Now in its eighth year, the One Club says that the Next Creative Leaders is a free portfolio competition that identifies, celebrates and gives a global platform to talented women and non-binary creatives.

These creatives are making their mark on the world with both their work and a unique point of view on creative leadership that's changing the industry for the better, adds the One Club.

The Next Creative Leaders 2022 judges from the region are:
  • Shadi Al Hroub, founder and CEO of MENAMONSTERS, Muscat (Oman)
  • Rana Khoury, ECD at Leo Burnett Beirut
  • Teresa Nyamorambo Makori, ACD of Isobar — Dentsu Kenya, Nairobi
  • Hyun Seo Yoo, creative strategist at TikTok, Dubai, and
  • Grant Sithole, chief product officer at Publicis Groupe Africa, Johannesburg.

The initial list of judges from 17 countries can be viewed here, with additional jury members to be named shortly.

Eligible entrants for NCL are those who are stepping into leadership roles, including:
  • copywriters
  • art directors
  • designers
  • ACDs
  • newly-promoted creative and design directors with less than one year in the role, and
  • creative teams who are doing game-changing work.

Along with naming 10 global winners based on the highest scores, the competition also aims to recognise regional winners in:
  • Asia Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • The Middle East / Africa, and
  • North America.

A list of all previous NCL winners can be viewed here.

Entries highlighting a candidate's creativity, leadership and unique point of view must be submitted by the Friday, 26 August deadline. To make Next Creative Leaders as open and accessible as possible, there is no fee to enter.

Entrants are judged on four-to-six pieces of creative work and information about how they — and their work — are pushing the industry forward and making a positive contribution in terms of diversity, mentoring and advocacy.

Winners will be announced in Fall 2022.

According to the group, each NCL winner will receive a one-year complimentary individual membership with The One Club, with opportunities to:
  • participate in future One Club Awards juries
  • receive complimentary tickets to a One Club professional development conference (USD$1 000 plus value)
  • participate in panels, and
  • witness and participate in mentorship events.

Winners also each get their work showcased on The One Club website, promotion on both The 3% Movement and The One Club social channels and potential speaking opportunities. The 10 global winners also get a dedicated profile article about them on The One Club website.

Branding for Next Creative Leaders 2022 was designed by the team of NCL 2021 winners Cara Mia Cecchini and Mia Rafowitz, both of whom are on this year's jury. 

For more information, visit www.oneclub.org. You can also follow The One Club for Creativity on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.