Meet Leslie Collin

We were lucky to catch up with Leslie Collin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Leslie, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Ever since I can remember, I’ve known the importance of stories. I’ve seen how stories can elevate someone’s mood, how they can captivate a room, or how they can bring people together. I’ve seen how stories can impact people to make a change. I’ve noticed this not just in books that I read but in television shows, movies, and music. The stories people hear, witness or experience create this atmosphere that delivers in various ways. I’ve always wanted to be part of something that could affect people’s disposition, be it by getting them excited, convincing them of something, or elevating their mood In the process, hopefully, I can help them live a better life. As cliché as it sounds, my purpose found me. I just decided to stay resolute whenever adversity came my way.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a cultural strategist and entrepreneur looking to bring a fresh perspective to the intersection of storytelling, culture, and innovation. Currently, I’m developing Shift. Shift is a platform that blends entertainment, style, and lifestyle, offering Black Gen Z and culturally savvy millennials an authentic space to shape and engage with culture.

In addition to Shift, I lead Social Studies, a digital media brand that merges urban culture with curated lifestyle content. Through its focus on fashion, sports, and entertainment, Social Studies extends my vision of connecting communities to the trends and stories that define modern culture. Together, Shift and Social Studies form a dynamic ecosystem that reimagines how audiences interact with content and commerce.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resiliency. Things are not always going always to go your way or as planned, so being able to have a reserve to get you through adversity is essential.

Communication. Knowing how to communicate ideas is important, equally important is knowing how to communicate with people. Communication is not just saying words, but it’s having an exchange and back and forth with people to come to an accord. That process involves active listening and not just waiting for your turn to speak.

The Joy of Life. The world is stressful enough, so having the ability to take moments and enjoy life is important.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m looking for people who are interested in developing culture and making a difference–a positive difference.

1. Product & Technology Lead (Head of Product or CTO)
• Why: The platform I’m building, Shift, hinges on building a seamless, innovative digital platform. I need someone to lead the development of core features like Frame Finds, Mood Sync, and The Premiere Room, while ensuring the app is scalable, intuitive, and reflects Shift’s bold, modern brand.
• Responsibilities:
o Define and oversee Shift’s product development roadmap.
o Lead the design and development team to create a mobile-first platform with a focus on UX/UI and core interactive features.
o Integrate technologies like AI for personalized algorithms and shopping experiences.
o Ensure the platform is built for scalability and cultural relevance.

2. Head of Partnerships
• Why: Partnerships are the lifeblood of Shift, fueling revenue, visibility, and cultural impact. This person will secure sponsorships, brand deals, and collaborations with influencers and institutions like HBCUs. They will also lead efforts to monetize Shift through strategic relationships.
• Responsibilities:
o Secure sponsorships and partnerships for events (e.g., MoodSync Takeover) and platform features.
o Build relationships with culturally aligned brands and influencers to position Shift as a cultural movement.
o Develop revenue streams through collaborations with brands, merchandise drops, and event activations.
o Act as Shift’s external ambassador to the business world.

3. Community & Content Strategist
• Why: Shift’s differentiation lies in its ability to resonate authentically with Black Gen Z and culturally savvy millennials. This strategist will ensure the platform remains culturally relevant by driving high-quality, community-driven content and fostering authentic engagement.
• Responsibilities:
o Develop content strategies for social media to drive engagement and grow the invite-only community.
o Build community-focused initiatives like group spaces, event integrations, and interactive experiences.
o Foster partnerships with HBCUs and influencers to amplify community engagement and cultural resonance.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Adrian Holmes (Left), Jimmy Akingbola (Right)

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