Merlin Engage Celebrates Another Successful Year of Success to Support Female Leaders in the Independent Music Space
Merlin, the independent’s digital music licensing partner, is excited to announce the completion of its second year of Merlin Engage. This mentorship program, from across the global Merlin membership, is specifically aimed at helping empower the next generation of female leaders in the independent music space. This year, the program expanded to 30 participants, saw the addition of a seasoned facilitator, Miriam Meima, and offered additional workshops in managing up, a speaking workshop also offered to program alumni, and other workshops in soft skills.
Merlin Engage pairs executive-level mentors with the next generation of talent, creating a unique environment for growth, learning and empowerment. Through one-on-one coaching and guidance, mentees have experienced growth and additional confidence in their careers. The program also gives mentors an outlet to reflect on shared experiences and pass along the knowledge and advice that shaped them to become leading figures in the industry.
“Think of Merlin Engage program as an exciting backstage pass — except it’s a pass to invaluable insights into the music industry, to knowledge, to personal growth, and to making connections with brilliant minds from all over the world,” said Julie Boursier, Head of Trademarketing at Alter-K and Merlin Engage mentee. “This experience gave me tools and confidence to find my path in the industry.”
This year’s mentees included Alejandra Muchelac (Puro Digital), Beate Hilbert (recordjet), Goldie Harris (UnitedMasters), Hayley Halsey (Revival Recordings), Jennifer Schellenberg (!K7), Julie Boursier (Alter-K), Kirsten Bennett (Identity Music), Larissa Woss (Exceleration Music), Marina Baranik (Redeye Worldwide), Raven Lockwood (Curb Recordings), Rebecka Sjöström (Playground Music), Rue Wildeman (CD Baby), Tabitha Neudorf (Monstercat), Tania Predovic (Downtown Artist & Label Services), and Verity Mayes (AmpSuite).
“Being a mentor through the Merlin Engage program has been a mutually enriching experience,” said Golda Bitterli, VP of Sales at Revelator and Merlin Engage mentor. “While guiding a young professional on her journey, I’ve equally gained fresh perspectives, sharpened my leadership skills, and discovered the immense value of learning and growing alongside her.”
This year’s mentors included Ali Schlueter (Reservoir), Anne Jenniskens (Paradise Worldwide), Dawn Dobson (Ninja Tune), Dorothee Imhoff (FUGA), Eniko Gallasz (WMMusicDistribution), Golda Bitterli (Revelator), Janette Berrios (Symphonic), Jason Peterson (GoDigital), Jennifer Newman Sharpe (Exceleration), Katie Alberts (Reach Records), Louis Posen (Hopeless Records), Megan Jasper (Sub Pop), Natalie Carlson (Zebralution), Rachel Buswell (Domino), and Yvette Jones (Redeye Worldwide).
“We are excited to celebrate and reflect on another successful year of Merlin Engage,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “It is incredibly rewarding to provide a platform that empowers the women in our industry. Over the course of the program, we’ve already witnessed a number of success stories from this year’s mentees. We look forward to watching their continued growth as they apply these experiences throughout their careers.”
