Leadership Academy
The Rare with Google Leadership Academy is a global leadership accelerator for under-represented talent in the creative industries co-created by academics, DEI leaders and Rare with Google's community of creatives.
Through a six-week program of virtual classrooms, special guest lectures, in-group collaboration and self-directed learning, Rare with Google is an intensive leadership primer offering tangible insights and progressive working models designed so everyone can thrive.
This program will equip you to:
• Lead with purpose, focusing on the triple bottom line
• Build a deep understanding of leadership through values and behaviors
• Lead with resilience and form a working culture where everyone can thrive
• Establish inclusive teams that work in harmony
• Lead and win pitches
• Create networks and connections that count.
Guest speakers include:
• Beth O'Brien, head of innovation, The Monkeys
• Sharmadean Reid, founder, The Stack World
• Kevin Morosky, co-founder, Pocc
• Abraham Asefaw, steering committee chairperson, Hyper Island
• Simon Blake, founder, Mental Health First Aid UK
• Ana Arriola, Director of Product Design & Research, Microsoft.
• Anna McGrath, partner, Godfrey Dadich Partners
• Nooky, rapper and founder, We Are Warriors
• Amy Climer, Teams Consultant
Tutors include:
• Bea Ricci, design ethics, team building, organisational effectiveness programme teacher, Hyper Island
• Ellen Jones, LGBTQ+ and Disability Rights Campaigner
• Emma Mainoo, founder, Surviving Sundays
• Nadya Powell, management programmes, D&AD
• Tolu Farinto, founder, Limitless
The Rare with Google Leadership Academy is held across six time zones around the globe, is a fully-funded academy that understands the combined potential of creativity and leadership to create a more equitable world. Packed full of thought leadership with tangible actions and outcomes, the program offers invaluable insights to change your perspectives and accelerate your career in-real time. Apply now to secure your place.
Applications
Applications Open
Applications are now open for the Leadership Academy.
View application formApplication Form
Need support?
We understand that it can be challenging to complete a detailed application form. If you’re interested in applying, please complete the contact form so we can offer assistance.
The process
Admission to the Rare with Google Leadership Academy is subject to a review and approval process. To apply, please complete and submit the Application form.
All fields are required unless noted with (optional).
Check out our FAQsGallery
FAQs
Why do we need the Rare with Google Leadership Academy?
Creative and technology departments across the country are lacking in diversity of gender, color, class, preference and perspective—especially at the top. Being a minority brings about a set of issues that many aren’t equipped to deal with, leading to great talent dropping out of the industry prematurely.
The Rare with Google Leadership Academy aims to address these issues head-on and give diverse talent the tools they need to thrive in the creative, tech and media industries— so that they may go on and change the industry from within.
Can I apply for different time zones and regions?
Yes, however as community is an integral part of this program we recommend applying for a session within your time zone and region, so that you get the most value out of the program.
How much creative experience is needed?
Emerging leaders with 10-15 years in the creative industry and who are in a position to institute change in their field have the most to benefit from this program.
What do we mean by the ‘creative industry’?
Commercial industries, specifically; marketing, advertising, creative technology, startups, design, animation, filmmaking, copywriting—the list goes on! Rare with Google is not specific to any one industry, but it does touch on themes that affect this industry specifically. If you are unsure whether or not your experience fits into the industry, please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you.
I applied and didn’t get a confirmation email. What should I do?
Please check your spam folder as well as the promotions tab in your gmail. If you still have not received an email please do not apply again, fill out the contact form and we will get back to you asap with a solution.
What is the time commitment?
The program runs for six weeks with one sessions per week, followed by a graduation ceremony. Each session is three hours long.
What time and date do the sessions run?
Each week sessions are run Tuesdays or Thursdays (GMT) depending on the group selected. Please see below for the dates & times:
Group 1: July 12th - Aug 16th
Weekly on Tuesdays 08:00am - 11:00am (GMT) on: July 12th, 19th, 26th, August 2nd, 9th, 16th
Group 2: July 14th - Aug 18th
Weekly on Thursdays 10:00am - 01:00pm (GMT) including: July 14th, 21st, 28th, August 4th, 11th, 18th
Group 3: Sep 6th - Oct 11th
Weekly on Tuesdays 02:00pm - 05:00pm (GMT) including: September 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, October 4th, 11th
Group 4: Sep 8th - Oct 13th
Weekly on Thursdays 04:00pm - 07:00pm (GMT) including: September 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, October 6th, 13th
Group 5: Oct 25th - Dec 6th
Weekly on Tuesdays 09:00pm - 12:00am (GMT) including: October 25th, November 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th, December 6th
Group 6: Oct 27th - Dec 8th
Weekly on Thursdays 01:00am - 04:00am (GMT) including: October 27th, November 3rd, 10th, 17th, December 1st, 8th
Do I have to attend every module?
Yes, you are required to attend 5 out of 6 modules, minimum. This is to ensure all participants get the most out of the program and do not take up space from other potential participants.
When will I be notified about my application?
Applicants will be notified as to the status of their application on the following dates:
Groups 1-2: Week of June 10
Groups 3-6: Week of July 18
Can I apply for both sessions in my timezone just in case?
We kindly ask that you apply for one preferred session within your timezone and we will contact you if we are unable to accommodate your request and require you to change your session.
Is there any pre-work?
There will be some pre-course reading alongside videos and modules for participants to complete prior to the first session.
How do I attend the live Leadership Academy modules?
You’ll receive invites to all six modules via email which contain links to the Google Hangout that you will join on the day. You’ll also be sent a Google doc containing these links.
How will the live sessions be structured?
Each Leadership Academy will be structured differently and may include some workshop activities that you’ll participate in as a group. You’ll also be sent a document with more information about each session.
What tech will be used?
All sessions are run on Google Meet. Please ensure you have Google Chrome on your laptop or device as it works best with Google Meet. If you have not used Google Meet before we recommend you hold a test session with a friend or a family member to check everything is working.
If I require specific adjustments to be made - e.g. a disability, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities - what should I do?
Rare with Google prides itself on inclusive programming and will make all reasonable adjustments to ensure the platform lives up to this expectation. If you have any specific adjustments to make your Rare with Google experience an enjoyable one, please indicate on your application form under access needs.
When will applications close for the Leadership Academy?
Applications will close on the following dates:
Groups 1-2
Application Period: April 11 - May 31 (GMT)
Notification: Week of June 10
Groups 3-6
Application Period: April 11 - June 27 (GMT)
Notification: Week of July 18
What type of experience are you looking for?
We are looking for applicants who are currently people managers in the creative industry, or aspiring to become a people manager in the near future.