Women in Film & TV unveils expanded Leadership Programme for senior female leaders
September 19, 2024
Women in Film & TV (WFTV) is amplifying its commitment to female leadership with the launch of the second annual WFTV Fearless Leadership Programme, expanding this year’s cohort from 8 to 12 senior women blazing a trail across the industry. As the media landscape evolves, this programme, in partnership with Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland, equips female leaders with the skills, agility, and vision to reshape the future of film, television, screen industries and creative media.
Launched this week at Somerset House, the expanded 2024 cohort will embark on a six-month journey of leadership excellence under the guidance of renowned professional development coach Tracy Forsyth. Through a mix of group coaching, 1-to-1 mentoring, and expert-led masterclasses, these accomplished professionals will tackle key challenges such as influencing industry change, shaping workplace culture, and positioning themselves as thought leaders.
Programme Overview:
- Persuading and influencing key stakeholders
- Communicating and landing strategic messages
- Motivating and empowering teams
- Setting workplace culture
- Public speaking and thought leadership
Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV, commented: “Building on the Fearless Leadership Programme’s early success, we are committed to creating a pipeline of highly skilled women leaders who will shape the future of our industry. It’s crucial for women to have access to the necessary support and leadership tools as they navigate the upper tiers of the creative industries.”
Tracy Forsyth, who returns to lead the programme, added: “Leadership is often an isolated path full of challenges, and this programme offers a safe, supportive space where female leaders can share experiences and strategies. We’re building a network of fearless women who will continue to support each other beyond the duration of this programme.”
Jenny Clark, Partnerships and Development Manager for Film and TV at Sunbelt Rentals commented: “We’re thrilled to continue our support for the WFTV Fearless Leadership Programme. After engaging with the first-year cohort, we’ve seen firsthand the profound impact this initiative has had in empowering women to expand their horizons and embrace transformative thinking. The programme has clearly facilitated career-changing decisions and unlocked new opportunities for many participants. It’s both inspiring and humbling to witness the positive effects of our support. We are immensely proud to back this exceptional organisation and its vibrant network of members, and we look forward to seeing even more remarkable achievements in the future.”
This year’s cohort comprises 12 impressive senior leaders from a variety of industry sectors:
Dawn Beresford – Director of Talent & Skills, BBC Commissioning
Siobhan Logue – Managing Director, Songbird TV Cardiff
Tolu Stedford – CEO, Story Compound (not pictured)
Lisa Edwards – Chief Creative Officer, Studio Ramsey
Vanessa Whyte – Director of Photography
Laura Bessell – COO, Argonon
Sarah Mosses – CEO, Together Films
Nina Hartstone – Supervising Sound Editor
Liz Robinson – Head of Creative Studio
Paula Crickard – Co-Founder, Hazimation Belfast
Soleta Rogan – Managing Director, Rogan Productions
Edurne Bengoa – Director of Post Production, ITN