ABOUT
NEW! The Leadership Development Series is now National!
With the support of the Canada Media Fund, this program is now inviting individuals in the screen-based media industry from across Canada to apply for this program to develop their leadership potential.
The best part? This program is completely free of charge for all participants. Financial assistance will be provided for those out of Ontario. For those in Ontario but outside the Greater Toronto Area, financial assistance will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Space is limited to 12 spots. Non-members are welcome to apply.
This four-day, career-building program focuses on developing personal leadership skills as opposed to the “business” of a job. What does leadership mean? What are the experiences and attributes of a good leader? This program provides participants with the learning and tools to help them transition into a leadership role.
Participants will leave with a personal leadership canvas, tools to help improve their brand identity, and a peer accountability community.
The Leadership Development Series is presented by the Canada Media Fund with support from Pinewood Toronto Studios and Shaftesbury.
DATES
Open for Applications: September 8th, 2025
Closed for Applications: October 5th, 2025
Program Runs: November 17-20, 2025
Each day is 9:30am - 4:30pm.
The Leadership Development Series is comprised of four sessions.
LOCATION
Centre for Social Innovation (192 Spadina)
FEES
This program is completely free of charge for all participants. Accommodation and financial assistance will be provided for those out of Ontario. For those in Ontario but outside the Greater Toronto Area, financial assistance will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Stay tuned for more details.
ELIGIBILITY
This program is open to anyone living and working in Canada.
This program is geared toward mid-level media professionals as well as those re-entering the work force or looking to transition within the industry into management.
Target participants: Junior Series Producer, Line Producer, Story Editor, Showrunner, and those looking to move into Executive Producer or Broadcast Executive roles.
NOTE: while the program focuses on building skills and confidence for women, non-binary, and other equity-seeking participants, people of all genders are welcome to apply.
Those looking to apply for our Executive Leadership in Media Certificate Program will find this series a terrific introduction.
Questions about whether or not this series is for you? Email Jody Anderson, Programs and Special Events Coordinator.
SESSIONS & INSTRUCTORS
Session One – Monday, November 17, 2025
The Essential Foundations of Leadership
- What do we mean when we say “leadership”?
- What are the characteristics of a successful leader? Figuring out who you are and who you want to be
- How do you see yourself in the greater landscape? What do you bring to the picture?
- What are your strengths and challenges?
- How can you leverage your strengths? How can you build on your challenges?
- What is your management style and how does it serve you?
- Basic management skills
- What is your motivation and how does it serve you? What are your obstacles?
Session Two – Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Growth Strategies and Team Building
- Critical and strategic thinking, in both big and small scenarios
- Building a strategy for yourself to move forward
- The importance and power of networking (part 1)
- Leading various departments (with different needs) efficiently and effectively
- Managing up and down the organizational chart
- Learning the difference between “personal goals” and “leadership vision”
- Crafting your leadership vision
- Imposter syndrome – what is it and how do you overcome it?
Session Three – Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Communications, and How Your Technique Serves You
- Making a powerful impression (in all ways)
- Carrying yourself with authority
- Delivering consistent messaging
- “Clear is kind”
- Keeping your communications on point
- Giving constructive criticism
- Asking for what you need
- Exploring more “soft skills”
- Making “leadership presence” your second nature
- The impact of your verbal skills and how to focus them for success
- The impact of your written skills and how to focus them for success
Session Four – Thursday, November 20, 2025
Moving Yourself Forward
- How to best handle an interview
- Characteristics of an impressive resume
- Preparing an “elevator pitch” for yourself
- How to negotiate for yourself and others
- Contract/salary negotiations
- Conflict resolution
- The importance and power of networking (part 2)
- Learning how to thrive in an organization
- Avoiding leadership “blind spots”
- Using motivation to lead others
- Differences of Executive leadership
Session instructors: TBA