Design Thinking, Independent Learning, Human‑Centered Education | Dr. Sabba Quidwai

In this episode of The Learning Can’t Wait Podcast, Dr. Sabba Quidwai, CEO and founder of Designing Schools, shares how her journey from graduating during a recession to becoming a leader in design thinking and educational innovation has shaped her belief in empowering students and educators with the mindsets and skills to adapt in a rapidly evolving, AI‑powered world. She discusses the importance of independent learning, critical thinking, and empathy, debunks the “digital native” myth, and highlights how design thinking equips individuals to navigate ambiguity and shape their own destinies. Drawing from her work with future educators at UC Irvine, she describes shifting students’ skepticism about AI to optimism through hands‑on, reflective experiences—reinforcing that the human element in education is irreplaceable and essential for preparing learners for an uncertain future.