Last week, we completed the final Female Future's Fund workshop and to say it was an absolutely intense journey would be an understatement. The programme was launched early this year in March, followed by an extensive application and judging process. 28 high potential women from the creative communications and media industry, were subsequently selected to be part of this three-day leadership workshop with Danica Murphy, Founder & Director,PRISM
Developed by IAPI in 2019, in collaboration with Diageo, the Female Futures Fund programme is part of IAPI's Diversity and Inclusion initiatives. It is a comprehensive group leadership coaching bursary, designed to accelerate women into senior roles ensuring that the industry retains and promotes its best female talent. During the workshop they worked on developing their purpose statement, understanding their individual leadership style, building their network, self-advocacy and much more.
“Working with IAPI and Danica on the Female Futures Funds 2022 has been an eye opener, not just in what the programme has achieved to date but just how much more of these types of initiatives are fundamental and desperately needed across our industry right now. It is a step in the right direction indeed, but we hope what our remarkable future female leaders both past and present have found throughout their journey is the titanic waves they can make, not just the stepping stones.” said Anna Doyle, Board Director at Starcom and IAPI board member, who joined us at all three workshops this year.
These workshops would not have been this impactful if not for the female industry leaders who joined the workshop as speakers and the continued support from our sponsors Diageo.
"Diageo was really proud to sponsor the Female Futures Fund again this year. As a business, we are very committed to creating an inclusive and diverse culture, as well as shaping a marketing and advertising industry that positively shapes the perception of gender in society. We were delighted to support this very talented group of females and look forward to seeing them fulfil their potential", said Carol Montgomery, Head of Guinness in Society & Brand Experiences, Guinness Global Brand Team at Diageo.
We are immensely grateful to, Carol Montgomery, Head of Guinness in Society & Brand Experiences, Guinness Global; Emma Williams, Senior Director, Edelman; Abi Moran, CEO, Folk Wunderman Thomspon; Fiona Field, Managing Director, OMD Ireland; Jennifer English, Strategy, Marketing, Innovation, Digital, Sustainability, Diageo and Margaret Gilsenan, Head of Strategy, Boys + Girls for taking the time to be a part of the workshops, sharing their journey, struggles and also a few tips.
"It’s hard to put into words how valuable the programme has been. Getting to know the other women and hearing stories from female leaders in our industry was incredibly inspiring. If I was to pick one key takeaway, for me, it would be the importance of authenticity. Leaning into your strengths and values rather than trying to fit a certain mould is essential to becoming the leader that you can and want to be" - Fiona Cunniffe, Account Director, In the company of Huskies
“I was honoured to be part of the Female Futures Fund Programme 2022. I met an amazing group of inspiring and supportive women to share the journey with. I have learnt a lot, in particular, to believe in yourself and take on the challenges. Surround yourself with a team that supports you too”- Emma Daly, Business Director, Starcom Ireland
"This programme was a pivotal reset, and I came out of it with a new energy and focus. Through Danica’s leadership coaching, clear confidence and an understanding in what drives me (in both personal and professional lives). My biggest takeout, however, was the community of women I met, who will undoubtedly not only be incredible supports across the industry but also lifelong friends". - Ciara O'Connor, Strategy Director, Mindshare World
