Liam Black has extensive experience as a founder and CEO of various social businesses between 1998-2008. In 2008, he co-founded Wavelength. He is married with three kids and one dog. NESTA is an independent organization in the UK with £350 million in endowment that invests in high-tech startups, informs policy, and inspires innovation in areas like science, technology and the arts. Leadership should inspire and develop people to achieve both social and financial goals while staying true to values. Power can be shared without undermining authority. The role is to help people, especially the overlooked, realize their potential.

1. Liam Black
Co-founder

2. 1998 – 2004 CEO FRC Group
1997 Founding Director of Create
2000 Founder Bulky Bob’s
2002 Co-founder the Cat’s Pyjamas
2004 Co-author There’s No business
Like Social Business
2004 – 2008 CEO of Fifteen
2004 Fifteen Amsterdam
2005 Fifteen Events
2006 Fifteens Cornwall and Melbourne
February 2008 Co-founder of
Wavelength
Married to Maggie, three kids, one
dog

3. NESTA is the National Endowment for
Science, Technology and the Arts – an
independent body with a mission to make
the UK more innovative.
Backed by an endowment of £350 million,
we invest in early-stage high-tech
companies, inform and shape policy, and
deliver practical programmes that
inspire others to solve the big social
and environmental challenges of the
future.
www.nesta.org.uk

7. “I aint no-one no more” Georgie, graduate 2005

8. What is leadership for?
To inspire, support and develop
our people so we reach our
social and financial goals -
and stay true to our values.
My core beliefs about leadership :
Everyone has amazing potential and the job
is to help people – particularly the
overlooked – to realise it.
Power can be shared without undermining my
authority
Leadership is a gift not a weapon
It’s actually quite simple

9. And now,
a guide to
failed
leadership
models as tried
by Liam Black

10. “Do it because you believe in me”

11. “Don’t worry
I’ll save you
– I can do
everything”

12. “Do it or
else”

13. So, how do your people experience your
leadership? On a good day? On a bad day?

15. A recipe for leadership success
1 very clear purpose (clearly communicated)
1 set of matured values (keep fresh, never use frozen)
1 team of best quality people (hard boiled)
1 highly competitive streak (extra strong)
A tonne of hard work
A fistful of forgiveness
1 good pinch of opportunism
Mix, season well with truthfulness and good humour. Best shared
with others.
Warning : use of any bullshit will cause nausea in those around
you