Interviews
Name: Mary Moloney
TCD Qualifications: LL.B Law (1991)
Title: Global CEO CoderDojo Foundation
About: Since early 2014, Mary has been the Global CEO of CoderDojo, a network of technology clubs for kids & young people. With more than 1,040 clubs in 65 countries around the world, CoderDojo currently reaches 45,000 kids on a weekly basis through a community of 7,500 volunteers. Prior to this, Mary was a Partner at Accenture, working for 20+ years in senior positions and engaging with clients across the UK & Ireland, EMEA and international markets.
What is CoderDojo?
There are many very special things that make CoderDojo unique, reflected in our motto; One Rule, Be Cool! CoderDojo introduces kids to learning about technology in safe, fun & creative club based learning environments. The kids choose the themes and projects to work on which range from websites, apps, games, wearable technology, robots, drones and more. They identify the most suitable coding language for that particular project and learn how to code.
How did your career lead you from a Law undergrad at Trinity into the technology sector?
I really enjoyed studying law at Trinity and during my third year summer holidays I interned as a paralegal in a law firm in Manhattan. This experience gave me an insight into what a career in law would be like. Thereafter, to determine if I was choosing the right career path for me, I applied for opportunities in other areas of business. I was offered a position at Accenture, a company I was unfamiliar with but was held in high regard by my Trinity colleagues. On my first day working at Accenture I learnt COBOL computer programming and that is where my passion for technology began.
What is your fondest memory from your Trinity days?
My four years at Trinity were filled with fun and friendship. The Law faculty was relatively small at the time so the lecturers and students from across all four years knew one another. There were two lecturers that went on to become Presidents of Ireland which reflects the calibre of the faculty. I lived in House 9 rooms during my final year, getting to call Front Square home was a privilege and having friends as neighbours made trips to the Pav and the Buttery as frequent as visits to the Berkeley Library.
What has been your greatest achievement since taking over as Global CEO of CoderDojo?
There have been many highlights, such as bringing the kids to conferences like the Global Economic Forum at Davos, the Web Summit and SouthxSouthWest. At these events we've had the opportunity to influence world leaders from business and politics to reconsider their approaches to developing the talents of the next generation. However, the greatest achievement has been engaging with individuals and organisations to inspire them to support the movement and help us reach more kids. Over the last two years we have scaled the movement from 270 clubs in 20 countries to a notable 1,040 clubs in 65 countries.
What has been your biggest challenge?
To maintain a feeling of connectedness and belonging within a rapidly growing global organisation across different countries and cultures. In response, we have undertaken interventions like translating all CoderDojo content into multiple languages, supporting multiple communications and social media channels. We strive to ensure that all Dojos kids are always safe and enjoy a free, creative learning environment. We have achieved this through interventions that included ensuring that all Dojos follow our guiding practices, ethos and best practices for child protection and mentoring.
Tell us about the positive impacts that digital training is having on kids today?
The kids of today are surrounded by technology in their daily lives. It is paramount that they learn about how this technology is developed and how it operates. This digital training empowers and enables them not just to fully understand it, but also to develop it. It is a really positive experience for kids to discover that technology is not just there to be consumed but can actually be used to create. We recently hosted the CoderDojo Annual Global Coolest Projects competition for kids in Dublin. In total, 900 kids from the community developed 700 quality projects and showcased them to 12,000 attendees.
What is the most useful piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A mantra that really works for me is, "We're all going to die". I say it in the most positive way possible! In essence we only have the here and now, so we have to make the most of it.
How do you sustain a work life balance?
Thankfully my work is an enjoyable part of my life, so I don't struggle a lot with maintaining a work life balance. However, the lines can sometimes get blurred as ‘wifi permitting’ I can work anytime from anywhere. In the incidences when I need a total break, I use the off button on all technology devices.