A programme for women moving into Senior leadership in the Advertising, Brand Marketing and Creative industries.
Creative Equals Business launched in 2018 with the ambition to accelerate more female leaders in the marketing and creative industries. Now entering our sixth year, we have already helped over 100+ women achieve the skills and network to succeed.
The next Creative Equals Business leadership programme launches late October 2024.
Applications are open to women, non-binary and gender non conforming people. Self funding is available.
Applications Close: 11 October 2024
Sponsored by
“The CEB course has changed my professional life and had a profound impact personally. It sounds dramatic but it is completely apt. I gained skills that made me a better manager, a better negotiator and a better Planner.”
Melanie Norris, Managing Director &
Head of Planning, BBDO Worldwide
Campaign Winner:
Strategic Planner of the Year EMEA 2020
Women deserve their seat at the top table, we know women are much less likely to be in C-Suite roles than men, and we’re here to change that. Creative Equal’s Business is a transformational programme that supports women stepping into C-level leadership roles.
Data from the World Economic Forum, showed despite women holding 42% of all jobs – they only make up 25% of C-suite positions. While women’s advancement into leadership roles grew over the past 8 years, started falling in 2022 and continued to decline in 2023. But advancing gender parity (and moving into C-Suite and leadership roles) could add $12 trillion to global GDP and boost some countries’ economic output by as much as 35%.
“Many women seem to get ‘stuck’ in middle management roles and training them to step up to the next level is key to creating more leadership role models.” says Laura Jordan Bambach, Creative Partner, Mr President & Co-founder, SheSays.
We build women up to reach the very top level of their career, through workshops that our data tells us that they need, and by building up a network of like-minded professionals. We’ve grown over 100 women in how to be effective business leaders, and ascend to the C-Suite, with more following behind. Change and equality, it’s coming.
course details
The programme has 8 modules over a 6-month period with a cracking lineup of industry experts
The modules will be a mix of virtual and in-person events
Criteria for applications are senior women, non-binary and gender non-conforming people stepping into leadership positions with candidates generally having between 8-10 years of experience
The course fees are £1,695pp which can be funded by your employer or self-funded and split over 3 payments
The programme launches in October 2024
Places are limited on this unique leadership programme.
Please let us know if you have any questions, or would like support filling out the applications form by emailing: emma@creativeequals.org
the programme
Welcome Breakfast and Course Kick Off:
Join us for the Welcome Breakfast, an ideal opportunity to meet your course hosts and fellow delegates. We'll guide you through the programme details, setting the stage for a transformative learning experience. We'll also spend some quality time getting acquainted before diving into our first session.
Module 1: Authenticity in leadership
Tackling the importance of authenticity in leadership, we’ll look at the different leadership styles and evaluate what’s most effective in various situations. More importantly, we’ll help you identify your own unique leadership style and how you can use this to your benefit.
Outcomes:
- Understand your strengths
- Gain confidence
- Learn to put yourself forwards
Module 2: Building high functioning teams
Exploring how to build effective and high performing teams, we will look at the right construct; how to ensure all members are motivated and performing; and how team dynamics change in different situations and environments.
Outcomes:
- Understand how to get the best from others
- Build confidence in collaboration
- Identify when a different approachis necessary
Module 3: Commercial and negotiation
Targeting the importance of a commercial focus in the creative industries, we will understand the language of the commercial world and how to use different levers to maximise business performance. We’ll take a deep dive into negotiating and look to improve your awareness of how it shapes so many of your interactions. This will include how to be bold when negotiating and how to prepare for any type of negotiation.
Outcomes:
- Build your commercial language
- Tackle difficult conversations
- Learn how to negotiate, to achieve your best outcome
Module 4: Pitching and selling
Exploring the art of the sell; from big pitch situations to a conversation over a coffee – we’ll look at how can you close the deal. We will examine how to ensure confidence in presentation styles and the strategies and techniques that ensure a high impact.
Outcomes:
- Develop your presentation style
- Build persuasion and confidence
- Know when to push and when to pause
Module 5: Leadership, learning and growth
This interactive session will help you identify and unlock your greatest strength and understand how to harness it for your own and your team’s growth.
Outcomes:
- Identifying strengths
- Confidence
- Quietening the inner critic
Module 6: Developing senior relationships
Focusing on senior-level relationships, we’ll explore how to create mutually beneficial, yet authentic partnerships. We’ll also look at the power of influence and how to effectively manage up to ensure the best outcome.
Outcomes:
- Profiling for better relationships
- Effective upwards management
- Create effective, long term partnerships
Module 7: Presentation Skills
You’ll hear how to best prepare and build your confidence for an articulate, passionate and authentic communication and presentation style and also gather tips for how to engage an audience quickly.
Outcomes:
- Developing your presentation style
- Confidence in presenting
- Finding your authentic voice
Module 8: Building your personal brand
To wrap up the programme we will look at the best ways to build your personal brand (both physically and digitally) in an authentic way.
Outcomes:
- Learn to upwardly network
- Discover the value of your profile
- Put yourself on the industry stage
Additional support includes:
Mentoring
To support you through the course, we will pair you with one of our leadership mentors to work with you throughout the programme. Your mentor will spend approximately an hour a month with you helping you determine the best way to apply the learning.
Mentor evening
In addition to the one-on-one mentoring, we will be running a mentor networking event. This will give you the opportunity to spend a little time with all of our mentors gaining a broader perspective and building your personal network.
Graduation Dinner
After our final session we will celebrate with a dinner at a London restaurant. This is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the last 6 months with your CEB community including some trainers and mentors.
who is involved
Helen James is the CEO of creative agency Forsman&Bodenfors London and runs the Creative Equals Business Programme, a leadership programme and community for women in the creative industries. She is focused on ensuring more women in marketing and creative roles are able to thrive at the top. Helen writes a monthly column for Marketing Week exploring topics at the intersection of gender and marketing. Through her work in gender diversity and driving momentum in this space Helen has spoken at the UN and NATO.
Harriet Minter is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. She is writer, speaker and coach. In 2013 she launched the Guardian’s Women in Leadership section, which focuses on the issues faced by working women. Having developed her own leadership programme for high potential women, Harriet provides advice and guidance to senior manager and entrepreneurs as a coach and mentor.
Annabel Shorter is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. She brings over a decade of negotiating and commercial experience to her clients. Throughout her career Annabel has been responsible for driving growth, often in difficult and new environments. She believes passionately that strong negotiating is at the heart of effective business performance and draws on her experiences, good and bad to assist her clients.
Scott the Boom is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. Immersing himself in some of the world’s most creative, challenging and demanding cultures, Scott has a unique combination of Agency, Client and startup experience and understands what it takes to create fast, impactful change in each.
His passion is to bring the Boom! to those who clamour for change, dream big and want to make it real.
Richard Robinson is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. He is an award-winning diversity advocate and has been recognised as a ‘Male Agent of Change’ by the Women’s Business Council & Management Today, as well being ranked in the top 12 men championing women in business by the Financial Times. Vice-Chair of The Ideas Foundation, Board Member of Creative Equals, Token Man, BAME2020 and the first male SuperMomma for SheSaysUK.
Victoria Buchanan, is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. Executive Creative Director at Tribal Worldwide London, started her career in digital advertising more than two decades ago. A true pioneer in digital, she is obsessed with interactive behaviour and passionate about creating work that allows people to experience brands in a more immersive way. She has proved that science and art go together, creativity and innovation, tech and women go together and yes girls can.
Ben Fennell is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. Before founding The Growth House, Ben spent over a decade running BBH London as CEO, helping some of the world’s biggest businesses and brands to grow. Businesses like Audi, Barclays, British Airways, Virgin Media and Tesco. During his time as CEO, Ben and his team delivered more than £600 million of revenue for BBH, and £170 million of profit. Ben is passionate about helping leaders, teams and businesses to grow.
Roxanne Hobbs is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. She is a key influencer in driving the Inclusivity and Diversity agenda in the advertising industry. She founded The Hobbs Consultancy in 2012 initially to effect change for women in the advertising industry. Roxanne is a certified Daring Way™ facilitator, using Brené Brown’s curriculum to support participants in living brave, showing up and being seen. Roxanne’s book, ‘Diverted’ was published in March.
Fura Johannesdottir is a coach for Creative Equals Business Leaders. She is VP ECD at SapientRazorfish and leads the Experience Studio in the UK. Rooting her creativity in real business and human insights, Fura aims to drive client business forward by creating valuable connections between brands and their customers. Always at the forefront of innovation, helping clients not only adapt to our ever-changing world, but leading within their categories and set examples for others to follow.
Fiona Bryan is the Vice President of Marketing and Growth at Stagwell, where she leads innovative strategies to propel the company's market presence and growth initiatives. She has helped drive the Creative Equals Business programme, advocating for women’s advancement in the professional sphere since its launch. Her leadership not only accelerates Stagwell's objectives but also nurtures a culture of equality and empowerment across the organization.
Business Leaders success stories
Creative Equals Business has carried me through a pivotal point in my career, a return from maternity leave into a new job in a new agency. I feel like I’ve joined the SAS of advertising honing every single one of my skills. Each session has been invaluable. I also now feel like I truly belong in this industry with a new support network of coaches, mentors and most of all peers.
Cressida Holmes Smith
- Lucky Generals
It’s given me the confidence to embrace my own values and believe in my own success. It’s also allowed me to pass on what I have learned and understand the power of the real unity that has grown between the amazing women I have had the privilege of meeting - I now mentor 6 young women .
Carole Davids
- VICE Virtue
Creative Equals Business has an energy like no other. This is a training course any woman wanting to edge close to senior management should go on! It’s helpfully practical, inspiring and above all, gives you access to an incredibly supportive community of strong women to bounce off from, the relationships which will no doubt continue beyond the course.
Lucy Scott
- Bacardi
FAQs
APPLICANT INFORMATION
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The Creative Equals Business course is open to women, non-binary and gender non-conforming people with between 8-10 years of experience working in any role across
Advertising, Media, Brand Marketing, Creative, Strategy, Finance or Production.
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Complete this form to apply https://forms.gle/Nm8EgebmjF2nSNbs5. Submit your information to be considered for selection.
If you need assistance in completing this form, please contact us directly and we can make alternative arrangements that meet your needs.
Please contact emma@creativeequals.org -
Up to 20 people will be invited to join the programme.
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Applicants will be asked to complete a form with your details, work experience and provide a thoughtful reflection on why you are a good candidate.
You shouldn’t require access to anything high-tech to be able to complete your application. As long as you have access to a mobile device or computer, and a reliable internet connection you should be able to complete the application process.
We want you to be able to apply to the best of your ability, so if you have any questions about the application (no matter how big or small) or if you need us to make any adjustments to make this form accessible for you, please let us know and we will do our best to support your requirements. Please contact emma@creativeequals.org
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We have a team ready to support you with the application form, if you are unable to fill it out individually. Please let us know you need support by emailing emma@creativeequals.org
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Applications opened on Monday 29th July and close on Wednesday, 11th September
We will respond to all 2nd stage applications by Monday 13th September.
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Yes. This programme is only open to people who have previously worked or are currently in any role across:
Advertising, Media, Brand Marketing, Creative, Strategy, Finance or Production.
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If you’ve had occasional stints of freelance work then yes, absolutely. However please note that we’d need your full commitment for the duration of the programme, and you will need to meet the experience criteria (8-10 years) to be eligible.
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Unfortunately not. This programme is only open to women, non-binary and gender non-conforming people with between 8-10 years of experience working in:
Advertising, Media, Brand Marketing, Creative, Strategy, Finance or Production in the creative industry.
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No it is not suitable for recent graduates. Eligible applicants have to have been working for 5-10 years.
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Yes.
Please note all classes take place in-person at venues in central London.
Please note we request full commitment to attend the sessions.
SELECTION PROCESS
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The Creative Equals Business team will review all applications and will respond to all applicants (successful and not) by 18th September 2024.
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All applications will be reviewed for suitability by a panel of people who work or are familiar with the creative industry.
We’re committed to building an inclusive group of participants irrelevant of age, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability or ethnicity.
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There are up to 20 spaces available.
THE PROGRAMME
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The programme is run over a 6 month period, sessions take place every 3-4 weeks.
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Dates are pending based on confirmation of our fabulous trainers, placeholders will be confirmed nearer the launch date:
Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024 - Morning
Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024 - Morning
Thursday, 14th November, 2024 - Morning
Friday, 6th December, 2024 - Morning
Wednesday, 15th January, 2025 - Afternoon + Evening
Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 - Morning
Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 - Morning
Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 - Afternoon + Evening
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The programme session are all run in person, at a London location.
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For the most part, morning sessions are run from approx 9:00am-12:00pm, in London.
With exception to the 15th Jan 2025 and 12th March 2025, these sessions are held in the afternoon, from approx. 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
Additionally, we be hosting two events in the early evening.
Full details will be confirmed closer to the programme launch. -
We ask for full commitment to the course.
This ensures you get the maximum out of the learning experience and the community that develops from the network of the cohort - we promise it’s worth it! -
If you require any adjustments or have any accessibility needs to attend sessions, please let us know in the application form.
We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from our programme, regardless of their financial situation. We understand that financial barriers can be a hindrance to participation, and we don't want that to hold anyone back.
If you require financial support eg. travel or assistant costs during the programme, please let us know by ticking the relevant box in the application form or contact emma@creativeequals.org
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Access to a mobile device or laptop
To be able to attend the full course programme
Childcare/caring duties ( if applicable) covered during the programme hours
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To really change the creative industry, we need the creative industry on board. Partners usually support us in any of the following ways
Applicant outreach - amplifying and making noise that our programme exists.
Sponsorship
Mentorship of one or two participants throughout the programme
Providing content for -workshops and sessions
If you’re up for creating a more equitable industry, let’s chat about how we work together to achieve it. Please email emma@creativeequals.org
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