The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) has launched the second Female Leaders of Tomorrow program.
The 2024-2025 program will see a new group of up-and-coming women in the independent media agency industry matched with senior media experts for mentoring, leadership training and advice.
Applications are open from today to women who are IMAA members, with a minimum five years’ experience in any independent media agency discipline.
The selected mentees will participate in a six-month structured mentoring program, including online and face-to-face sessions, along with training and meet-ups, designed to create a support network between senior staff and their mentees.
This year’s program will run nationally, with mentoring opportunities available for participants in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
More than 20 mentors will be announced in the coming weeks who will join the following industry leaders that have already signed on: Mamamia CEO Natalie Harvey, NOVA Entertainment Perth and Brisbane commercial director Antonell Doyle, Moose Toys CMO Belinda Gruebner and GoTransit Media Group director of sales - agency & direct Kirrily Hirst.
IMAA chair Jacquie Alley said the program is one of the IMAA’s key initiatives to future-proof the Australian independent media industry.
"We have a wealth of emerging female talent across the indie sector, who are already making their mark on the industry, and we want to nurture this next generation," Alley said.
“Last year’s program was a huge success and we’ve seen the tangible flow-on effect, with many participants rising through the ranks and feeling more confident to take on bigger roles and challenges.
"The second intake of our program is the next step in driving real industry change, bridging the gap in the representation of women, particularly in senior roles, and the substantial gender pay gap. We can’t wait to see the value this initiative offers to the next round of participants.”
Mamamia CEO and 2024-25 mentor Natalie Harvey said she is thrilled to be part of this year’s Female Leaders of Tomorrow program.
"Across my career, I’ve had the benefit of learning from some truly incredible women in the media, who have shared their learnings, their stumbling blocks, and their secrets to success," Harvey said.
"The Female Leaders of Tomorrow program has become a critical part of female-led professional development in the Australian media landscape – I applaud the IMAA for its efforts in providing this important mentoring opportunity.”
WeGrow trainer and coach Wendy Gower said the importance of mentoring and initiatives like the Female Leaders of Tomorrow program cannot be underestimated.
"All the inaugural participants described the program as life-changing – it’s high praise and proves that mentoring pays dividends, both personally and professionally," Gower said.
Applications will be open until 27 September, with this year’s program set to kick off with networking events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth during October and November.
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