Fast Forward

Catalyzing Women’s Leadership

Overview

The Fast Forward program empowers mid-career women in engineering and technology to step into the fullness of their leadership potential. Over nine transformative months, participants build the confidence, clarity, and connections they need to lead with authenticity and purpose – and to make a lasting impact within their organizations.

Fast Forward goes beyond traditional skills training. Through a powerful blend of leadership coaching, facilitated peer-mentoring circles, and executive sponsors, the experience creates a supportive ecosystem where participants discover their unique leadership identity, amplify their voice, and accelerate their careers.

Developed in partnership with Emerging Human, a leadership development firm with over 4,000 program graduates across organizations like HP, Asana, and the NBA, Fast Forward brings a proven, connection-based approach to the SWE community.

What You’ll Gain

As a Fast Forward participant, you will:

Strengthen Your Leadership Identity – Develop a clear sense of who you are as a leader, grounded in your values, strengths, and purpose.
Own Your Voice – Build the confidence to share your ideas, advocate for yourself, and communicate with greater impact and clarity.
Expand Your Visibility and Influence – Gain access to sponsors, mentors and an expanded network within your organization who are committed to your advancement through advocacy and action.
Grow Through Connection – Join a circle of peers dedicated to each other’s thriving and growth, creating bonds and perspectives that extend well beyond the program.
Accelerate Your Career – Create a personalized leadership growth plan and develop the skills to pursue promotions, career shifts, stretch assignments, and increased impact in current roles.

How It Works

Fast Forward is a nine-month virtual experience designed to minimize short-term schedule impact and foster deeper transformation over time. The program includes:

Coach-Facilitated Leadership Circles: Participants join a small group of peers led by a professional coach. These monthly circles provide a dedicated space for reflection, practice, and growth – exploring themes such as Leadership Identity, Playing Big, Being a Culture Multiplier, and Owning Your Voice through the real experiences of each participant.
Internal Sponsor Pairing: Each participant is matched with a sponsor within their organization – a leader with the influence and commitment to go beyond traditional advice-giving by advocating for their sponsee’s advancement through action and opportunity.
All-Cohort Events: Participants connect with the larger Fast Forward cohort through virtual events featuring guest speakers, connection-oriented learning, and opportunities to celebrate wins and navigate challenges together.
Virtual Immersion: An immersive workshop dedicated to courageous communication – building the skills to speak authentically, navigate difficult conversations, and lead with greater influence and connection.
Themed Content and Reflections: Curated content and guided reflections prepare participants for each session, deepening the learning experience and encouraging continuous growth.
Surveys and Reporting: Ongoing measurement tracks participant growth and program impact, providing both participants and their organizations with clear evidence of progress.

Program Results

Fast Forward is built on a program model with a strong track record of measurable outcomes:

97% reported increased confidence as a leader
96% said the experience fueled their personal and professional growth
97% experienced a positive impact on their career development and planning
70% career mobility – including promotions, lateral moves, and stretch assignments
50% lower attrition rates among participants
30% increased engagement over organizational benchmarks

Who Should Apply

Fast Forward is designed for women who fall into the Developing and/or Performing Leaders category according to SWE’s Leadership Competency Model. They are:

High-performing professionals in technology roles (engineers, product/program managers, etc.)
Current or aspiring people leaders looking to expand their influence and impact
Leaders seeking to strengthen their network, increase confidence, and grow cross-functionally within their organization
High-potential employees with 2-9 years of leadership experience who are ready to up-level their career
Professionals whose employers are ready to invest in their development through sponsorship and manager support

Employers and L&D teams can also nominate high-potential talent for the program. Manager endorsement and support are integral to the Fast Forward experience.

What Participants Are Saying

“The program absolutely changed my career trajectory. I had internalized the message that I had to be small to be safe. It helped me embrace who I am, let go of my limiting beliefs, and step into sharing my opinions and taking risks. It completely changed my confidence level.” – Program Graduate

“The program made me own who I was. It made me feel comfortable in the room. My sponsor provided me the support to step out even further to take on stretch assignments and stretch myself in a way that landed me in the role I am in today as a people manager.” – Program Graduate

“By graduation, nearly all the goals I set out to accomplish were completed. I was promoted, honed my voice and style as a leader, and gained confidence in my perspective. I needed the intentional introspection, and truly respected the process and community.” – Program Graduate

“The journey we made together this past year led me to be bolder and boosted my self-confidence, so I decided to apply for a global role, and I have obtained the job. This worldwide role will give me more visibility with the executive team. I will never forget this profound experience!” – Program Graduate

About Our Program Partner

Fast Forward is delivered in partnership with Emerging Human, a leadership development firm that specializes in developing dynamic, future-ready leaders through connection, belonging, and authenticity. With a human-centered approach and over 4,000 program graduates, Emerging Human partners with organizations across industries – including high tech, finance, and sports – to build thriving, people-centric cultures and drive measurable business outcomes.