WFTV launches Fast Track to Fearless Leadership Programme 2024

Photo Credit: Charlotte Levy.

Women in Film & TV (WFTV) is launching the second annual WFTV Fast Track to Fearless Leadership Programme, expanding this year’s cohort from 8 to 11 senior women “blazing a trail across the industry.”

The 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 professional development coach Tracy Forsyth. Through a mix of group coaching, 1-to-1 mentoring, and expert-led masterclasses, the cohort will tackle key challenges such as influencing industry change, shaping workplace culture, and positioning themselves as thought leaders.

This year’s cohort comprises 11 impressive senior leaders from a variety of industry sectors, including: 

• Dawn Beresford – Director of Talent & Skills, BBC Commissioning

• Siobhan Logue – Managing Director, Songbird TV Cardiff

• 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

Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV, commented:

"Building on the Fast Track to 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, Fast Track to Fearless Leadership programme designer and host, said:

"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.”

The WFTV Fast Track to Fearless Leadership Programme's purpose is to empower women to thrive in senior leadership positions and is one of many WFTV programmes that champion females in the screen industries to improve, upskill and enact positive change in the industry.