job is to lift the room, no matter what’s going on at home.

That’s pressure. And it’s why boundaries and mental health matter. Lucy shared moments where she had to say no, step back, or even cancel a job — because protecting your energy is the only way to keep performing at 120%.

As she puts it: “You’ll never know if I’m having a bad day when I’m on the mic. But off-stage, I’m learning to talk about it more — so the next generation knows it’s normal.”

Big Energy, Big Arenas, Big Dick Energy

Lucy jokes about being known for her BDE (Big Dick Energy) — the unapologetic presence that fills an arena. It’s the reason she gets booked for NBA games, football stadiums, and global events.

But that kind of energy doesn’t just appear. It’s built on years of resilience, creative graft, and daring to stand in the spotlight when it would have been easier to stay behind the scenes.

Creating Purpose (Instead of Waiting to Find It)

One of my favourite parts of our chat was Lucy’s take on purpose. She used to believe you “found” it. Now, she knows you create it.

Her purpose? To inspire curiosity. To ask the questions others won’t. To welcome people into spaces where they’ve felt excluded.

That’s the real power of being a hype woman: it’s not about pom poms or shouting louder. It’s about lifting others up and reminding them they belong.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why curiosity is the most underrated career skill

• The realities of imposter syndrome (and how to handle it)

• How Lucy went from casting director to sports presenter

• The role boundaries and mental health play in high-pressure jobs

• Why energy is your biggest asset (and how to protect it)

• The truth about creating your purpose in your 30s

Final Thoughts

Lucy’s story is proof that it’s never too late to pivot. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond — backing yourself is the first step.

She dared to say “this is what I want,” and now she’s lighting up arenas.

If you’re on the edge of your own career leap, this episode is your nudge: confidence doesn’t come before the action — it comes because of it.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here 

👉 And if you loved Lucy’s story, share this blog post with someone who needs the reminder that it’s okay to start again.