Ese Elakama

1.

How would you describe your leadership philosophy today, given the pace of change in global markets, technology, and organisational expectations?

My leadership philosophy is anchored in purpose, agility, and people-first impact.

In a world where technology and global markets shift daily, effective leadership is no longer about authority. 

it’s about adaptability, emotional intelligence, and empowering others to navigate change confidently.

I believe in leading with clarity of mission while staying flexible in execution. At DiiT Training UK Consulting, this means creating a culture where experimentation is encouraged, continuous learning is expected, and innovation is rooted in solving real human problems.

Above all, I lead with the belief that as a leader, I should lift others. The true measure of my success is not in titles or accolades, but in the thousands of lives, families, and futures I’ve been able to transform through the opportunities we create.

2.

Across your career journey, what defining achievements or milestones best capture the impact you’ve had and the leader you’ve become?

Several moments stand out as defining chapters in my journey:

• From Empowering over 100,000k+ learners across the UK, Ireland, America, Africa, and Canada to transition into high-demand tech careers many from underserved backgrounds.

• Launching the Tech Practical Internship (TPI) programme to close the “experience gap,” enabling beginners to gain real UK employer project experience.

• Founded UK DiiTs Tech Group (DTG)which is a self-paced platform for 1sterms looking to see what Tech is about before taking the leap career-wise.

• Founding UK CyberTek Labs, a cybersecurity innovation hub designed to build future-ready, ethically minded cyber talent.

• Becoming the first Black woman to own an outdoor advertising company in the UK, using visibility and representation as tools for economic empowerment.

• Earning multiple industry awards and a 2025 BTA Award nomination, recognising my leadership in the tech space.

• Personally funding £20,000+ in yearly scholarships to support women especially mothers re-entering the tech industry.

Together, these achievements reflect the leader I’ve become: someone committed to access, inclusion, community upliftment, and building pathways that didn’t exist before.

3.

What major shifts economic, technological, or geopolitical do you believe will reshape your industry in the coming years, and how are you positioning your organisation to stay ahead?

I believe that there are 3 key shifts which will redefine the future of the tech and talent-development industry:

1. AI-driven transformation and workforce re-skilling

AI is no longer optional. It is reshaping every sector. The future belongs to organisations that adapt quickly and equip their workforce with continuous learning and cross-functional digital skills.

DiiT is preparing for this through AI-focused training, automation awareness, and integrating hands-on practical experience into all programmes.

2. The escalation of cybersecurity threats

With global instability and increased digital dependency, cyber risk is rising rapidly.

Through UK CyberTek Labs, we are developing specialists capable of navigating emerging threats with ethical, adaptive, and future-ready skillsets.

3. Geopolitical shifts influencing global talent mobility

Countries are competing fiercely for digital talent. The UK, US, Africa, Canada, and Europe are all opening pathways for skilled professionals.

DiiT Training UK Consulting is already serving international learners and building a global pipeline of talent ready for cross-border opportunities.

By staying aligned with these shifts, we are not just preparing learners for today’s jobs we are positioning them for the future of work.

4.

The Connectors Code is reshaping how modern executives define influence, visibility, and strategic collaboration. In what ways does this framework reflect and reinforce your own evolution as a leader?

The Connectors Code resonates deeply with my leadership evolution because influence today is no longer about hierarchy it is about connection, credibility, and community impact.

As a leader, I have grown into recognising that visibility is not vanity; it is strategy. When your presence opens doors for others, visibility becomes a tool for empowerment rather than self-promotion.

The framework also aligns with how I build relationships: through authenticity, shared value, and long-term collaboration. My work from DiiT Training UK Consulting to UK CyberTek Labs to PML Digital UK is rooted in connecting people with opportunities, organisations with talent, and communities with representation.

In many ways, my journey reflects the essence of the Connectors Code:

• influence through service,

• visibility with purpose, and

• collaboration that creates measurable impact.

It reinforces the kind of leader I strive to be one who uses connection not just to rise, but to lift others.