Shona McCarthy

Ric Lewis, a property investment guru, Kate Bingham, a biotech venture specialist and former vaccine task force head, and Shona McCarthy, an arts leader with deep festival roots, dive into Britain's strengths. They discuss the UK’s creative industries, highlighting the economic impact of the Edinburgh Fringe and the Premier League as cultural exports. Bingham sheds light on the life sciences sector's success, driven by education and AI innovation. The guests call for a national focus on true centres of excellence to build on these strengths.

Shona McCarthy, a Northern Irish artist and CEO of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, dives into the pressing issues of inequality and the power of arts to inspire change. She emphasizes that political leadership is faltering, urging organizations to model sustainable practices. The arts, she argues, are vital in fostering curiosity and open debate, serving as a unique platform for addressing societal challenges. Through her insights, Shona reveals how artists are essential communicators, capable of bridging divides and igniting transformative dialogue.