S6 Ep 59. Martin Allen Morales, CEO Institute of Imagination: The Power of Creativity and Play

Imagine if creativity and curiosity truly underpinned how children learn - what aspiration and innovation could be unleashed? How can we truly empower children to reimagine both their future and ours?This is the primary focus of the Institute of Imagination.In this episode,Martin Allen Morales, CEO of the Institute of Imagination, joins us for a conversation about the power of creativity, curiosity and play.We explore the Institute’s programmes that centre play as a core methodology within their pedagogy; and how they stay true to representing children’s voices.We talk about systems change and the need for disruption to build new models of aid and development.We also talk about Martin’s extraordinary journey coming to the U.K. from Peru as a child, and how he used the mediums of music and food to foster human connection and a sense of belonging.And how, 40 years on, anti-immigration sentiment still casts a shadow on British society… and what Andy Burnham’s new government needs to do to change it.Recorded August 2026.