Charlotte Layton

With over 25 years experience, Charlotte’s generous and collaborative approach, combined with exceptional business and strategic insight, has seen her deliver commercial success at MTV, BBC Studios & Post Production and The Farm.

Her operational experience from studio & location capture, through post production to transmission/playout ensures Charlotte has a comprehensive understanding of the content creation pipeline.

Currently co-founder and CCO of Tanooki Technologies Ltd, Charlotte is focussed on harnessing technology to bring the media industry and education/training closer together, levelling the playing field for current and future talent. 

Tanooki Technologies has a post production facility, Racoon, offering full picture and sound services to both scripted and unscripted content across the world.

Charlotte is also co-creator of the group's SaaS product, tanooki, a global collaboration and productivity platform bringing creators together and enabling them to access content and toolsets in a secure community.

Determined to drive positive cultural change, Charlotte also provides mentorship to those just starting their careers in media as well as those looking to step up into leadership roles.

MENTEE: Aura Popa, Marketing Manager, 80six

Chris Birkinshaw

Chris is a senior consultant specialising in modern software development practices (e.g. CICD, Serverless) and has worked with major broadcasters and content owners on their content management and distribution architectures. She has held a variety of roles including support engineer, developer, architect, product owner, and advisor to senior leadership.

MENTEE: Lauren Abramsky, Software Engineer, Adobe

Anthony Joyce

Antony has extensive Media and Broadcast industry experience in architecture, product development and technology strategy. At BBC Studios, Antony has a focus on creating a modern media supply chain.

MENTEE: Emily Harper, Technical Partner Manager, Apple

Natascha Cadle

Natascha is Co-Founder and Creative Director of ENVY Post Production. ENVY opened its doors in 2006 and has 6 buildings in Central London with currently around 270 staff working on Broadcast and Advertising and working with brands like Sky, Adidas, Aston Martin and working on shows like Gogglebox, The Apprentice and The Traitors. ENVY recently acquired Absolute Post and their sister animation company Blind Pig broadening the services available to clients. 

Natascha began her career working as a runner and progressed through the ranks working in Engineering and Production for Channels like Showtime, Channel4 and ITV and eventually becoming a Creative Director for a Sony and Disney Movie Channel.

Having extensive knowledge of the Production process and knowing the Post Production needs of producers, she was the ideal choice to design the brand, the rooms and interiors of ENVY. In 2008 Natascha created the ENVY Academy which is a specialist training programme for new talent and an information source for students.  Natascha and her colleagues travel the country talking to students at universities and colleges trying to bridge the gap between education and work.

Natascha is very keen on promoting diversity into the industry and has mentored for WFTV, RISE and Wonder Women TV.  She is on the Advisory Board for Screen Skills and a Director for UK Screen Alliance and a Production Company called Echo Velvet. 

Natascha has won a RISE Business Award which celebrates talent, skills and expertise of exceptional women across the broadcast technology and services sectors, and she has received an outstanding contribution award at Promax UK which is the leading voice of British Television Marketing and Creativity plus she was honoured to be featured in the WFTV (Women in Film and TV) top 100 list. Most recently Natascha and Dave received an outstanding achievement award by UK Screen Alliance for their contribution to the Post Production Industry.

MENTEE: JahanAra Ali, Business Analyst, Arqiva

Alex Redfern

Currently the CTO of EVS, Alex has lived and worked across Europe and the USA in his 15 years in the broadcast industry. Alex started in Technical Support roles, before moving towards Project Management of major sports events, then into PreSales, and currently leading the R&D team responsible for all product delivery.

MENTEE: Gemma Whalley, Operations Manager, BBC

Neave Spikings

Neave is a Senior Systems Engineer at dB Broadcast where she has worked on projects and proposals across the breadth of the broadcast industry, including supporting consultancy on large-scale business transformation programmes, creating high-level designs and equipment proposals, and configuring and implementing a range of technology systems for clients

MENTEE: Felicity Norton, Lead Technical Operator, BBC

Stephen Stewart

A television and radio professional with over 40 years in the industry, Stephen has enjoyed roles as varied as commercial producer, gallery director for tv programmes ranging from Formula 1 to UK Parliament. As well as TV production, Stephen is experienced in TV playout and media services having worked for the BBC, Channel 4, Thames Television and Deluxe. The lure of AI and machine learning saw Stephen move into the advertising technology space with Mirriad Advertising before becoming COO at Take 1 where he was responsible for leading and restructuring the Operations, Product and Media Technology teams and launching Access Services and Localisation/Dubbing, delivering thousands of hours of content for some of the world’s largest production companies and networks. The resulting growth in revenue led to the successful acquisition of Take 1 by Verbit.ai Stephen is now an advisor to Media organisations, a Rise Advisory Board member & mentor, an active contributor to the Rise Up Academy, as well as being Vice Chair of the Royal Television Society’s Technology Centre.

MENTEE: Libby Patten, Broadcast Mux Specialist & Scrum Master, BT

Michelle Wilding-Baker

Michelle is a globally award-winning digital marketer who specialises in data-first customer acquisition (owned/paid/earned), SEO and content strategy. She graduated with First Class Honours in Communication Studies (Journalism) and is armed with more than a decade of marketing and editorial experience across international, SME and start-up brands in highly competitive FinTech, Insurance, Travel, Beauty, eCommerce and publishing industries. Now leading groupwide B2C/B2B digital marketing, acquisition, editorial, content and CRM strategy remit at Everyone TV (Freely, Freesat, Freeview) and consulting on a project-basis for Oh Mishy, she previously completed 2.5 years as Head of SEO & Content at The Telegraph Media Group where she hired and led the ‘Best Brand SEO Team’ of 2019. Michelle regularly judges industry marketing and eCommerce awards, guest speaks at events and co-organises the ‘Take It Offline' Digital Marketing Roundtable in London and Europe.

MENTEE: Jessi Fann, Senior Digital Executive, Bubble Agency

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy has a 30-year background in broadcast television, encompassing both technical operations and programme-making. He started at Meridian TV in 1993, moved via the independent production sector, Jetix, Disney, Chartshow Channels, and Sony Pictures, to his current role as contract technical project manager and software company owner.

MENTEE: Francesca McGuigan, Lead Project Manager, Channel 4

Will Pitt

Will has built a career in the media and broadcast technology industry for 25+ years, being a part of and leading diverse commercial teams for organsations both large and small, including Globecast, BT Media & Broadcast, Geo Networks, Imagen and Red Bee Media and has mentored many individuals during this time.

MENTEE: Natalie Dunbar, Senior TV Admin Exec, Clearcast

Gabby Redfern

Gabby is Group Director Content Services at Sky, with more than 30 years’ experience in content operations having previously held several senior international technology and operational roles in the television industry.

Gabby joined Sky early in 2022 from BBC Studios where she was EVP of Global Operations. Prior to this she was SVP of Media Operations at Discovery, overseeing teams based in Europe and the Middle East. And before that Gabby was VP of Technology & Operations at Turner Broadcasting, responsible for the media technology strategy and management of tech and operations for EMEA. 

During her career Gabby has launched more than 150 TV channels and overseen the launch of numerous VOD services and other products. She’s worked in more than 25 different departments spanning creative, engineering and operations.

MENTEE: Natalie Cornforth, Head of Global Virtual Production Operations, DAZN

Elaine Sampson

I started as the only female Engineer at Panasonic, then worked at Formula 1 for 22 years, being promoted to Engineering Supervisor whilst gaining an MBA.
I joined Timeline (BT Sport) as Broadcast Engineering Manager , then moved to Warner Bros. Discovery at Stockley Park for the new TNT Sports challenge!

MENTEE: Brittany MacRae, Broadcast Technician, Dock10 Ltd

Dara Urquhart

Dara Urquhart is Red Bee’s Chief Operations Officer and leads the company’s Markets & Operations unit. She joined the leadership team in October 2021 and has 14 years’ experience in service delivery in the media industry. With a decade and a half worth of experience, Dara has delivered thousands of hours of high-quality broadcast services and events on behalf of some of the world’s strongest media brands and broadcasters. She joined Red Bee in 2008 and has consistently developed her leadership and taken on wider responsibilities within the company. Dara has been instrumental in delivering new broadcaster launches, significant outsourcing transformation projects, service migrations and ongoing high-stakes and complex service delivery flows.

MENTEE: Savithri Devadas, Programme Manager, DPP

Barney McDonald

Media & Entertainment is underpinned by many weird and wonderful technologies. Barney has been at the heart of their evolution since 1994. And has the grey hairs to prove it. He's developed a unique perspective, always bridging the gaps between engineering, business & creative teams, focusing on relationships above all else. A boss once described him as "the engineer everyone wants to talk to". Connecting people together has become his hobby as well as his livelihood. He’s developed an uncanny knack for what works & what doesn’t. What causes friction or brings success. This has now extended into mentoring too. Sharing experience and insight to help folks find their way in this most unusual, but wonderful industry.

MENTEE: Rosie Servat, Inside Sales Manager, EditShare

Ben Davenport

Ben, a seasoned B2B marketer, specializing in media and entertainment technologies. Over two decades, he's driven complex file-based media solutions, empowering top tech vendors. With extensive senior marketing experience, Ben now serves as a Fractional CMO for startups and scaling businesses, leveraging his expertise to propel growth.

MENTEE: Bridget Young, Operations Manager, Evolutions

Donna Mulvey-Jones

Experienced Head Of Post Production in a broadcast production environment with a demonstrated history of leadership. Having worked for over 20 years in Nonfiction production across leading UK production companies and for over 5 years at Netflix. Experience managing post production, running internal facilities, leading teams and strategy in best in class and global businesses.

MENTEE: Samantha Roburn, Head of Media Operations, FooEngine

Jackie Howes

Recently winning the 2020 IABM Award for Technology Leader of the year, Jackie is recognised as a person who is at the forefront of disruption and innovation within the broadcast and media industry. Through inspired leadership she has helped to deliver ground-breaking technology and business benefits. Jackie has over 20 years of experience working in the broadcast industry and has worked for a number of different companies, always working in a role that bridges the gap between traditional IT and broadcast engineers. Today, as the Director of Media Infrastructure Architecture at Discovery, Jackie is directly responsible for scoping, defining and coordinating both large and small Infrastructure systems that have a direct impact on the company’s technical capabilities and profitability. She works alongside global teams and external suppliers to architect infrastructure ecosystems that supports the technical and operational aspects of production and broadcast systems. Jackie is a strong believer in sharing knowledge and endeavors to create an environment where every individual is able to choose the path they wish to take.

MENTEE: Yoanna Hristova, Head of Technical Support, Grabyo

Sara Shepherd

As the BBC's Head of Transmission, Sara oversees the management and performance of strategically vital services in TV and Radio. With a background in production and operational roles, she drives initiatives at the junctions of business and technology with a focus on evolving to be future-fit. Sara previously co-founded a women's network in the BBC and is a passionate advocate for gender equality. When not at work, you'd quite often find Sara on a beach with her dog.

MENTEE: Riyana Kasmawan, Vision Engineer, Gravity Media

Lorraine Panman

MENTEE: Faye Curran, Live Operations Supervisor, IMG

Amy Jones

Having started her career in Digital Media and Raido, Amy has worked across both TV and film launching several streaming and on demand services including Prime Video, Lovefilm and BritBox where she led the editorial team as Managing Editor. She has worked for ITV, BBC, AMC, Prime Video, Virgin Media, Lovefilm and Little Dot Studios leading on the Content strategy for commissioned and licensed content, scheduling and curation for existing and emerging services. During her tenure at many of these organisations she has set up and supported a number of mentoring and development programmes. She is currently working with A+E Networks as Director of Portfolio Planning and Strategy.

MENTEE: Norah Almola, Senior Salesforce Administrator, ITV

Chrissie Collins

In role as Head of Production Operations at EMG I manage the team of Unit Managers over a cross section of work.
I also Client Manage some large contracts within EMG, this is a great mix of work and never a dull moment. We’re working with cutting edge technology and working across the new remote centres.
Some of the larger jobs covered over my career:

Brazil World Cup 2014
Euros 2016 France
Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony
London Olympics
Russia 2018 World Cup
Women’s Euros France 2018
Unit Managing Wembley for the Euros inc Euro 2020 Final
Project Management on Women's Euros 2022
Up Coming projects - Men's Euros in Germany and UCL final in Wembley

MENTEE: Shania-Jo Billett, Systems Operator, ITV Daytime

Thalia Crone

With 20+ years of experience in global broadcast, I have a wide understanding of multiple arenas through the content supply chain. I have managed large-scale change across multiple teams, encompassing company mergers, feed and platform launches, system builds and integrations.
I aspire to always keep learning, listening and supporting.

MENTEE: Amelia Lodwick, Planning and Scheduling Coordinator, NEP Connect

Lorna Hughes

Lorna is MD at Harvard, overseeing a multi-million pound business that specialises in PR and Marketing for tech and media brands including Square, Palo Alto, Bosch and OPPO.

During her career, Lorna has overseen multiple award-winning creative campaigns. She’s also a driver of change in her business and the wider industry - co-leading DE&I efforts for Harvard, with a personal focus on disability inclusion, and being part of several groups and advisory boards focused on driving and sustaining industry-wide change.

MENTEE: Olivia Boswell, Senior Program Manager, Paramount

Abigail Hughes

Abigail Hughes is currently Director of Global Partnerships in ITV Studios. She is an accomplished and proven executive in Media with extensive expertise gained through her tenure in global organizations as a key member of high-performing senior teams at Sony Pictures and BBC Studios. With a background including independent consultantcy, Abigail has successfully contributed to a diverse array of commercial ventures and digital transformation projects with a focus on business process improvement and technology enablers. Demonstrating robust leadership skills, Abigail has played pivotal roles in business sponsorship and project leadership across numerous initiatives, earning a stellar reputation for adept stakeholder management and the successful delivery of global business transformation projects. She has spearheaded structural changes, focusing on change management, and possesses a wealth of experience in leading, expanding, merging, and streamlining teams. Abigail has also been instrumental in establishing and leading internal as well as third-party partnerships, collaborating with senior stakeholders at the board level. Her responsibilities have included devising commercial models, formulating go-to-market strategies, and ensuring the financial success of partnerships. Her expertise extends to content distribution, covering areas such as sales, rights management, technical and business operations, and commercial strategy.

MENTEE: Chloe Ward, Resource Scheduling Manager, Picture Shop

Leanne Tomlin

As the Marketing Director for EMEA at Perifery, a division of DataCore Software Solutions, Leanne leads strategic marketing efforts within the media and entertainment technology sector.

Previously, she played a pivotal role in Object Matrix before its acquisition by DataCore Software Solutions. Leanne leverages her 13 years of marketing expertise to drive growth and brand excellence for Perifery, contributing to the overarching success of DataCore Software Solutions.

With a focus on innovation, Leanne is dedicated to setting the standard for excellence in the evolving landscape within the media and entertainment technology industry.

MENTEE: Ellie Robinson, Marketing Manager    

Cora Spear

With over two decades of experience in the media industry, Cora Spear has worn many hats, gaining expertise in streaming, broadcasting, digital marketing, and content creation along the way. Currently, she's the VP of Product for Streaming & Broadcasting at DAZN, where she gets to fuel her passion for innovation and making sports streaming more exciting for users. Previously, Cora led the charge as the Executive Director of Technology & Operations at Foxtel Group Australia, spearheading the launch of groundbreaking streaming services like HUBBL, KAYO SPORTS, BINGE, and FLASH. Her time at Yahoo7 as the Head of TV & Global Content was a blast, further deepening her knowledge in content aggregation and creating personalised user experiences. Cora also has expertise working in the strategy and digital product teams at advertising agencies including with global agencies Ogilvy and MRM//McCann. When she's not shaping the future of media, Cora enjoys living in Brighton and taking leisurely walks with her beloved dog, Lionel. As a sports enthusiast and TV lover, Cora finds joy in watching various sports events and shows.

MENTEE: Tamsin Cram, Senior Playout Director, Red Bee Media

Roz Bennetts

My name is Roz Bennetts, I work for AWS as a Global Account Manager. My life has been interesting in that I attended 8 schools, didn't complete my education and left without qualifications. My learning has literally been the so called 'School of Life', from which I have learned many lessons indeed, flunking many exams but having the opportunity to retake and finally pass them. They say you learn more from your mistakes than your successes and I can vouch for that!

MENTEE: Manju Sundaram, Lead Project Manager, Channel 4

Natalina Manni

Hello, I’m Natalina Manni and I lead Publisher Operations Globally at TikTok. Previously I oversaw Content Strategy & Operations for Europe, Russia and Israel. Me and my team are responsible for delivering our Global Content partnership and high value operations, helping our publishers' content grow and reach new audiences and communities. We work closely with our product team to leverage key platform developments and with xfn teams to build revenue for our Publisher community. I have over 14 years of experience in both traditional and emerging media and since 2021 at TikTok, I have designed the strategy and process and managed the delivery of some of the biggest sponsorship activations including the foundational partnership for Cannes Film Festival and Eurovision. Originally from Canada, I moved to the UK in 2010 to complete a Masters in Cultural and Creative Industries at King's College London

MENTEE: Victoria Butt, Operations Manager, Red Bee Media

Nicki Fisher

As an active leader and STEM Ambassador, Nicki Fisher was formerly, prior to her retirement, EMEA Sales Director for Clear-Com. She was responsible for sales and pre-sales teams, selling and supporting Clear-Com products and solutions across the entire EMEA region. Prior to joining Clear-Com in April 2014, Nicki was the Sales Director for the Tektronix EMEA Video Business for 8 years, where she was responsible for sales of Video Analysis and Monitoring equipment into the Broadcasting, Postproduction and Telco markets. Nicki spent 11 years working for Agilent (formerly Hewlett Packard) in a variety of senior management and individual contributor sales roles, where she was the first Female Account manager for the UK Aerospace and Defence business and also European Regional Sales Manager for the Communications Test Business. Nicki gained a B.Sc. Hons in Physics from Liverpool University in 1989 and began her career as a Product Training Engineer at Marconi Instruments.

MENTEE: Ilona Valent, Head of Professional Services, Riedel Communications

Sue Farrell

Dr Sue Farrell is the Broadcast Engineering Manager at Channel Four, where she leads a technical team working with partner companies to specify and deliver on-air services. She was previously a media and technology consultant, providing strategic business and technology advisory services to media companies worldwide. Prior to that, Sue was Head of Architecture at Red Bee Media, reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, managing a team of business analysts and technical architects responsible for broadcast and information technology architecture. She began her career in broadcasting as Technical Manager in the BBC, where she was responsible for the technical delivery of interactive television services and online publishing systems. Her previous experience was as a postdoctoral research scientist in geophysics, working with the U.S. Geological Survey in Colorado, following a PhD in Science at Monash University in Melbourne.

MENTEE: Nadia Noormohamed, Software Engineer, Roku

Camilla James

I have 20 years’ experience in Strategy & Architecture, Project Management and Operations roles, starting initially in Banking and moving into M&A at PwC. I joined Techex in 2017 where we use our own in-house software and trusted partner technology to transport and transform mission critical live video workflows for the most innovative broadcast and media companies. 

My roles have covered team leadership, business transformation and securing Westbridge as a funding partner to support our accelerated growth. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a talented team who share the same passion for our customers, partners and market leading technology.

I am thrilled to be selected as a mentor again this year in support of the fabulous work Rise continues to do. Having had strong mentors and role models throughout my career, I am passionate about empowering women in the workplace to become high performers whilst staying true to their values and goals. 

MENTEE: Rebecca Light, Group Head of Content Management & Quality Control (Operations), Sky

Mark Wynter

Mark Wynter, a conduit to life, development, and opportunities for all, is described as a force of nature, creating an atmosphere of possibility and achievement. His mission is to unearth talent from all walks of life, providing them with a platform where their voices can be heard. Mark is dedicated to developing, nurturing, and guiding individuals into tomorrow's superstars. In his commitment to being part of the solution, Mark actively connects people, creates opportunities, and builds enduring relationships, focusing particularly on those who might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. With over 20 years of experience in TV Postproduction, he has a rich background in the industry. In 2007, he took on a different role as the founder of the family-run charity "Heathers Cycle of Life." This charitable initiative involved organizing a bike ride around Kent, raising over £100k for Cancer Research UK / Bobby Moore Fund. He has also for the past 6 years been on the board of trustees for the local Kent Dads Unlimited.

MENTEE: Scarlet Carpenter, Exhibition Logistics Project Manager, Think Expo Logistics

Vanessa Walmsley

Vanessa Walmsley is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as the Global Head of Customer Success at Vizrt. Leading the global customer success team, she ensures customer satisfaction, retention, and growth. Vanessa excels in operational strategy, business planning, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and market analysis. Her proven track record includes building sustainable relationships, delivering high-quality services, and aligning with business strategy. Since 2019, Vanessa has been the driving force behind Vizrt's customer care, providing strategic leadership for the combined Vizrt customer and partner community. Her professional focus has consistently revolved around the intersection of media, technology, and customer service. As a skilled business leader, Vanessa excels in navigating the customer experience market, leveraging her expertise to collaborate effectively with organizations and seamlessly deploy technology to achieve their business objectives. Her commitment to delivering exceptional service and her strategic vision make her a key asset in driving success within the ever-evolving media tech market.

MENTEE: Leily Radseresht, Junior DI Assistant, Twickenham Film Studios

Stephen Tallamy

MENTEE: Kerry Stavri, Senior Product Manager, Vizrt

Alex Coakley

Loyal and commercially minded with more than 15 years of experience in streaming and digital content. Specialising in the sports industry - with particular focus on the monetisation of premium rights.

MENTEE: Katie Osterholzer, Account Manager MEAAPAC, Vubiquity

Mike Ward

With over 20 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Mike Ward is the Head of Marketing for the digital overlay platform Singular.Live and Head of Growth for Reality Check Solutions (RCS).

Mike founded the UK headquarters of LA-based (RCS), a leading provider of live graphics, video and data solutions to clients including the NFL, NBA, Sky Germany and DAZN.

Following RCS's investment in Singular.Live, Mike assumed responsibility for all Singular's marketing activities. Before joining RCS, he led a design agency and spent a decade at News Corp, starting in media sales at Sky UK and before establishing the in-house media sales function for Sky Italia, reporting to the Head of Platform and CEO.

MENTEE: Emily Wood, Broadcast Graphics Developer, Warner Bros. Discovery

Ally Coulson

Alexandra heads up the global marketing team at Disguise, an industry-leading platform at the heart of this new era of visual experiences. Responsible for driving revenue for the business, Alexandra is passionate about marketing and certified in a number of marketing growth areas. She is building the Disguise brand recognition globally through a multi-channel data-driven strategy. Prior to Disguise, she led global marketing campaigns for Gartner, and built her experience in international markets. She was responsible for marketing large enterprise solutions for large FTSE100 brands, delivering a united strategy orientated around the needs of the customer.

MENTEE: Cristina Gomez Levano, Content Coordinator, Warner Bros. Discovery

Clare Butler

Clare Butler is an award-winning marketer with 30 years B2B experience, most of which has been in the tech/telco space within multinationals and startups. A commercially focused and customer-centric marketer, she is well versed in bringing the full end-to-end spectrum needed to drive growth and believes in data to accelerate change in organizations. In recent years, mainly because she has 2 young girls and years-worth of wishing there was more representation of women in the industries worked in, she has become interested in ways to actively address gender inequality in the hope for a brighter future for her kids, and others that are currently experiencing challenges. Clare is grateful that Grabyo is a supportive employer in helping her, and other colleagues, drive initiatives to upskill women in the sector and people from diverse backgrounds to help drive change. She is privileged and honoured to be a Rise mentor for 2023 and is looking forward to developing new friendships and really moving the needle in a subject that is important to all of us. From a personal perspective, Clare is a friendly, people person, and has had the privilege of representing her country at Softball for 7+ years and been National Champion for 10 years. She has jumped out of a perfectly sound aircraft in the name of charity, has been lucky enough to have travelled to many countries in all continents of the world, all of which has helped shape her into the person she is today - a kind, grateful mum who is committed to enjoying work and life in general.

MENTEE: Lydia Bird, Marketing Manager, XroadMedia