B!G Mentor Interview: Scott Burnett, WOVE
We believe The B!G Idea is helping shape the future of education in Ireland. However, we also wanted to hear directly from the mentors who support our students each year. So, we spoke with some of our inspiring mentors to get their perspective.
Our first interviewee is Scott Burnett, founder and Strategic Director of WOVE, a strategic design consultancy. Here’s what he had to say about creativity, mentoring, and supporting the next generation.
Why do you think creative skills are important at second level?
“To me, creativity and critical thinking are two of the most important skills for any job today — and they’ll be even more important in 10 or 15 years. These skills will be needed across every industry and in almost everything young people do in the future.”
What is mentoring?
“Mentoring is about giving people the benefit of your experience. It’s giving your time, sharing feedback, and helping others understand what they’re doing and how things work. It’s about guiding them as they develop their ideas and skills.”
Can you take us through the B!G Idea mentoring process?
“The process is simple and very accessible. You log on a couple of times, review the students’ work in a particular area, and then give practical feedback. You share thoughts, tips, and suggestions, and offer support and encouragement to help them develop their ideas further.”
What was the most important part of mentoring for you?
“For me, the most important part was seeing how young people think. It was fascinating to see where their heads are at in terms of creativity and critical thinking. You get a real insight into how they connect with the world and the kinds of ideas they’re developing.”
What was your biggest takeaway from mentoring?
“My biggest takeaway is that there’s a generation of young people who care deeply about important global challenges. They’re passionate and genuinely want to create positive change. That’s incredibly encouraging to see.”
Would you have benefited from The B!G Idea at school?
“I would have loved a programme like The B!G Idea when I was in school. We had art classes, but nothing that connected creativity to real-life challenges. Having the chance to apply creative thinking to real-world situations would have been hugely beneficial.”
Did you enjoy the mentoring process and feel supported?
“Yes, the mentoring process was great. I felt very supported throughout. The digital platform is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much time, so it fits well around work and life. Overall, it was a really positive experience.”
Would you recommend mentoring to others?
“I would absolutely recommend getting involved. It’s a great opportunity for designers and professionals with experience to connect with young people who are just starting out. It also helps you reflect on your own work and see it from a fresh perspective.”
Interested in supporting the next generation of creative thinkers?
Find out more about becoming a B!G Idea mentor and join our growing community.
