Rise launches Elevate programme for broadcast leaders

Elevate is intended to be a strategic next step for women already managing teams and ready to progress into more senior roles.

Running from June to July 2026, the hybrid programme reportedly combines virtual and in-person sessions. The programme has been designed to strengthen leadership capability, drive behavioural change, and create a cross-industry network of future broadcast leaders.

The programme will include: expert-led leadership development – covering core skills such as performance management, feedback and appraisals, commercial negotiation, team goal setting, and P&L ownership; real-world group challenges – enabling participants to apply learning to practical leadership scenarios; mentor and ambassador support from experienced broadcast leaders – offering insight, challenge, and guidance; peer collaboration and networking – building trusted relationships and long-term industry connections; a flexible hybrid format – designed to fit around demanding professional schedules; and a practical leadership toolkit – developed throughout the programme and ready for immediate application in-role.

Elevate is open to women working across the broadcast ecosystem, including engineering, operations, technology, production, sales, marketing, project management, commercial, and business roles. Participants may apply individually or be nominated by their organisation.

The programme is limited to up to 30 participants to ensure a high-quality, immersive experience and meaningful mentor engagement throughout.

While women from outside the UK are welcome, all participants will be required to attend the three in-person events in London at their company's expense. According to Rise, these will not be remotely accessible because a major pillar of this programme is community, which can only be done in person.

Deborah Cross, Operations Director of Rise, said: “Following a successful programme with Rise AV, we are building something that goes beyond individual development; this is about reshaping leadership in broadcast for the long term.

“Women in broadcast are incredibly capable, yet too many stall or step back at the point where leadership pressure, visibility, and expectation intensify. That’s not a confidence issue; it’s a system issue. Elevate exists to meet women where they are, give them the tools, support, and networks they need, and ensure organisations don’t lose talent they can’t afford to replace.”

“In an industry facing ongoing skills shortages and rapid transformation, diverse leadership isn’t a ‘nice to have’, it’s a business imperative. This programme is an investment not just in individuals, but in stronger teams, better decision-making and a more resilient broadcast sector.”

“By supporting women at this stage of their careers, we’re helping organisations develop stronger leadership pipelines, retain experienced talent, and create visible role models for the next generation. Elevate is about fixing the leaks, not just filling the pipeline.”

After receiving more than 400 nominations from around the globe, advocacy group Rise named the winners of the 2025 Rise Awards in a ceremony hosted by Comedian Laura Lexx at Troxy, London. Discover more here.