Creative Connectors

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Leaders who help the city dance, sing, soar and grow 

By: Liz Dow, President of Leadership Philadelphia

Sometimes in Philadelphia it seems like every public leader ends up enmeshed in controversy and scandal.

That’s not true, really.   The city is full of exemplary leaders doing extraordinary things.  But often those leaders operate away from the highly covered arenas such as politics and sports.  To notice them, you have to broaden your definition of “leader” and look beyond the usual suspects who dominate the media. Leadership Philadelphia began its Connectors project in 2006 to shine a light on all the good leadership that happens in this region, and to see if that might encourage more leaders to step. In the third phase of that effort, Leadership Philadelphia compiled a list of the top 76 Creative Connectors, members of the local arts and culture community who are the glue that binds it together.  These are the folks who seem to know everyone, connect for the common good, and get things done without worrying about getting credit for it.  That’s leadership. More »

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List of 76
Leadership Philadelphia
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Key traits of Creative Connectors

“Connectors link us up with the world, introduce us to our social circles, and possess a special gift for bringing the world together.”

– Malcolm Gladwell

Creative Connectors are hubs of trust, seen as trustworthy and credible.
They use art and design to mobilize people around an issue.
They foster one-to-one linkages among people they know.
They engage with diverse groups.
They consider the common good as well as personal agendas.
They convey a vision that generates excitement.
They think strategically, act decisively.
Most have founded an organization or program.
Most work in the non-profit sector.
Nearly three out of four moved here from somewhere else.