MIJ mentorships masterclass in partnership with Maya Jama

What a night! March’s Creative Access masterclass, full of inspiration, giggles and powerful advice from a panel of industry-leading women, celebrated the first iteration of the MIJ mentoring programme in partnership with powerhouse broadcaster and entrepreneur, Maya Jama.

Hosted at the stunning Flute Bar, tucked away just above the streets of Soho, this exclusive event brought together the Creative Access community for a night of honest conversation and unapologetic authenticity following International Women’s Day. From broadcasting and television to brand partnerships and comedy, the panel shared their journeys through the creative industries – the highlights, the challenges and the lessons learned along the way. 

The energy in the room was electric. Conversation and drinks were flowing, and our community shone just as brightly as the superstar panel of experts and industry trailblazers, including:

• Maya Jama, broadcaster, entrepreneur and social ambassador  
• Amanda Stavri, commissioning editor, reality & entertainment at ITV
• Carol Baffour-Awuah, freelance executive producer
• Francesca Hayward, senior culture & entertainment manager at DIAGEO
• Thanyia Moore, comedian, actor, writer, host, confidence coach (Chair)

Our panellists kicked off by reflecting on the success and positive impact of the MIJ mentorship programme, which aims to support emerging talent from under-represented groups in the creative industries who have historically struggled to access opportunities and industry connections. We at Creative Access know how useful it is to build industry connections, and how hard that can be when you’re just starting out.

And as a proud Bristolian who’s become a defining icon of her generation, Maya knows first-hand how challenging it can be for aspiring creatives based outside of London. That’s why creating national programmes and inclusive spaces where emerging talent can explore their options, meet established industry professionals and build connections is vital.

Staying authentic, even and especially in professional environments, was a key theme that ran throughout the evening.  

For aspiring and entry-level creative professionals, the panel emphasised the importance of staying curious, open-minded and proactive. 

Amanda encouraged attendees not to overlook opportunities simply because they don’t seem glamorous at first:

Many entry points into the industry come through unexpected roles or projects, and these experiences can provide invaluable learning opportunities. She also highlighted the evolving nature of media today. With traditional broadcast now intersecting with streaming platforms and digital content, there are more creative routes into the industry than ever before. 

Francesca added that creative jobs aren’t limited to the arts sector. Brand partnerships, she explained, play a vital role in funding cultural work and offer exciting opportunities for creatives who want to operate at the intersection of culture, marketing and storytelling. Her advice was simple: follow your passion and connect with the people already doing what you love – don’t be afraid to chase opportunities. 

When asked how early-career creatives can stand out, the panel agreed that passion, preparation and engagement make a big impact. Looking around at your peers can be intimidating, but Thanyia’s advice to see inspiration as motivation hit home:

Amanda emphasised how important it is to be present, engaged, and prepared. Being prepared for meetings, speaking up with ideas and sharing your perspective can help demonstrate both confidence and creativity. 

Francesca agreed, noting that enthusiasm and effort often stand out more than experience at the start of a career. “We’re not expecting experience at this stage,” she said. “So you have to find other ways to stand out.” 

For Maya, success ultimately comes down to a balance of finding your talent and working hard. “It’s a 50/50 balance… some things might come naturally, but you still have to put in the hours and do the work.” 

Next, our panellists reflected on the key moments that shaped their careers. 

For Carol, one pivotal moment came when she realised she had been waiting for opportunities rather than actively pursuing them. After years of working across journalism, radio and television, a period of reflection during the COVID pandemic helped her recognise she was ready to step into leadership roles.

The conversation turned to the fast-paced world of live television, with Maya and Carol sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Love Island: Aftersun. From delayed flights to last-minute preparation, live broadcasting often requires quick thinking and deep trust between presenters and producers. Amanda emphasised just how important that relationship can be: “The trust between a presenter and an executive producer is really special.”

Like many creatives, the panellists spoke candidly about dealing with self-doubt – especially in the beginning. Francesca emphasised the importance of prioritising self-love and trusting in your own abilities, while Carol offered a powerful reminder: “Don’t let perfection stop you.” 

Maya reflected on how confidence can evolve over time. “I’m jealous of my younger self sometimes,” she shared. “I didn’t believe it wouldn’t happen. Now that I’m older, doubt can creep in – so I try to reconnect with that version of myself.” Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth has been key to maintaining that mindset.

Networking, something that can often feel intimidating, was reframed throughout the evening as something far more human: building genuine relationships. 

For Francesca, relationships have been fundamental throughout her career. Sharing your work, staying connected and supporting others can open doors in unexpected ways. Maya encouraged attendees to always stay open to conversations and opportunities:

Thanyia perhaps captured the spirit of the evening best: “Audacity is the word of this masterclass. You have to have the audacity to be everything you believe you can be.”

Carol spoke about the importance of coming into mentoring and networking conversations with clear intentions and goals. It’s okay if those change over time; the joy is in assessing and re-assessing, so you stay in touch with who you are and what you want as you grow in your career.

Our audience also asked thoughtful questions about standing out in an increasingly crowded creative landscape. Carol emphasised the importance of developing a distinctive voice, something that people can clearly associate with you. 

Meanwhile, the panel discussed their experiences of being the only person in the room from an under-represented group. 

Maya reflected on the responsibility and opportunities that can come with that position: 

“Someone might see me and think, she did it, so I can do it too. Yes, I might be the first – but I’m also going to open the door for other people.” 

The conversation also touched on caring for your wellbeing and finding balance. For Thanyia, the answer lies in community: “Surround yourself with people who understand your peaks and your troughs.” Maya echoed this, emphasising the importance of maintaining relationships outside of work and allowing yourself time to rest and recharge offline.

After the panel, our community got to work. The room quickly filled with conversation as attendees stayed to network and connect with one another. Socials were exchanged, selfies shared, and new ideas sparked, as our community put the evening’s advice into action. It was an evening filled with genuine joy, connection and creativity – and moments like these remind us why building community is so important in the creative industries.

A MASSIVE thank you to Maya Jama for partnering with Creative Access on this special event and helping bring the MIJ mentorship scheme to life. 

Thank you also to our brilliant panellists – Amanda Stavri, Carol Baffour-Awuah, Francesca Hayward and Thanyia Moore – for sharing their experiences with such honesty and generosity. 

We’re incredibly grateful to the fantastic team at Flute Bar, Broadwick Soho for hosting us and taking such good care of our community, and to the Creative Access mentoring team for their work in creating life-changing mentorship opportunities. 

Finally, thank you to our community for bringing so much energy, openness and curiosity to the evening.

Long hours and constant hustle can sometimes make navigating the creative industries feel isolating, but nights like this remind us why we do it: because we love it, and because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find their place within it.

Interested in joining a Creative Access masterclass or applying for a mentor? Register with us today and keep an eye on our opportunities board for upcoming masterclasses and mentoring opportunities. 

We’re also excited to be running the Creative Access x Southbank Centre mentoring programme – an incredible opportunity to gain tailored guidance and grow your network in the arts. Apply by Friday 20th March 2026 at 12pm midday via this link. 

Want to join our employer partner community and create change in the creative industries? Sign up here to find out more about how you can work with us and help make a more diverse, inclusive and representative creative economy.