Keith “Cipher” Shayaam-Smith is an award-winning business leader, social entrepreneur, and creative strategist with over two decades of experience in youth development, community empowerment, and the creative industries. He is the CEO of 7E Youth Academy, a pioneering organisation dedicated to empowering young people through education, enterprise, and engagement. He also serves as the Chairman of the Legacy Centre of Excellence in Birmingham, Europe’s largest Black-owned arts and business centre, a cultural hub committed to economic and social upliftment within Black and minority communities.
Keith is widely recognised for his longstanding commitment to anti-racist work, equity, and systemic change. Through both his professional and grassroots efforts, he has led initiatives that confront racial inequality in education, business, and the arts. As a consultant, speaker, and strategist, he has worked with institutions to embed anti-racist frameworks into their policies and practices, while amplifying the voices and leadership of marginalised communities.
Beginning his career as a musician and creative entrepreneur, Keith spent over 15 years touring internationally, producing music, and running an independent record label. His early work with Moorish Delta 7 and 7 Entertainment laid the foundation for his ethos of cultural empowerment and resistance through art.
A skilled stakeholder and community engagement specialist, Keith has held key roles in major national infrastructure projects, including with HS2 Ltd, where he worked to ensure inclusive engagement and social impact. His work consistently centres on justice, cultural authenticity, and youth-led transformation.
Keith is also a published author of several influential books:
· The Secret Money Manual – a practical guide to financial literacy and empowerment
· Know The Ledge – a deep dive into Black British history, culture, and identity
· Youth Engagement 101 – a strategic manual for professionals working with young people
Alongside his consultancy work with KCSS Global and his leadership at Legacy Centre of Excellence C.I.C, Keith continues to drive forward a bold vision of equity, cultural self-determination, and liberation through business, education, and the arts.
When asked about the foundations of equality, Kieth says:
“Any community that is disempowered is never going to have equality.”
