This executive course is tapping into female’s intuitive compass to lead and guide people and media organizations into a stronger future. ‘Leading Women in Media’ is designed as a professional and mental guide for all women working in media today. It will focus on female’s potential, ambition and natural talent to lead, and will empower her to stand out, to be different, and to set the example for a more balanced and more inventive media future

Today’s society is in need of authentic and heart-centred leadership, of people who are able to pick up the signals of an unsteady world, who listen to their instincts, who decide about what to do next, who take the lead in finding solutions, and who can comfort and assure people in an environment of uncertainty. The Media field needs leaders with a sixth sense, who are not afraid to act differently, who are courageous, fast and decisive, and who equally create confidence and a respectful business culture.

‘Leading Women in Media’ is suitable for female candidates who are in a visible high-level leadership position or active backstage. It offers 24 hours of in-class lectures, going from the researched-driven knowledge and basics to understand what leadership is about and how its practice has evolved over time, to a more pragmatic and constructive approach with debates, interactive learning sessions and visiting female speakers from the media industry. Included also are sessions of personal, one-to-one coaching with the facilitator to explore the participants’ career goals.

Week 1. Women in media. From gender equality to the power of the female brain.

Where do we stand today? From gender barriers towards women in leading roles to emotional safety and strategic advantages based on diversity and inclusion… we will explore the path to female leadership and try to understand and uncover the differences between male and female leadership characteristics. Who are our role models? What is the neuroscience of leadership, how does the female brain work, and what can help us to discover successful ways to move forward in our leading role?

Week 2. From authentic to values-based leadership.

This lecture discusses the different leadership styles and the importance of staying true to yourself. We will explore whether a management style is more associated with women, and why authentic leadership can be a challenge for women. If they are highly ambitious and self-confident which is typically associated with men, then women may be criticized for lacking communal qualities; and if they are highly communal, helpful or friendly, typically associated with women, then they may be criticized for not being agentic enough. So the question is, how can you stay close to who you are, and lead in the most authentic and heart-centred way?

Week 3. What’s holding us back? Fighting the imposter syndrome and claiming space around yourself.

This week we take a closer look at the socialization and modelling of leadership. Women aspire to be a leader, but are hesitant. Why is this? What defines our self-image? And how can we boost our confidence? We will simultaneously take a step back – how did you grow up? What were your ambitions? What could kill or feed them?

Week 4. Effective negotiation and the dynamics of strong communication

This week is all about gaining more efficiency and mastery when it comes to our communication and negotiation skills. How can we maximize our influence on our people, on shareholders, … how can we solve conflicts and take these as opportunities to grow?

Week 5. How do we create? From high-performing teams to leading edge change.

Intuition and collaboration, two of the core aspects of female leadership are equally key to the creative process of innovation, and are most efficient during times of high-speed change when the situation is ambiguous and risks are unknown. Both aspects can make a huge impact as a decision-making tool. How do we tap into our inner GPS and use that natural ability to foresee specific situations? How can we use these qualities throughout the creative process of innovation?

Week 6. Crisis management and the post-pandemic leader: lead to transform.

Our society is under pressure, most businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and the imposed lockdown. This world is experiencing rapid change. Resilience and flexibility are more than ever necessary. The leadership needs are correspondingly shifting. It is time for you to act. This class is about how to guide your teams throughout this crisis, how to inspire your people, to motivate them and transform your business.

Anne-Marie Gilis, born in Belgium and mother of three, is a former media professional with over 15 years’ experience. She has been one of Belgium’s leading broadcasters as a news anchor, journalist and documentary film producer. Gilis has obtained a Bachelor in Communication Management and Journalism, a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies, an Executive MBA from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Cultural Economics. Developing new leadership models for the global cultural institutions is core of the research. Anne-Marie currently gives lectures at the KUL University of Leuven, in Belgium, at the business department of the University of Innsbruck (MCI), in Austria, and she is an Adjunct professor at the American University Dubai, where she teaches Global Media Economics. Anne-Marie serves as an independent leadership strategy consultant for ICOM, the International Council of Museums. She has lived in Germany and in the UK for many years. She currently resides with her family in Dubai.