about us

Overview

12

years
experience

13

languages

16

FACILITATORS

15K+

satisfied
participants

12

years experience

13

languages

16

FACILITATORS

15K+

satisfied participants

Our Story

about us

Our Story

Performing Ideas was founded by Brian McCarthy in 2006. He is the creative director and the principal designer of all methodologies, tools and workshops produced by the company.

Brian's draws inspiration from his academic experience in philosophy and teaching at the world's leading corporate universities and business schools, including the world's No.1 executive MBA at IESE; his years working in innovation at Alpha, Europe's first moonshot factory; and his background as a professional writer and theatre director.

As the company has grown, he has assembled a highly skilled and diverse team of teachers and facilitators that all share a passion for creating truly transformative experiences for organisations, teams and leaders.

We believe that what differentiates us is our emphasis on experience design, practical real-world advice, academic rigour and a holistic approach to learning that takes into account the intellectual, emotional and physical needs of our participants.

We are anti-gurus, anti-feel-good inspirational BS, anti-business-shtick, anti-cliche and anti-one-size fits all.

Performing Ideas was founded by Brian McCarthy in 2006. He is the creative director and the principal designer of all methodologies, tools and workshops produced by the company.

Brian's draws inspiration from his academic experience in philosophy and teaching at the world's leading corporate universities and business schools, including the world's No.1 executive MBA at IESE; his years working in innovation at Alpha, Europe's first moonshot factory; and his background as a professional writer and theatre director.

As the company has grown, he has assembled a highly skilled and diverse team of teachers and facilitators that all share a passion for creating truly transformative experiences for organisations, teams and leaders.

We believe that what differentiates us is our emphasis on experience design, practical real-world advice, academic rigour and a holistic approach to learning that takes into account the intellectual, emotional and physical needs of our participants.

We are anti-gurus, anti-feel-good inspirational BS, anti-business-shtick, anti-cliche and anti-one-size fits all.

Guiding Principles

# 1

Worthwhile Projects

We only work on worthwhile projects that make the world a better place for everyone - always aiming for respect, authenticity and sustainability.

# 2

Holistic Approach

We take a holistic approach to designing these experiences - taking into account the physical, emotional, intellectual and cultural needs of the participants.

# 3

Co-creation

We co-create with our clients. We will make suggestions and throw many ideas on the table for discussion, but in the end we will create the experience with you to achieve your objectives while working within the unavoidable limits of time and resources, and never forgetting about the experiences of the end user - the participants. 

# 4

Multi-disciplinary

Multidisciplinary teams have the best ideas and make the best designs. Performing Ideas is made up of a diverse international team (ranging across 4 continents) with deep experience from a wide range of backgrounds (tech, innovation, design, theatre, education, science, philosophy).

# 1

Worthwhile Projects

We only work on worthwhile projects that make the world a better place for everyone - always aiming for respect, authenticity and sustainability.

# 2

Holistic Approach

We take a holistic approach to designing these experiences - taking into account the physical, emotional, intellectual and cultural needs of the participants.

# 3

Co-creation

We co-create with our clients. We will make suggestions and throw many ideas on the table for discussion, but in the end we will create the experience with you to achieve your objectives while working within the unavoidable limits of time and resources, and never forgetting about the experiences of the end user - the participants. 

# 4

Multidisciplinary

Multidisciplinary teams have the best ideas and make the best designs. Performing Ideas is made up of a diverse international team (ranging across 4 continents) with deep experience from a wide range of backgrounds (tech, innovation, design, theatre, education, science, philosophy).

Our Track Record

Since 2011, we have designed and delivered bespoke leadership programmes, innovation workshops, and culture-change initiatives for some of the world’s leading companies, corporate universities and business schools. We’re also proud to work with medical doctors, scientists, and humanitarian workers from the world’s most respected public institutions and NGOs.