WFTV Fearless Leadership Programme 2027: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Film and TV

Women working in senior roles across film, television and digital content have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills through the WFTV Fast Track to Fearless Leadership Programme, with applications now open for the 2027 cohort.

Run by Women in Film and TV (WFTV) and designed and led by executive leadership coach Tracy Forsyth, the programme is aimed at women and non-binary people already working in leadership positions across the screen industries. It combines group coaching, individual coaching and leadership development to help participants build confidence, influence and impact in a rapidly changing industry.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for established leaders in film, television, content creation and digital media. Applicants should either have 15 years or more of industry experience or be leading a full-time permanent team responsible for vision, strategy and delivery.

WFTV highlights roles such as Heads of Department, founders and senior leaders running independent production companies, C-suite executives and board members. Applicants must be UK residents and able to travel to central London for the programme's six workshop days. Participants based outside London will receive travel reimbursement.

The programme is particularly focused on the challenges facing leaders today, including navigating constant change, building high-performing teams, communicating with impact and developing confidence in an industry increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

What does the Fearless Leadership Programme include?

The selected cohort will take part in six full-day group coaching sessions over six months, alongside three individual leadership coaching sessions with Tracy Forsyth. Participants will also complete an individual 360 Leadership Circle Profile designed to assess their existing leadership skills and development areas.

The programme also offers opportunities to raise participants' professional profiles. Each participant will receive a professional headshot and will be expected to contribute a one-hour webinar, panel or other session for the wider WFTV membership.

Beyond the formal training, WFTV describes the programme as a peer network intended to create a group of senior women leaders who can act as professional sounding boards and support each other throughout their careers. Participants are also expected to pay that support forward through future mentoring.

What will participants explore?

The programme focuses on the human side of leadership, including influence, communication, authenticity, resilience, confidence and navigating uncertainty. WFTV also positions the programme within the changing landscape of an AI-enabled screen industry, with an emphasis on the leadership skills that remain essential as technology transforms the way creative businesses operate.

The programme is free, and applicants do not need to be WFTV members to apply. Successful applicants will, however, be expected to become WFTV members by the time the programme begins.

How to apply

Applicants should complete the online application form on the WFTV website. The application asks about your leadership experience, the challenges you face as a leader, the areas you want to develop and the impact you want to have. Applicants are also asked to propose a subject for the panel, event or session they will eventually deliver to WFTV members.

WFTV recommends preparing your answers separately before starting the form, as the application cannot be saved and completed later.

Eligible applications are reviewed by a panel of experienced industry figures, with shortlisted applicants invited to an interview with the programme leader via Zoom.

Applications for the 2027 WFTV Fearless Leadership Programme close on Monday 28 September 2026 at 23:59.

The six group coaching days will take place on 20 January, 24 February, 24 March, 21 April, 19 May and 16 June 2027.

For women and non-binary leaders working across the screen industries who are ready to develop their leadership approach, build a strong peer network and navigate the changing demands of the industry, the WFTV Fearless Leadership Programme offers a structured opportunity to invest in the next stage of their careers.

Applications are now open via WFTV.