Level 6 BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Communications student Imogen Sillitoe attended the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Here are her reflections on the week:

“Looking back at my time with the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy honestly feels like a dream. Never in my life did I imagine I’d be attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, let alone for an entire week of inspiration, learning, and personal growth.

People keep asking me, “What was the most memorable moment at Cannes?” And honestly… how can I choose just one? But if I had to highlight a few:

  • The Award Shows – Watching the best creative minds in the world collect their Lions was surreal. Their work didn’t just inspire me, it made me want to be up there one day too, celebrating ideas that change the world.
  • The Networking – Speaking with so many like-minded creatives helped me find clarity in what I want to pursue. It was nerve-racking at first (thankfully a little rosé helped!), but once I got going, I felt unstoppable.

There’s so much I could say about the Academy itself, but here are just a couple of standout moments:

  • A confidence workshop with Helen Tiffany (The Coach House) – I’ve always struggled with self-belief, but hearing that others felt the same was powerful. Helen reminded us that every moment of doubt is a chance to reframe and grow. That mindset has stuck with me.
  • The Creative Brief from Movember – Our challenge? Create something that drives real-world awareness and action. Our team pitched MousTouch, a campaign that continues the legacy of the iconic moustache but with a twist: it encourages men to check themselves. Why? Because testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15–45, but it’s 95% curable if caught early. Awareness saves lives.

It’s hard to believe it’s already been a week since The Roger Hatchuel Academy. I’ve come away with unforgettable memories, incredible friendships, and a renewed sense of confidence in myself and my future. The experience has given me clarity on the kind of creative I want to be, one who makes work that truly matters.

By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was able to connect with industry leaders whose work I’ve admired for years. And while I watched them take the stage to accept their Cannes Lions this time… one day, I hope to be standing right there beside them.”