Most senior creative positions around the world today continue to go to men.
The advertising industry has worked hard in recent years to create equal opportunities for all. But women and non-binary people are still heavily outnumbered at a leadership level. We want to change this.
See It Be It is our response to this gender imbalance. It’s where we rewrite the rules.
What does See It Be It include?
See It Be It is the programme that creates space for women and non-binary people in the creative industry – accelerating their careers to work towards gender equality. Our goal is equal numbers, across genders, across all levels of seniority.
Since 2014, we’ve been inviting up to 20 creatives from around the world to Cannes Lions for a four-day learning programme. During these four days, we equip them with tools that’ll help their career progression – including mentorship, masterclasses with industry leaders, backstage access and sessions tailored towards each person’s goals.
If you’re selected for See It Be It, you’ll get a fully funded trip to Cannes Lions, including accommodation and travel. You’ll also get a VIP Festival pass, so you can access every stage and session.
Who can apply?
We invite women and non-binary people to apply. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes both cis and trans women and all non-binary people, regardless of presentation or sex assigned at birth. You need to work in a mid- to senior position in advertising, marketing, filmmaking, innovation, editorial, design, PR or any other related disciplines. We don’t have an age limit for See It Be It. If you think you’d benefit from the programme, we welcome your application.
How do you select who gets to join the programme?
Every year, we receive over 600 applications for See It Be It – and we judge every application on its own merits through a rigorous three-stage process.
First, we use a jury of over 40 See It Be It alumni to create a shortlist of around 60 candidates. Our jurors are creative directors, art directors, creative partners and copywriters from around the world, so they know exactly what it takes to get into See It Be It and the impact it can have on your career.
We then invite the shortlisted applicants to a phone interview with the LIONS See It Be It team.
Our final decision is based on the outcome of these interviews, as well as the original application.
Important dates
Applications open: 3 October 2024
Applications close: 5 December 2024
Applicants notified: 22 January 2025
A transformative experience that highlights the power of sisterhood and welcomes open discussion, critical thinking, and invaluable networking to women leaders.
Nicky Lorenzo
Executive Creative Director
Since the launch of See It Be It:
- we’ve accelerated over 100 women and non-binary people from 33 countries
- 75% of the See It Be It alumni have been promoted and 63% are now operating at Creative Director level or above
- we’ve fostered a close knit community of driven women and non-binary people
- our alumni have come back to Cannes Lions as judges and tutors.
The See It Be It Entry Kit
We’ve put together an entry kit to give you extra information about the programme and guidance on what to expect from the application process. Our goal is to ensure that all applicants feel supported in sharing their mission and passion for the creative industry.
Contact information
If you have any further questions that weren’t addressed in the FAQs or need assistance with your application, please contact seeitbeit@canneslions.com.