The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

502: Ex McKinsey and Founder of the LIS on How Interdisciplinary Learning Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders

Nov 20, 2024

Ed Fidoe, founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, shares his remarkable journey from child actor to McKinsey consultant to education innovator. He discusses the limitations of traditional schooling and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to tackle complex global issues. Fidoe emphasizes the role of AI in reshaping education and the importance of broad intellectual curiosity for future leaders. He also unveils an innovative MBA program designed to address today's pressing challenges, fostering a new generation of thinkers.

55:54

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Ed Fidoe

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Quick takeaways

Ed Fidoe's journey from arts to consulting underscores the importance of a non-linear career path in fostering innovative educational practices.

The establishment of the London Interdisciplinary School highlights the challenges of navigating regulatory barriers while trying to innovate within the UK education system.

Fidoe advocates for a new MBA model focused on real-world challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking skills for future leaders.

Deep dives

Ed Fido's Journey and Vision for Education

Ed Fido's career exemplifies a non-linear, or 'squiggly,' trajectory leading him to establish the London Interdisciplinary School, aimed at addressing pressing global challenges. Initially drawn to the arts, he pursued a career in mechanical engineering before shifting to consulting at McKinsey, which provided him with valuable insights and a network that eventually facilitated his educational ambitions. His vision for education emerged from his experiences in both traditional schooling and the limitations he observed within the system, particularly its singular focus on exam results at the expense of creativity and broader skill development. Fido's desire to create a more meaningful, interdisciplinary approach to education is rooted in his belief that students should be equipped to tackle complex issues like inequality and sustainability through collaborative and design-thinking methodologies.

Intro

2min

From Stage to School: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

5min

From Theater to Consulting: A Journey of Transformation

17min

Building an Innovative Educational Institution

20min

Redefining MBA Education for Complex Challenges

6min

Expanding Intellectual Horizons

3min

The Impact of Interdisciplinary Learning on Leadership Development

2min

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 502, an interview with Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), the first institution in decades to be granted degree-awarding powers from inception in the UK and offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on tackling complex global issues such as inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI.

In this episode, Ed shares his journey from child actor to McKinsey consultant to educational innovator. Throughout the conversation, Ed emphasizes the importance of broad intellectual curiosity, the growing impact of AI on education, and the need for future leaders to develop skills beyond traditional academics. His story illustrates how combining consulting expertise with educational vision can drive meaningful change in learning institutions.

Before LIS, Ed co-founded School 21, an acclaimed school designed to nurture children from diverse backgrounds, achieving Outstanding Ofsted within two years. He also founded Voice 21, a leading oracy education charity. Ed’s latest endeavour involves expanding the LIS’ offering to include a future-proof MBA challenger, alongside the existing undergraduate, master, and leadership programs.

From his early days as a child actor on ‘Woof!’, and setting up a theatre production company with Oscar-nominee Matt Charman, to his tenure at McKinsey & Co., Ed’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of change. His transformative vision has attracted educators from esteemed institutions worldwide, united by a shared belief in LIS’s mission to reshape higher education. Ed’s narrative is one of passion, innovation, and purpose, promising to inspire and challenge conversations about the future of learning.

Learn more about Ed here: https://speakonpodcasts.com/ed-fidoe/

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The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

502: Ex McKinsey and Founder of the LIS on How Interdisciplinary Learning Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Ed Fido's Journey and Vision for Education

Challenges in Achieving Educational Innovation

The Need for Interdisciplinary Learning

Equipping Future Leaders for Complexity

The Impact of AI on Education and Workforce Dynamics

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts