Elena Giroli: The Powerhouse Behind Creative Works
“Building a strong creative community isn’t just about providing space – it’s about creating opportunities, making meaningful connections, and giving people the confidence to step forward.” – Elena Giroli.
At the heart of Walthamstow’s buzzing creative hub, Creative Works, you’ll find Elena Giroli – an inspiring leader who thrives on fostering innovation, collaboration, and social equity. As General Manager, she’s not only overseeing operations but also driving meaningful change, ensuring that young creatives and entrepreneurs have the opportunities they need to flourish. Here at fluo , we had the opportunity to interview Elena about all things creative!
A Passion For Community & Innovation
Elena’s passion for building communities is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Italy, where family and togetherness played a central role. Professionally, she’s always been drawn to purpose-driven work, having spent over a decade at the European Commission and leading OuiShare UK, a global think tank shaping the Sharing Economy. Her career has been a testament to the power of collaboration, with her work spanning strategic partnerships, live events, and even launching a podcast before podcasts became mainstream.
“From the very beginning, Creative Works was designed to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that no young creative is left without a path forward.”
Transforming Creative Works into a Thriving Hub
But Elena isn’t just about big ideas – she’s also about action. One of her standout achievements at Creative Works has been spearheading the Creative Connect Programme, a grant-funded initiative designed to open doors for underrepresented creatives. Through networking events, mentorship, and a mini-MBA, she’s helped talented individuals gain access to industries that often feel out of reach. Her recent success with the Westfield Eastbank Grant program has provided an even larger platform for young creatives to pitch their ideas, secure funding, and kick-start their careers in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible before.
Elena’s leadership style is defined by her deep sense of responsibility and her hands-on approach. She doesn’t just oversee projects, but immerses herself in them, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overarching mission of Creative Works. Her ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution has made her a cornerstone of the organisation, bringing both stability and innovation to the table. Her expertise in fostering meaningful partnerships has led to Creative Works collaborating with a variety of industry professionals, organisations, and educational institutions to create dynamic, real-world opportunities for young creatives.
Tackling Challenges In Creative Communities
As Elena shared in our interview, one of the biggest challenges in sustaining engaged communities is the ever-changing socio-political landscape. But for her, the key lies in knowledge-sharing and openness to new ideas. She strongly believes in embracing a trial and error mindset, understanding that failure is just a stepping stone to something bigger. “We might not have all the answers, but neither do young creatives. That’s why collaboration is so important,” she explains.
Her approach to problem-solving is equally inspiring. Rather than viewing obstacles as barriers, she sees them as opportunities to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. Whether it’s tackling funding challenges, ensuring inclusivity in creative industries, or enhancing community engagement, Elena consistently finds ways to turn vision into reality. “Don’t be afraid to share knowledge and trust young generations. They bring fresh perspectives, and sometimes, the best ideas come from simply listening.”
The Future Of Creative Works
Looking to the future, Elena envisions a more interconnected Creative Works – one where students and industry professionals interact even more closely, bridging the gap between education and employment. Plans are already in motion, with animators based at Creative Works set to lead masterclasses for BCE (Big Creative Education) students, offering them real-world industry insights and hands-on experience. Additionally, new mentorship programs and networking initiatives are in development, aiming to further strengthen the support system for emerging creatives.
“Creating a safe and inclusive space where people can be themselves is the next big step. We want people to feel free to share who they are, their struggles, and their ambitions without fear.” – Elena.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elena brings a unique and dynamic perspective to leadership, thanks to her extensive background in coaching. Having trained over 1,000 individuals as a swimming coach, she understands the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and trust – qualities that she seamlessly integrates into her leadership at Creative Works. Her ability to motivate and inspire those around her has played a crucial role in fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment where creative talent can thrive!
