94 LEADING THE CHARGE
Jo Ruddock catches up with Megan Wagoner, Vice President & Mentorship Founder at IBC Special Award winner Women in Streaming Media, to fi nd out more about the organisation and the incredible impact it’s having on the industry
this approach, and the mentor and mentees’ dedication to connecting on a biweekly basis, that ensures the mentorship’s potency. An added bonus, each session has a phenomenal guest speaker.
The WSM Mentorship Program’s vital role
emerges from its fearless confrontation of challenges. It boldly addresses a male- dominated terrain, offering tailored empowerment, opportunities and guidance, fostering diversity and inclusion in an ever- evolving domain.
Many women in the streaming industry lack access to mentors who can provide a competitive edge in this uneven playing fi eld. The WSM Mentorship Program bridges this gap by uniting powerhouse women executives with those aiming to elevate their trajectory. The profound impact is rooted in the belief that women can and should bet on themselves.
Wagoner: ‘The ripple effect of empowerment is undeniable’
Congratulations on winning the Special Award. Tell us a bit about Women in Streaming Media and the key goals of the organisation. Women in Streaming Media (WSM) exists to propel diversity and visibility globally within the streaming media realm. Founded by visionary Alicia Pritchett, WSM’s journey – from a 2018 IBC coffee meetup to a network of nearly 1300 women – culminates in the 2023 Special Award for Social Impact at IBC. WSM connects, mentors, educates and amplifi es, launching women leaders into the limelight through conference representation and career growth. We guide ambitions, cultivate leaders and nurture visionary growth.
The award specifi cally recognises your Mentorship Program. How does this work and why did you think it was necessary? At the core of our mission lies the Women in Streaming Media Mentorship Program. This dynamic initiative that I was so blessed to start back in 2019, pairs seasoned executive mentors with capable and hungry professional mentees, offering vital career navigation with dedicated guidance. This structured, six-month remote programme includes a cohort launch, midpoint check-in and end-of-session evaluation. It is
The programme has already had a big impact. Can you share any details on how it’s helped members in terms of career progression? Absolutely, our programme’s impact is nothing short of remarkable, with metrics that resonate. A staggering 70% of participants have ascended in their careers, 30% leaping to C-level and executive roles. Consider this: six mentees now hold coveted board of director seats, while 11 have claimed C-suite roles, and 45 have notched promotions and placements in pivotal positions peppered throughout our industry. The ripple effect of empowerment is undeniable.
Do you have any plans for the future of Women in Streaming Media you can share? Certainly, our aspirations remain high. We’re committed to further expanding our global reach and enhancing the impact of our initiatives which are founded on our fi ve core pillars: Our speaker engagement pillar commands
international recognition. Notably, WSM speaking representation surged by 33% year-on-year via partnerships with major conferences. This year, we’re extending these alliances, broadening our impact and magnifying women leaders’ visibility. By showcasing our members’ diverse talents, we’ll inspire aspiring women, leaving a resounding mark on the industry. A robust sponsorship programme is being developed to fi nancially support initiatives and
ensure long-term success. Immediate tasks include formal programme establishment, sponsorship collateral and non-profi t regulation exploration. To do this, we need volunteers with marketing, design, branding and fi nance expertise.
The education committee empowers future women in the industry through diverse learning activities. We cater to all education levels, promoting inclusivity. Our events expand understanding of streaming media beyond industry boundaries. Join us in fundraising, event delivery and enhancing educational initiatives. We’re supercharging our Mentorship Program and launching an allyship task force. Volunteers will pair dynamic mid-career professionals to executive women, spearhead webinars, fuel networking, and design and implement impactful allyship initiatives.
Our membership pillar is on a mission to forge the ultimate community for women in streaming media. Picture an online haven, complete with a new website, a members’ hub and a vibrant YouTube channel, all beaming the spotlight on our incredible women. Brace for an electrifi ed social media vibe and globe-trotting networking events that’ll keep you buzzing. We’re hunting talents in website wizardry, branding brilliance, social media mastery and event orchestration to make this journey unforgettable.
And fi nally, how does it feel to win the Special Award at the Social Impact Awards this year? Winning the Special Award at the Social Impact Awards is an incredibly proud moment for us. It reaffi rms the signifi cance of our mission and recognises the dedication of our mentors, mentees, and members and allies. This award underscores the positive change we’ve brought to the industry by truly fostering diversity and inclusion. It’s a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved in Women in Streaming Media. We are excited and motivated to continue our journey of empowerment and growth, working towards an even more inclusive future for the streaming media sector.
The Social Impact Awards take place in the Forum at 16:30-18:00 on Sunday 17 September. They are free to attend.
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