( We > I )

Our Story

Collective Genius, LLC. is founded on the principle that humanity is capable of multiple types of "genius" that can be harnessed to solve any problem. Consider a group of 10 people tasked with solving a very significant issue in their community. If each of these individuals arrive at the table with the same approach and strategy to solving the problem, the odds are if one individual cannot arrive at the solution, then the other nine will also fail to accomplish the task at hand. Now consider 10 people from 10 different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets all out to solve the same issue. The odds change in favor of arriving at the best decision simply due to having multiple approaches and differences in strategic thinking thereby creating more pathways to success. Through the combination of leveraging entertainment with culturally relevant educational experiences, we are doing our part to cultivate and support the genius of each and every member of the global community.

Our Mission is to pursue, cultivate, and deploy a diverse network of genius to collectively strategize and implement solutions of societal issues through education, art, and entertainment.

Our Approach

  • Education

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, you must build your knowledge of the future that you want to secure.

  • Entertainment

    Our thinking is shaped by our experiences through our senses. Entertainment activates our senses which informs and shapes our desires and inspirations. Feeding one’s soul via artistic expression and live vibration is the key to living a full life.

Our Founder

Makinde specializes in curating, producing, and executing events for a wide array of corporations, entertainment venues, and educational institutions.

Makinde A. Adedapo is a dynamic leader in education and entertainment, renowned for his ability to design, produce, and deliver impactful events across diverse venues and institutions. With over 15 years of expertise as an educator and curriculum specialist, Makinde founded Collective Genius, LLC, a consulting firm at the intersection of education and entertainment. Through this platform, he has successfully managed high-profile events, including the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Milwaukee Summerfest, Hyde Park Summerfest, Silver Room Sound System Block Party, and ITAV Juneteenth Village Fest. He has collaborated with legendary icons of rock 'n' roll and some of today’s hottest contemporary acts, spanning a wide spectrum of genres including blues, classical, jazz, EDM, R&B, hip-hop, spoken word, and podcasts.

A passionate advocate for Chicago’s cultural landscape, Makinde served as a Steering Committee Member for the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). His commitment to empowering youth led him to join After School Matters in 2020, where he innovatively delivered virtual programs on music business and production. Recognized as a trailblazer, Makinde was honored with the 2021 King Makers Concierge I AM King Award, celebrating his contributions to business and community life in Chicago.

As an educator, Makinde has made a lasting impact on students throughout the Chicagoland area. He has held roles such as Entrepreneurship Teacher and Assistant Athletic Director at Perspectives Charter Schools, and Social Justice Teacher at both Noble Charter Schools and It Takes A Village Leadership Academy. In 2024, Makinde was selected to be a part of the Surge Institute 2025 Fellowship cohort, collaborating with leaders across the educational landscape of one of the largest school systems in the U.S.

His work continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and creators, blending his expertise in education with a deep passion for culture and innovation.

“One finger cannot lift a pebble.  ”

Hopi Tribe Proverb