NABS Presses Fast Forward on Mental Wellness Support during Pitching as World Mental Health Day Approaches

In time for World Mental Health Day (10 October), NABS is supporting the mental wellness of rising stars in advertising, marketing and media by opening enrolment for its renowned Fast Forward training programme, now entering its 23rd year. 

The Fast Forward programme is designed to improve the pitching skills of junior to mid-level talent. Delegates compete in teams in response to a real-life brief over six weeks, supported by mentors to give expert support. Speakers are also on hand to give informative talks about the pitching process. Both speakers and mentors are drawn from the very best of the industry. 

New for this round of Fast Forward is its added emphasis on mental wellness awareness and support, as NABS, the industry’s charity, continues its mission to embed mental wellness across our industry. Also new are the programme’s refined hybrid model, catering to a variety of learning styles while supporting delegates’ work/life balance, and a course workbook packed with practical, neuroscience-based tools, designed to help delegates develop a growth mindset for learning. 

This element is crystallised by the signing of industry leader Julian Douglas, international CEO and vice-chairman, VCCP, as a programme speaker. Julian has been instrumental in creating the Pitch Positive Pledge, which brings the industry together to make the pitching process more considerate of the mental health of those involved.  

Julian will be sharing his insights in a session titled ‘positive pitching’, setting the tone for a supportive and mental-health aware approach to pitching, not just during the course, but throughout delegates’ careers. 

Julian says: “Mental wellness has to be at the heart of the pitching process. That’s why I’m joining NABS for Fast Forward. Combining NABS’ expertise with the commitments of the Pitch Positive Pledge will help to educate delegates on how best to support their mental wellness, and that of their colleagues, during all of the pitches they’ll encounter during their careers.” 

NABS recognises the importance of community when it comes to advancing mental wellness, and so Fast Forward helps delegates to thrive by creating an opportunity for them to connect with their peers, mentors and speakers. This builds a network and community that some may struggle otherwise to create in remote working environments. 

As well as empowering course delegates with the tools and experience they need to support their mental wellness, Fast Forward also teaches essential skills such as teamwork and communication. 

Previous Fast Forward delegates are now working in a variety of roles, contributing to the ongoing success of our industry thanks to the foundations laid for them during Fast Forward: not just deep knowledge of the pitch process, but also confidence.  

Lizzie Garcia, global account executive, Accenture Song, attended Fast Forward in 2022 and was on that year’s winning team. She says: “By attending Fast Forward, I became more confident in my ability to pitch ideas, while learning to understand others’ ideas and interpret them into a solid presentation.  

“I built connections with others and we keep in touch regularly. This has created a good opportunity for me to network and keep up-to-date with industry trends and shifts.” 

Eleanor Singh, course leader, Fast Forward, says: “Fast Forward offers delegates a real-life pitching experience, and we’re all aware of the pressures that pitching can bring. That’s why we’re as keen to build delegates’ awareness of mental health throughout the process as the other skills that they’ll learn throughout the course. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort.”