WPP-owned media agency GroupM is aiming to do its bit to promote women in the industry with the launch of a nine-month development programme for those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership potential through exceptional performance within the group.
The Empower programme has been developed by GroupM’s UK Learning & Effectiveness team, who have already internally designed, developed and delivered many inclusion programmes, such as sponsorship and mentoring.
This scheme is designed to support and develop talented women, and aims to foster growth, expand networks, and provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities women face in leadership roles.
The inaugural cohort, which includes 50 women from across the GroupM UK network, will support the agency in advancing greater gender diversity in leadership.
Throughout the nine-month programme, for a minimum of two days per month, participants will take part in coaching-style workshops and speaker/networking events, led by industry experts and successful female leaders.
Participants will complete regular feedback surveys throughout the programme to share their progress.
These sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including leadership branding, effective communication and networking, negotiating, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and decision making and navigating career advancement.
GroupM UK & EMEA regional head of Learning & Effectiveness Sandra Arnold (pictured) said: “We’re thrilled to launch this programme to advance greater diversity and progression in our leadership positions. We believe we have the best talent, and our biggest priority is retaining and building the skillsets of those people.
“This is why we consistently listen to our people and look for ways to support them and their career progression. Epower is just one of the ways we are looking to champion and grow our female leadership.”
Senior learning and development business partner on the team Fiona Cameron added: “These women will connect and support each other during this enjoyable and enriching journey, and importantly gain clarity, purpose and confidence to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.”
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