Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking

733: How Interdisciplinary Learning Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders (Ex McKinsey and Founder of the LIS)

Dec 2, 2024

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.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Beyond Grades: A Journey to Educational Reform

02:49 • 16min

From Fame to Founding: Lessons in Ambition

19:04 • 4min

Navigating Educational Innovation

23:18 • 20min

Redefining MBA for a Complex Future

43:36 • 6min

The Importance of Broadening Knowledge for Leadership Resilience

49:11 • 2min

The Power of Deep Learning and Understanding Human Behavior

50:58 • 2min

Empowering Future Contributions and Reflections

52:46 • 2min

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.

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

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