Where creativity meets business.
Are you ready to transform how you lead?
| STARTS | APPLICATIONS CLOSE |
| 10 March 2025 | 6 December 2024 |
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What is it?
Informed by creative leaders who demand more, this 3-month in person programme is tailored to today’s toughest business problems.
Taught by renowned topic experts and creative industry leaders such as Ajaz Ahmed, Founder of AKQA; Anthony Burrill, Graphic Artist; and Nishma Patel-Robb, President of WACL and former senior director, brand and reputation marketing at Google, D&AD’s Creative Leaders Programme delves into six critical areas: Values, Culture, Influence, Commerciality, Resilience, and Creativity.
Expect a syllabus that evolves as fast as the market does, ensuring you, as a business leader, are ready to tackle modern leadership challenges creatively and effectively. You will also benefit from access to coaching and the opportunity to solve an individual or business challenge..
Applications close: 6 December 2024
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Who is this for?
This programme is designed for creative leaders within agencies, design studios, in-house teams, and founders of creative businesses. You’ll learn alongside peers in an exclusive cohort of just 17 people.
It’s ideal for those moving from leading teams to leading organisations, such as:
- Running Creative Departments (ECDs, CDs, etc.)
- Leading In-House Creative Teams (Heads of, Department Directors)
- Top of Agencies (CEOs and Founders)
We believe that great creative work creates better outcomes for all and is achieved through a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable industry. That’s why we’re providing bursaries to sponsor two places, to help ensure underrepresented talent are elevated into leadership roles.
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What's the return on investment?
The ROI includes high-level consultancy on a key business challenge and the development of crucial leadership skills, providing long-term benefits for your organisation. Participants will address a specific ‘problem of practice’, gaining tailored insights and solutions from top industry professionals. The focused approach on creative roles ensures that leaders return to their organisations not only with new capabilities, but also with actionable strategies to tackle pressing business issues, driving innovation and growth.
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Why you should do this
It’s all about transforming how you lead in today's creative world, equipping you with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing industry. You'll leave having mastered the art of turning challenges into triumphs and become the go-to leader who energises the team and champions transformative thinking. This programme offers an opportunity to tackle a key business challenge of your choosing, gaining invaluable insights from top industry professionals.
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The details
In-person full-day sessions, in London, covering six critical areas: Values, Culture, Commerciality, Influence, Resilience, Creativity.
MAR 2025
Mon 10th — Day 1: VALUES
Tues 11th — Day 2: CULTURE
Wed 12th — Day 3: COMMERCIALITY
Thurs 13th — Day 4: INFLUENCE
MAY 2025
Mon 19th — Day 5: RESILIENCE
Tues 20th — Day 6: CREATIVITYEXCLUSIVE: Immerse yourself in the D&AD Judging process for the 2025 Awards. As part of the programme you will have the chance to connect with over 250 judges, paving the way for exceptional networking. Plus, you will be invited to all the exclusive judging events and enjoy full access to the D&AD Festival & Awards Ceremony.
PROGRAMME COST: £9,950*
*VAT, travel & accommodation are not included -
Why are D&AD doing this?
The landscape of leadership development is filled with resources, yet many miss the mark on addressing what today's creative leaders actually need. In D&AD’s Creative Leaders Programme, we’re offering a bespoke experience that focuses on the personal and professional growth of each participant, informed by the critical issues facing leaders today. This immersive learning experience, centred on collaboration with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds, is designed to give you exceptional leadership skills and build enduring relationships.
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Increasing female representation in leadership
D&AD wants to address the lack of women in top creative leadership roles, with only 12% of creative director positions currently held by women. Decades of studies show that female leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organisational dedication, and improve fairness (source: APA, Forbes). With that in mind, we’re aiming for over half the participants to be female, promoting diversity and driving better business outcomes.
- Applications close 6 December 2024
- Location: London
- 2025 Dates: 10–13 March & 19–20 May
- Coaching & training, led by industry experts
- Applications close 6 December 2024
- Location: London
- 2025 Dates: 10–13 March & 19–20 May
- Coaching & training, led by industry experts
What people say about Masterclasses
"D&AD holds a hallowed place for creativity and craft - how to make more of creativity and help people set their benchmark"
— Chaka Sobhani
"One of the most insightful, relevant and inspiring sessions [we] have ever done, fabulous!"
— Tangerine
"It was amazing and gave practical ways to think of new ideas. Topics [broken] down into manageable chunks and there was a lesson that could be adapted by everyone to apply to their work"
— DDB Remedy