What is the Female Leaders of Tomorrow Programme?
Building on the success of our inaugural Female Leaders of Tomorrow (FLoT) programme, we are proud to announce the launch of our third cohort, now a nationwide initiative across Australia.
An IMAA initiative, the Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme is designed to help close the equity gap faced by women at senior levels of the media industry. By championing ambitious women with the potential to become future leaders, we aim to create real progress toward gender equality at every level of our industry.
This mentoring programme supports emerging female leaders within independent agencies as they navigate their career paths, providing guidance, industry insights, and leadership tools to help them progress. It creates a powerful support network by connecting accomplished industry mentors with the next generation of leaders.
Through these connections, mentees gain access to their mentors’ wisdom and experience, expand their professional networks, and develop their skills and confidence. Ultimately, the programme is about empowerment, enabling mentees to grow, excel, and achieve their career goals
Programme Overview
The programme is facilitated by Wendy Gower, founder of WeGrow, a training, coaching, and mentoring consultancy specialising in the communications industry. Wendy has held senior leadership roles across London, Sydney, and Melbourne with some of the world’s leading brands, and is passionate about developing teams and fostering client relationships.
The programme combines face-to-face and online mentoring, supported by Wendy’s facilitation, training, and guidance for both mentors and mentees.
Programme Benefits
“This Mentoring Programme is an exceptional opportunity for learning and networking.”
– Lauren Joyce, Chief Audience & Content Officer, ARN
Our previous cohorts of mentees reported significant growth from start to finish, with survey results showing:
- 100% reported an uplift in their leadership abilities
- 100% described the programme as life-changing
- 100% improved in actively applying new leadership capabilities
- 86% felt more confident utilising their leadership skills in challenging situations
A mentoring relationship of this calibre provides:
- Access to highly experienced media professionals committed to mentee success
- Practical insights, guidance, and tailored advice
- Enhanced interpersonal and communication skills
- Support in overcoming career challenges and roadblocks
- Assistance in achieving career development goals
Programme Criteria
Mentees
The Female Leaders of Tomorrow programme is exclusively available to IMAA agency members.
Applicants must:
- Be women currently in Senior Manager or Director roles within a media agency
- Have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in any media agency discipline, such as Investment, Strategy, Client Leadership, Data, Tech, or Sales
How to Apply
Step 1: Seek approval from your Agency Leader (MD/GM/CEO)
Step 2: Your Agency Leader must provide a written endorsement
Step 3: Submit a 90-second video (60% weighting)
Step 4: Complete a written submission of four short responses (max. 200 words each, 40% weighting)
Applications should be submitted to info@theimaa.com.au.
Applications for 2026 Programme opens: Monday 20th October 2025