In this special episode, we explore the intersection between art, education, and cultural impact with Elijah, a writer, DJ, and creative visionary. Leadership isn’t confined to boardrooms or classrooms—it thrives in the creative process, shaping culture, communities, and the legacies we leave behind.
Through his project Yellow Squares, Elijah challenges conventional ideas of success, using visual storytelling, music, and dialogue to explore the nature of creative work. His journey illustrates how leadership in the arts—through risk-taking, innovation, and adaptability—parallels the qualities needed in education and beyond.
Building a legacy isn’t just about achievement; it’s about creating systems, ideas, and movements that inspire others long after the work is done. This episode in the Legacy & Leadership series invites you to rethink leadership as a creative and cultural force, shaping the future in ways that go beyond the present moment.
Disrupt yourself or get disrupted.
Elijah
Writer, DJ and Creative Consultant
Elijah is a writer and DJ with 15 years of experience in London’s independent music and arts sector. His work spans artist and label management, event production, and creative direction. He is the creator of Yellow Squares, a project exploring creative work through writing on Instagram, which has since evolved into visual installations, an album, a book, and a global lecture series.
A contributor to The Guardian, Elijah is also the co-founder of the influential Grime record label Butterz (2010–2021).
Photo credit: Osman Ahmed
Highlights:
- 10:15 The importance of the feedback loop
- 17:28 Self leadership
- 20:52 Risk v Balance
- 28:55 Importance of learning
- 31:27 Experimentation
- 35:39 Leadership qualities
- 55:40 Vulnerability and leadership
Book:
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