Leadership programme expands beyond TV and film and is now open to people in Canada and Africa

TV Collective is expanding its flagship Breakthrough Leaders programme to include people working across creative sectord and outside of the UK.  

The rebranded programme, now called Global Breakthrough 360 (GB360), is now open to 50 people from Black, Asian and Global Majority backgrounds from the UK, Canada and Africa working in TV, film, digital, podcasts and branded content. It has partnered with MIP Africa and Canda Media Fund.  

GB360 builds on five years of Breakthrough Leaders, which was launched in 2020 to support talent by providing enhanced skills, connections and opportunities. Breakthrough Leaders’ founding partner Fremantle remains onboard supporting the programme’s work in the UK, as do ITV, ITV Studios, 5 and Channel 4. 

Since its launch six years ago, Breakthrough Leaders has supported more than 250 senior creatives into influential decision-making roles; according to an alum survey, 100% of respondents reported that the programme changed how they saw themselves as leaders, with 32% now hiring and opening doors for others as they progress. However, 68% of alums said access to decision-makers is the single biggest obstacle to progression, which has led GB360 to focus on networks, visibility and opportunity.  

Simone Pennant, founder of The TV Collective and GB360, said: ““Television, film,digital, gaming, podcasting, brands — these worlds no longer operate in silos, and neither do the leaders shaping them.

”Bringing these industries together widens the pool of opportunity and talent alike, creating collaborations that wouldn’t otherwise exist. GB360 connects people, sectors and markets with a real reason to work together — so leaders don’t just adapt to change, they help shape it.” 

GB360 is underpinned by an advisory board of senior industry figures, including Katra Simaball of Idris Elba-founded The Akuna Group; Tshepiso Sello Chikapa Phiri, founder and chief executive of  South African media company Known Associates Group; Fred Bhat, exec producer who leads YouTube, gaming and creator content at the BBC; Tamara Howe of 22Summers, and Sara Putt, talent agent and founder of Sara Putt Associates, among others.  

Through the newly-forged partnership with MIP Africa, this year’s cohort will travel to South Africa for a supported market visit where they will meet creators, buyers, distributors and financiers from across the continent. 

GB360 is also working with Canada Media Fund to build connections between UK and Canadian talent and industry networks. 

Participants will also build relationships with senior leaders and decision-makers across the sector, develop their own personal board of advisors, and take part in leadership integration labs led by creative leadership advisor and entrepreneur Rémy Blumenfeld.  

GB360 will also include a new December celebration at a central London venue, bringing together senior industry leaders, alums and partners to mark five years of Breakthrough Leaders and introduce the new cohort.  

Ben Frow, chief content officer at 5, said: The launch of Global Breakthrough 360 rightly recognises the shifts in the creative economy and the importance of nurturing business relationships across borders and sectors to deliver innovative new projects. We are delighted to support this drive towards more collaboration, creativity and community.” 

Sam Tatlow, head of DEI at ITV, added: “It has never been more important for us all to be working together to ensure we develop the leaders of colour of the future, creating a more representative, creative and inclusive industry for us all. The TV Collective’s approach to coaching and guiding the cohort through the programme plays a large part in its success, and we look forward to meeting, supporting and working with the upcoming cohort.” 

Neila Butt, creative equity lead at Channel 4, stated that the Breakthrough Leaders has made a “real difference” to the careers of Black and Asian creatives, with the expansion to Africa and Canada reflecting “the international industry we now operate in”.  

Lisa Hardy, people director at Fremantle UK, added: “By championing collaboration and representation, the programme is helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for our industry.” 

Applications for 2026/27 Global Breakthrough 360 should be submitted by 18 September 2026