Mentoring programme brings together female leaders and next gen talent
CIN is pleased to share news of a new mentoring initiative launched to inspire the next generation of female talent working in cycling. The new platform – Uplift – will enable participants to learn from some of the most influential female leaders in the industry.
Uplift – conceived by Rachael Burnside, Business Director at Shift Active Media – offers a career mentorship programme which gives women in the industry access to an exceptional network of senior female professionals who have already made an impact in the bike business.
Where Burnside has personally benefited from a similar mentoring scheme, outside the bike industry, Uplift mentees will experience the benefits that direct access to female leadership bring:
“I hope that Uplift can provide advice, direction, and help in situations that sometimes only other women will really understand. This initiative will hopefully help aspiring leaders build confidence and make connections with women in leadership positions who have successfully navigated their own careers. That’s why I’m taking the lead on this initiative and Shift is fully backing and supporting me in this endeavour.”
The Mentors
Female leaders from some of the biggest brands in the cycling industry across sales, marketing, partnerships, strategy, racing, public relations and external affairs have signed up, including:
- Géraldine Bergeron, European Partnership Marketing Manager, SRAM
- Rachael Burnside, Business Director, SHIFT Active Media
- Kelly Booth, Commercial Account Director, Rouleur
- Sasha Castling, Head of PR, Ribble Cycles
- Nikki Hawes, Country Leader UK, Cannondale
- Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director, British Cycling
- Christina Lindquist, Global Marketing Director, Rapha
- Mei Rider, Chief Marketing Officer, BMC
- Cassondra Spring, Global Brand Manager, Liv
- Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy, Zwift
- Elizabeth Walker, Team Manager, Liv Factory Racing & Liv Racing Collective
- Hollie Weatherstone, Global Head of Marketing, Muc-Off
- Kirsty Woodcock, Head of Marketing, Specialized
- Alexa Cunningham, Road Category Marketing Manager, Shimano
Mentors will provide one-to-one support to the mentees, guiding, inspiring and hopefully building their confidence, enabling them to better navigate their future careers.
With an illustrious senior female talent pool from across the globe Uplift aims to play a part in creating momentum for positive change within the bike industry. The ultimate goal: To support and accelerate the progress of women working in cycling, by fostering stronger networks, increasing the visibility of female role models, and, in doing so, bolstering mentee confidence to take on new challenges.
Kate Veronneau, Director of Women’s Strategy, Zwift, and Uplift mentor, said: “What a great time to be working in women’s sports! With the increased visibility and investment in women’s cycling, we’re seeing new opportunities not just for the athletes, but for all the women in and around the sport.”
“More women being elevated means more women will be in a position to impact the future of the sport and mentor the next generation of young women trying to build a career in cycling. This is how you institute real change.”
Caroline Julian, External Affairs Director, British Cycling, and Uplift mentor, said: “The Uplift mentoring programme is something I wish I had in my early career. This is a brilliant opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of women in the cycling industry and I’m excited to be involved.”
How to apply
Women currently working in cycling, or those looking to join or return to the industry are now invited to apply for the limited number of places in the inaugural year of the Uplift programme.
Learn more about Uplift and apply at www.shiftactivemedia.com/uplift
Rachael Burnside has previously featured on the CIN podcast, talking marketing with data and the women’s cycling opportunity for brands. Click here to listen to the podcast.
