Pictured: Kim Mackenzie-Doyle is CEO and founder of The B!G Idea.
Kim Mackenzie-Doyle is CEO and founder of The B!G Idea, a creative education initiative that aims to put creative thinking at the centre of Ireland’s second-level education system. Kim is a former President and Director of the Institute of Designers Ireland and is a firm believer in the power of creativity to effect positive change.
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My goal is to make real change happen in how we educate our young people and support their creative and critical thinking development. We want to help young people think differently about the challenges they face, supporting them to think B!G.
What are your biggest challenges as CEO?
Switching off. I have found my passion and purpose through The B!G Idea which is a dangerous privilege. I have navigated burnout and operate toasty around the edges. In 2024 I am aiming for more balance.
How do you keep your team/ staff motivated?
We are a fully remote team which can be a challenge as you don’t have those natural water cooler moments. We do make a point of celebrating wins together with a safe space to talk about failure. We call it Flearning, something that’s very important in our student programme.
What are the challenges facing the education sector going forward?
The education sector is at a vulnerable but exciting crossroads. 65% of jobs have not been created yet for those entering second-level. The pace of change in industry is incredible but most of our education is based on rote learning which suits particular brain types. Industry and society demand problem-solvers, lateral thinkers and collaborators, those who can build connections and viable solutions.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
Online and virtual learning is growing rapidly, with AI being used to support personalised education. There is an increasing emphasis on social-emotional skills like empathy, cooperation and resilience. There is also more focus on project-based learning and problem-solving through real-world applications. Gamification and utilising informal learning resources (such as YouTube) are also emerging trends.
As an employer are you finding any skill gaps in the market?
We are lucky to have a core team of unicorns, people who can bring the magic exactly when it’s needed. Our biggest challenge is retention, as living costs rise people naturally want a salary increase and being a purpose-driven organisation our ambitions frequently don’t match our bank account.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
It would be brilliant to see Enterprise Ireland (EI) support for scaling social enterprises. This year our initiative was the only Irish programme in the top 100 of the world’s most scalable and innovative educational initiatives (HundrED Global Collection 2024), yet we don’t qualify for EI funding.
Investing in The B!G Idea is not for commercial gain, but for the country’s benefit. Helping people reach their true potential will make for a better society and economy for our future.
How do you define success and what drives you to succeed?
The stories I hear of the deeper impact we are making. We are transforming futures, giving confidence to young people, supporting untypical leaders and in some cases giving a voice to the voiceless. That drives me, knowing that what we are doing is working.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given, or would give, in business?
We miss 100% of the shots we don’t take, I can’t own that one – it’s Wayne Gretzky. The creative thinking process has empowered me to embrace risk and failure, developing a fierce resilience. The rewards always outweigh any disadvantages; if it does not work out the first time do it better the next time.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
The highlights are connected with the lowlights, a challenging time with tech development has allowed us to overcome and build for scale, and knowing the potential of what we can achieve for young people is so rewarding.
What’s next for your organisation?
World domination. I won’t put a cap on our ambition or potential. The B!G Idea can achieve dynamic change in different countries.
Where do you want your business to be this time next year?
I would love The B!G Idea to be in every county in Ireland. Working with at least 50% of DEIS schools – the skills are for everyone. We have two very exciting revenue-generating activities we are working on and I want them both to launch by 2025.
What advice would you have to others starting out in business?
Ask for advice. I spent the first 3 months meeting with people to learn from them and their experiences. Their advice was invaluable. Many incredible entrepreneurs in Ireland are so generous with their time.
What is the best book you’ve ever read (non-business) and why?
One series I enjoyed recently was Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club; really clever and touching.
What is your favourite hobby and why?
I have very busy hands so when I can I make, break or fix. I practise origami, knitting or needlepoint; it helps me to remain productive but slow the brain a little.
What is your mantra for life?
I have 10 Kim-mandments, lessons I have learned over the years. My favourite is ‘Thou shalt stay uncomfortable’. If we push ourselves into that zone a little more, leaps forward are possible.
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