Kim Mackenzie-Doyle
How The Big Idea Is Transforming Lives with Kim Mackenzie-Doyle Ep 250 - The Global Discussion
Host Simon Hodgkins welcomed a genuinely inspiring guest: Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, Instigator and CEO of The Big Idea. With a powerful personal story and a passion for reshaping education through creativity and problem-solving, Kim is not just talking about change—she's building it from the ground up.
From Adversity to Action
Kim's journey began with a traumatic childhood experience that shaped her understanding of adversity, resilience, and the importance of empathy. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD, Kim shared how traditional learning environments were not built for minds like hers—creative, energetic, and relentlessly curious. Instead of being defeated by a rigid system, she carved her own path through industrial design, becoming a rare female force in a male-dominated field and eventually pioneering a movement that brings innovative thinking to the next generation.
What is The Big Idea?
Founded only five years ago, The Big Idea is an award-winning, non-profit education initiative that empowers 15 to 19-year-olds across Ireland and Northern Ireland. At its core, it's a national creative education program that unlocks students' potential by teaching industry-grade problem-solving skills. But it's more than a curriculum—it's a mindset shift.
The Big Idea uses an agile, tech-driven platform to deliver 25 workshops facilitated by teachers and supported by real-world mentors from various industries. These mentors help students develop their projects, giving feedback, guidance, and crucial exposure to new ideas and potential career paths.
Kim's goal? To democratize access to design thinking and innovation tools—tools that helped her succeed against the odds—and equip young people to tackle the major challenges facing society today.
Big Impact, Real Stories
For Kim, success isn't measured just in numbers (although they've already worked with over 10,000 students). It's the stories that fuel her fire.
She spoke passionately about a student who designed a gamified savings app for his single mother—a simple, beautiful innovation that strengthened their bond. Or the group of students from Tullamore who, having lost friends to suicide, developed a mental health platform by young people, for young people. These are not hypothetical exercises—they're real-world solutions created by students with lived experience and fresh perspectives.
Scaling a Movement
As a former president of the Institute of Designers in Ireland and a relentless advocate for integrating industry with education, Kim has her eyes set on scaling. In the next 6–12 months, The Big Idea will focus on expanding its technology platform, securing financial sustainability, and achieving full charitable status. Each of these steps will unlock even greater impact and enable deeper industry partnerships.
At the same time, Kim emphasized the importance of balance, sharing her new love for rowing and the joy of finding time to recharge—proving that even instigators need space to think.
Get Involved
If you're a teacher, industry professional, corporate partner, or simply someone who believes in the power of education to shape a better future—The Big Idea needs you. From mentoring students to sponsoring programs, every contribution helps keep these transformative programs free and accessible.
Learn more or get involved: www.thebigidea.ie
About The Global Discussion
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