From CP24 to Centre Stage: Kayla Williams on Reinvention, Confidence & Hosting VFF 2026

What happens when a familiar face from television news steps away from the newsroom and confidently creates an exciting new chapter?On this episode of Janette’s TV Podcast, Janette Burke catches up with former CP24 reporter and anchor Kayla Williams on the red carpet at the 2026 Vaughan International Film Festival Closing Night Awards Gala.Kayla—media personality, event MC, content creator and actor—shares her excitement about hosting one of VFF’s most important evenings and reflects on the skills, confidence and presence required to command a live stage.This lively red-carpet conversation explores career reinvention, embracing new opportunities and continuing to evolve after leaving a high-profile television role. It is a reminder—especially for SAVVY women over 40—that stepping away from one title does not mean stepping away from your talent, relevance or ambition. Sometimes it simply means it is time for a new stage.In this episode:• Kayla’s transition from CP24 to a multifaceted media career• Hosting the VFF 2026 Closing Night Awards Gala• The energy and unpredictability of live events• Confidence, communication and thinking on your feet• Expanding beyond one professional title• Reinvention, motherhood and creating your next chapter• Why film festivals matter to emerging filmmakers and creative communitiesThe Vaughan International Film Festival is a registered nonprofit organization that supports emerging filmmakers and showcases international short films. Since 2012, VFF has received more than 1,900 submissions from over 65 countries and screened more than 140 films.Watch, comment and subscribe to Janette’s TV Podcast for celebrity interviews, red-carpet conversations, entertainment, lifestyle inspiration and stories created with SAVVY women over 40 in mind.QUESTION FOR YOU:Have you ever left a familiar role and discovered an entirely new side of yourself?Share your answer in the comments—and please send this episode to another SAVVY woman who is ready to embrace her next act!VFF background information verified through the festival’s official About page.About Kayla WilliamsKayla Williams is a Canadian media personality, television host, event MC, content creator and actor. She is best known for her years as a reporter and anchor with CP24, Toronto’s breaking-news channel.Following her departure from daily television news, Kayla expanded her career into live-event hosting, content creation, acting and other media opportunities. Known for her warmth, relatability and commanding on-camera presence, she brings professional newsroom experience and vibrant energy to every stage.In July 2026, Kayla hosted the Vaughan International Film Festival Closing Night Awards Gala, helping VFF celebrate outstanding short films, emerging filmmakers and established members of the screen industry.About the Vaughan International Film FestivalThe Vaughan International Film Festival is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and showcasing outstanding short films from Canada and around the world.Founded in 2012, VFF has grown into a creative hub offering international screenings, awards, networking opportunities, student competitions and educational programs.About Janette’s TV PodcastJanette’s TV Podcast is a four-time award-winning entertainment and lifestyle platform hosted by media personality, interviewer and red-carpet correspondent Janette Burke.With more than 700 interviews and a combined global following of over 15.2 million, Janette brings audiences candid conversations with celebrities, filmmakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and inspiring personalities.Created especially for SAVVY women over 40, Janette’s TV Podcast puts mature women at the centre of the conversation through entertainment, career reinvention, affordable luxury, wellness, lifestyle content and stories that encourage women to remain strong, visible and unapologetically ambitious.CONNECT WITH JANETTE BURKE🌐 Website:https://www.janetteburke.com/👩 About Janette:https://www.janetteburke.com/about-janette-burke🎬 Janette's TV Podcast:https://www.janetteburke.com/janette-s-tv-podcast🎙 About Janette's TV Podcast:https://www.janetteburke.com/about-janettes-tv-podcast💼 Hire Janette:https://www.janetteburke.com/working-with-janette📺 YouTube:  @JanettesTV  📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/janettestv/💙 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/janettestv💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetteburke/🐦 X:https://x.com/janetteburke🎵 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@janetteburke📌 Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/janetteburke/🎧 Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/janettes-tv-podcast/id1723108832🎙 Buzzsprout:https://janettestvpodcast.buzzsprout.com/📰 SAVVY by Janette's TV Podcast — Join the Audiencehttps://www.janetteburke.com/subscribe-to-savvyBookings / Media: [email protected] the showSign up to become a member of Janette's TV Youtube Channel!https://www.youtube.com/@JanettesTV/videos