What Four Days at DJ Camp Taught Me About Leadership | Mini Episode

mgraziano45
Aug 4
2 min read

What happens when you step away from your day-to-day work and spend a week teaching someone else?

For Amani Roberts, the answer came at Camp Spin Off, a nonprofit summer camp for aspiring DJs and music producers. During four days of teaching music business, mentoring students, and even leading salsa lessons, he discovered that giving back wasn't just rewarding—it made him a better educator, leader, and entrepreneur. Alongside Mandi Graziano, he shares why investing in the next generation often pays dividends in your own career.

Teaching Is One of the Best Leadership Exercises

At Camp Spin Off, Amani wasn't simply delivering lessons. He was constantly adapting to different personalities, learning styles, and experience levels.

The camp combined music production, DJ instruction, guest speakers, and business education, giving students the opportunity to explore both the creative and professional sides of the industry. In the process, Amani found himself learning just as much as the students.

The Next Generation Can Teach You, Too

One of Amani's favorite classroom activities asks students to debate music marketing questions, compare artists, and build hypothetical supergroups using a budget.

The discussions revealed how younger generations think about branding, social media, and music, while also creating opportunities to teach broader business concepts like the value of owning an email list and the difference between paid, owned, and earned media.

For business leaders, it's a reminder that mentorship doesn't have to be one-sided. Listening can be just as valuable as teaching.

Volunteering Creates Value Beyond a Paycheck

Camp Spin Off is an all-volunteer experience, but Amani explains that the reward comes in different ways.

Working with motivated students, collaborating with fellow instructors, and watching young creators grow left him energized long after camp ended. Mandi points out that experiences like these also sharpen leadership skills, expose you to new ideas, and provide lessons you can bring back into your own business.

Great Leaders Stay Connected to the Future

Camp Spin Off welcomes aspiring DJs and producers from across the country, while also providing scholarships for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.

For Amani, the experience reinforced an important lesson: investing time in the next generation isn't just about giving back. It's one of the best ways to stay curious, continue learning, and remain connected to where your industry is headed.

The Takeaway

Leadership isn't only about managing teams or growing a business. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from stepping into the role of teacher. By mentoring others, staying open to new perspectives, and investing in the next generation, you often discover lessons that make you a stronger leader yourself.