We launched The Exchange in 2019 as part of our objective to spearhead industry change and engage more men in the gender debate. It is a cross-mentoring programme that matches industry-leading men and Bloom members. The ethos is to open up a refreshingly honest dialogue between genders to help break down the stereotypes that limit the way we interact in the workplace and work together to make our industry more equal for all.

In 2024/2025 the programme ran in partnership with the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) as the IPA Council x iList Exchange Programme, matching senior leaders across the industry together.

The IPA Council x iList Exchange Programme, was a series of co-mentoring sessions organised by Bloom UK, between 14 IPA council members and 14 individuals from the IPA’s iList, which featured trailblazers from across the UK’s advertising industry who have championed diversity and inclusivity and are committed to driving positive change. Building on Bloom’s ethos with The Exchange, the cross-mentoring collaboration with the IPA allowed the IPA’s council members and iList trailblazers to share experiences and in turn create a cultural environment where diverse talent can thrive in the advertising sector.

In 2026, The Exchange programme is running in partnership with Male Allies with 12

co-mentoring pairs taking part in the 6 month programme.

“The feedback from men who have attended previous cohorts has been moving. More self awareness. Confidence to lead on change. More understanding of gender dynamics. Better at listening and having challenging conversations. More compassionate to themselves.
Collaboration is everything and I can’t wait for the Exchange to begin.”

— Lee Chambers, CEO Male Allies

“We hope that through these radically candid conversations we can help bridge cultural divides and work together in creating a cultural environment where diverse talent can thrive in our industry.”

— Victoria Brooks, Bloom member and Founder of Bloom Exchange