In partnership with TikTok and Weber Shandwick, The Marketing Society is proud to launch a bold new professional development programme as part of our Think Equal initiative.
The Leadership Accelerator
This six-month accelerator is designed to fast-track the careers of 12 exceptional female marketing and communication leaders in the UAE - equipping them with the skills, confidence and connections to step into their next big role.
The programme is practical, challenging, and inspirational - rooted in real-world marketing leadership, tailored for the region, and brought to life through in-person training, virtual masterclasses, world-class mentoring, and honest conversations with today’s most influential CMOs and CEOs.
At the heart of this initiative is a simple belief: when you bring together the leaders of today to inspire the leaders of tomorrow in an open and ambitious environment, real change begins.
About Think Equal
Think Equal is an initiative by The Marketing Society to drive gender diversity and inclusion across the marketing and communications industry in the UAE. Its mission is clear: to help more female leaders take the top jobs across brands, agencies and media organisations - and to create a more equal future, faster.
This isn’t just another leadership course
It’s a catalyst for your next big move.
Why Join?
As one of just 12 selected delegates, you’ll gain:
Community
Build deep, lasting relationships with an exceptional peer group - like-minded women across brands, media and agencies - who will challenge, champion and support you throughout your leadership journey.
Capability
Strengthen the skills, knowledge and mindset you need to lead at a senior level, with content tailored to the realities of marketing leadership in the UAE.
Clarity
Through honest conversations with senior leaders, coaching and reflection, you’ll gain a clearer sense of your purpose, your leadership style and the kind of impact you want to make.
Who Is It For?
This programme is for ambitious female marketing and communications professionals based in the UAE who are ready to step up into significant leadership roles - whether that’s CMO, CEO, agency partner or board-level.
We’re looking for delegates from across the marcomms spectrum - brands, agencies, media and platforms. Roles may include:
- Client-side: Heads of Marketing, Senior Marketing Managers, Marketing Leads
- Agency-side: Account Directors, Client Servicing Directors, Strategy Leads
We welcome both UAE Nationals and expatriates, and the programme is open to both Members and non-Members of The Marketing Society (although Members will be prioritised).
What’s Included
The programme runs from January to June and combines in-person learning, virtual sessions, and tailored mentorship.
- 3 in-person full-day training sessions in the UAE (January – April)
- 3 virtual masterclasses with global marketing leaders
- One-to-one mentoring with top-tier industry figures
- Graduation ceremony at The Marketing Society’s flagship Awards
Programme Overview
Day One: The Leader in You: Thursday 15 January 2026
The opening day is about discovering and defining your leadership potential. You’ll connect with fellow delegates and begin shaping a powerful peer network that will last beyond the programme. Together, we’ll explore your sense of purpose - how to find it, how to live it - and examine your personal values and your own emerging leadership style. Through practical sessions on personal branding and self-awareness, you’ll build clarity around what makes you distinct. Led by The Marketing Society CEO, Sophie Devonshire, the day will conclude with rare access to three senior marketing leaders with the option to ask intimate questions.
Day Two: Leading Your Team: Thursday 5 February
Day two shifts the focus from self to team, equipping you with the practical skills and commercial mindset needed to lead a high-performing marketing function. From financial fluency to strategic decision-making, you’ll build confidence in the core capabilities that elevate marketers into business conversations. The day also explores the art of influence - how to negotiate, persuade, and deepen relationships both within and beyond your department. You’ll strengthen your leadership muscle and sharpen your edge. The day closes again with an intimate Q&A with three senior leaders, giving you the rare chance to ask candid questions about the challenges and realities of leading teams at the top.
Day Three: Leading the Future: Thursday 23 April
The final day looks outward and ahead - focusing on the impact you’ll make as a marketing leader shaping the future of business, culture, and society. You’ll explore the major macro trends redefining our world, with insights from strategists and futurists to help you think bigger and further. Sessions will challenge you to sharpen your influence in the boardroom - learning how to tell and sell your vision with clarity and conviction. We’ll also go inward, reflecting on how to operate at your personal best - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can lead with sustained impact. The programme concludes with an intimate conversation with three CMOs, giving you fresh perspectives and bold advice as you look ahead to the next stage in your leadership journey.
THE PARTNERS
How to Apply
The application process is open to female marketing and communication professionals based in the UAE whether currently in a role or between positions. It’s tailored for those approaching senior leadership level - Marketing Directors, SVPs, board-level agency leaders and beyond.
Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of senior The Marketing Society Members and leadership team representatives.
The application will require you to answer two questions about yourself and your views on the industry. There is also an option to include a reference from a senior leader from the industry to strengthen your application. This isn't mandatory however.
The process includes three stages:
- Complete your application form online
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a 60-second video
- Finalists will take part in a 15-minute Zoom interview with senior Society Members
Deadline is 10 October
Apply nowThe Timeline
- 26 August - 10 October – Applications open
- 13 October – 14 November – Judging commences
- 25 November – Class of 2026 confirmed
- 15 January 2026 – Programme starts
THE FAQS
Where will the physical events take place?
The physical events will take place in Dubai. One session in January, one in February (pre Ramadan); one in April
Will I qualify for the programme?
If you are a female marcomms leader, who is nearing a significant leadership position then this course is for you. What does a significant leadership position mean? If you work for a client then that would be a – Marketing Director, SVP, VP, CMO; if you’re in an agency/consultancy or media organisation – CMO/CEO/MD/Board level director. Leaders from all company sizes are welcome to apply.
Is there a cost to attend the programme?
Because of our generous partners, TikTok and Weber Shandwick, the course is complimentary. All travel will be covered by the delegates.
What is the full-time commitment of the programme
You are required to attend three full days; three one-hour virtual sessions; three one-hour mentoring sessions and a three-hour evening event for the graduation. In total this equates to four full days over 6 months.
Who are the speakers on the programme?
The speakers will be a mix of marketing leadership coaches and CMOs and agency CEOs – male and female. Some are global leaders who will travel in, others are local to the UAE.
Can I apply if I am not based in the UAE?
For our first year, the programme will be exclusively for people in the UAE. We are looking at evolving the programme for future years
Do I need to be a member of The Marketing Society to be apply?
No, delegates won’t need to be a member of the Society. However priority will be given to members, or those whose manager is a member and has nominated them.
What happens after the programme has finished?
The delegates will hopefully continue to engage in The Marketing Society community as we stay in touch with each class through the delegate WhatsApp Group.
Does the programme give any formal accreditation or CPD?
At the moment there is no formal accreditation on the programme. There will be a graduation ceremony where the delegates will be invited on stage at our flagship Awards to receive recognition.
