733: How Interdisciplinary Learning Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders (Ex McKinsey and Founder of the LIS)
Dec 2, 2024
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In this conversation, Ed Fidoe, founder of the London Interdisciplinary School and former McKinsey consultant, discusses his unique journey from child actor to educational innovator. He explores the vital role of interdisciplinary learning in addressing global challenges like AI and sustainability. Ed emphasizes moving beyond traditional academic metrics, advocating for curiosity-driven environments that foster personal growth. He also unveils plans for a revolutionary MBA program designed to equip future leaders with essential skills for tomorrow's complexities.
Ed Fidoe emphasizes the necessity of an interdisciplinary curriculum to equip future leaders with diverse skills for tackling complex global challenges.
Fidoe draws on his McKinsey experience to illustrate the significance of curiosity and networking in fostering leadership and problem-solving abilities.
The establishment of the London Interdisciplinary School highlights the challenges and dedication required to innovate within the educational landscape amidst regulatory hurdles.
Deep dives
The Journey to Education Innovation
The founder of the London Interdisciplinary School, Ed Fido, shares his unique career path, which started with childhood acting and led him through a mechanical engineering degree to a consultancy role at McKinsey. His aspiration to start a school emerged from his own educational experiences, where he recognized a gap in the focus on grades over holistic development. After spending four years at McKinsey, he left to launch School 21, implementing innovative teaching methods with a focus on oracy and project-based learning. Fido's experience at McKinsey equipped him with a strong foundation in strategy and problem-solving, which has been vital in his educational ventures, culminating in the establishment of the interdisciplinary university in 2021.
Challenging Traditional Education Models
Fido critiques the narrowing of educational choices in the UK, where students often limit their subjects at a young age, which he believes prepares them inadequately for a complex, interdisciplinary world. He underscores the importance of retaining diverse subjects throughout education, emphasizing that skills in the arts, sciences, and humanities are essential in a data-driven job market. The focus on broad skillsets is not just beneficial, but necessary according to Fido, who aims for his school and university to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of tackling complex issues like sustainability and AI. By fostering interdisciplinary approaches, the goal is to redefine how students engage with their learning and prepare for future challenges.
Insights Gained from Consulting
Fido reflects on his time at McKinsey, highlighting the firm's culture of curiosity and its focus on learning rather than prestige. This mindset allowed him to thrive despite his unique background, as he worked across various sectors and projects, gaining invaluable insights into problem structuring and analysis. Fido emphasizes the importance of networking during his consultancy tenure, advising others to cultivate relationships that extend beyond their immediate work. The analytical skills and collaborative experiences he gained at McKinsey have directly influenced his leadership style at the London Interdisciplinary School.
Navigating Regulatory Challenges in Education
Establishing a new university involved significant hurdles, primarily in obtaining regulatory approval, which required meticulous planning and immense dedication. Fido recounts the frustrations his team faced when they almost failed due to bureaucratic errors, compelling them to pivot strategies and assemble a specialized team focused on meeting regulatory requirements. Their tenacity led to a comprehensive submission that ultimately secured their approval, allowing for the university's unique interdisciplinary curriculum to flourish. Fido's experience illustrates the complexities of educational reform, requiring both innovative approaches and a strong adherence to regulations.
Vision for the Future of Education and Business
Fido discusses the importance of adaptability in an evolving educational landscape, particularly as AI technology reshapes industry demands. He believes leaders must broaden their knowledge base beyond their immediate fields to foster resilience and innovation in their organizations. With the launch of a new MBA program that focuses on complex, real-world problems, Fido aims to equip future leaders with the versatility needed for today's challenges. His vision incorporates insights from sociology, psychology, and the evolving dynamics of technology in society, aiming to prepare students for roles that demand adaptability and critical thinking.
Welcome to 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.
