The B!G 5 Live is back!
Each week, we put one of our superstar mentors in the hot seat. They answer five questions in 15 seconds each — fast, fun, occasionally chaotic, and always packed with creative insight.
Since returning in October, we’ve welcomed an incredible line-up of mentors, including Donal O’Mahony, Head of the Experience Team at Verizon Connect; Deirdre Corcoran, Creative Director and CEO at Chapter; Stephen McGilloway, Owner of BigSmall; and Sharon Tighe, Director of Marketing at Maverick Communications.
One theme came up again and again: deadlines matter.
Donal was clear that pressure helps him perform at his best. While some people find inspiration in the shower, he thrives when working towards a clear deadline.
Deirdre agreed, explaining that a little pressure helps her stay focused and prevents ideas from drifting too far off course. Stephen finds his creative flow when collaborating with his team in the studio, while Sharon shared that she does her best creative thinking in the evenings.
Our mentors described creativity as far more than talent.
Creativity is a mindset, a way of thinking, and an openness to seeing things differently. It’s about collaboration, curiosity, and perspective.
As Donal summed it up perfectly: creativity is how we think — and everyone is creative, from children to pensioners and everyone in between.
Our mentors shared plenty of wisdom for students beginning their B!G Idea journey.
Sharon encouraged students not to fear challenges. Obstacles often push us to think harder and find better solutions. Stephen believes in practising and honing skills over time. Deirdre emphasised the importance of trusting your instinct.
At the heart of The B!G Idea is empathy — walking in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from a different perspective. Research matters, but empathy and intuition are what make ideas truly powerful.
Stephen captured one of The B!G Idea’s core values when asked about creative failure.
He explained that he doesn’t believe in creative failure at all. Instead, mistakes are part of a learning process. This perfectly reflects our belief in fLearning — learning through failure.
Every attempt teaches something new. Each step forward builds confidence and skill.
Even in just five minutes, our mentors share a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world experience. This is only a snapshot — and you could be part of it.
2,000 students need your guidance.
Join the B!G Mentor journey in 2022 and help shape the next generation of creative thinkers.
