The Power of Public Value Podcast
The Power of Public Value, a podcast brought to you by Cardiff Business School, uncovers how to change our society and economy for the benefit of current and future generations.
We explore how to go beyond profit, to bring humanity, sustainability, generosity, and innovation to the business sector.
In each episode, a guest shares their powerful public value story with host, Professor Peter Wells, Pro Dean of Public Value at Cardiff Business School.
Hear how they interpret, define, and represent the school’s public value principles, guided by their own personal motivations, values, and research interests.
"The episodes show how we really place importance on the ethos of public value as a business school. It has been fascinating to have deep and meaningful conversations with our faculty and professional services colleagues about their inspiring research, teaching and engagement initiatives. We have addressed the importance of challenging the status quo in business to leave a positive impact on the world."
Watch on YouTube/ listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Series one
Episode 1: Creating societal change – Dr Deborah Hann
In the inaugural episode of our series, host Peter is in conversation with Dr Deborah Hann. Their discussion revolves around creating public value through research and teaching, leading to positive real-world change.
Deborah, a Reader in Employment Relations, sheds light on how her work has driven genuine societal impact. They focus on her research into the Living Wage and active engagement with Cardiff’s local communities.
Episode 2: The activist academic: reshaping the fashion industry – Dr Hakan Karaosman
In this episode, Peter and Dr Hakan Karaosman explore the intriguing concept of an activist academic and discuss how academia can serve as a catalyst for social and environmental change.
Hakan, a Lecturer in Supply Chain Management, shares his research into climate action and social justice in fashion supply chains. They also unpack the core values and motivations behind Hakan’s people-centred research and talk about how to measure success.
Episode 3: Sustainable procurement and future generations – Professor Jane Lynch
In episode 3, Professor Jane Lynch and Peter discuss embedding sustainability into procurement practices for the benefit of current and future generations.
They explore Jane’s role as the Director of the Centre of Public Value Procurement at Cardiff Business School. The conversation also touches upon the importance of collaboration and why we should challenge where we buy things from.
Episode 4: Materialistic values, happiness, and over-consumption – Dr Olaya Moldes Andres
Join us for this thought-provoking episode where Peter delves into conversation with Dr Olaya Moldes Andres, discussing her research on materialistic values and over-consumption.
As a Lecturer in Marketing and Strategy, Olaya tells us about her background in psychology and sheds light on the synergies between business and psychology. Also explored are topics such as consumerism, using wellbeing as a way to sell products, and how to measure happiness.
Episode 5: Hedgehogs, repurposing furniture and community engagement – Julia Leath
In episode 5, Peter is in conversation with Julia Leath, the Deputy Facilities Manager at Cardiff Business School, exploring how she weaves public value into her role.
Contributing positively to the surrounding community (including the local wildlife!), their discussion revolves around initiatives such as the Hedgehog Friendly Campus project, repurposing furniture, and fostering community engagement.
Episode 6: Calvin’s hypothesis: the future trajectory of public value - Professor Calvin Jones
In the final episode of the series, Peter is in conversation with Professor of Economics, Calvin Jones, where they unpack how Calvin helped to shape the public value narrative of Cardiff Business School.
As their conversation progresses, Calvin hypothesises the future trajectory of public value. He shares his personal view on what business schools could do next to further advance, and demonstrate, their commitment to public value and its evolution. This includes suggestions for disrupting existing HE models, revisiting international recruitment approaches, and other ways in which, from his perspective, academia could meet the challenge of creating a more sustainable world.
Series two
Episode 1: Uncovering modern slavery in global supply chains - Dr Maryam Lotfi
How many engineering degrees do you need to become an expert on modern slavery? In the first episode of our new series, Peter speaks with Dr Maryam Lotfi, Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Supply Chain Management, about her background and the compassion driving her work on the hidden realities in global supply chains.
She also shares how her research shapes her teaching and role in establishing the Modern Slavery and Social Sustainability Research Group.
Episode 2: Championing Welsh language and a global outlook - Professor Eleri Rosier
Peter sits down with Professor Eleri Rosier whose relentless energy and optimism makes her a perfect champion for Welsh language initiatives at Cardiff Business School. They also discuss her key role in attracting international students as the Director of Postgraduate Recruitment and Admissions. Eleri epitomises how Cardiff University balances Welsh roots with a global outlook.
Episode 3: Public value insights from a Cardiff MBA student - Jagatheep Kumar
Do farting cows have a place in the MBA programme? Apparently, yes. In episode 3, Peter chats with MBA student Jagatheep Kumar about his decision to study at Cardiff Business School and the focus on public value. Jagatheep shares how the MBA, and a small project on bovine methane emissions, shifted his perspective from viewing business as personal gain to understanding its impact on wider society.
Episode 4: Shaping policy for a Net Zero future - Dr Helen Tilley
If ever somebody was an illustration of the nomadic lives of modern academics it is Dr Helen Tilley, as revealed in her conversation with Peter.
Now settled as a Senior Research Fellow at the Wales Centre for Public Policy, Helen reflects on her career journey from international development roles overseas to shaping policy in Wales. They also discuss the role of the Centre in bringing experts together to provide crucial evidence for policymakers.
Episode 5: Closing the Gender Pay Gap - Dr Alison Parken
In this episode, Peter talks with Dr Alison Parken, about serendipity, networks, the advantage of being in Wales, and the chain of events that derive from a real determination to make things better. They discuss her research on workplace inequality, focusing on the gender pay gap, driving policy forward, and how she helps employers create fairer work practices.
Episode 6: Driving anti-racism change in Wales - Professor Emmanuel Ogbonna
Sometimes you just have to step up, because your values demand it. Peter speaks with Emmanuel Ogbonna, a Professor of Management and Organisation, about his work in spearheading the Welsh Government’s Black, Asian, and minority ethnic COVID-19 Advisory Group. They also discuss his ongoing work with Cardiff University’s anti-racism initiatives.
Episode 7: Extinction accounting and helping businesses address biodiversity - Professor Jill Atkins
Why is the extinction of the polar bear a risk to businesses? How can we help businesses address biodiversity?
Peter chats with Jill Atkins, a Professor of Accounting, about her research in extinction accounting, a pioneering area in academia and the wider financial world that is helping companies to report on biodiversity.
Episode 8: Shaping Wales’ food and drink future - Dr Robert Bowen
In episode 8, Peter is in conversation with Dr Robert Bowen, a passionate foodie and champion of Welsh food and drink on the global stage. How did his time in France help shape his research interests?
Robert discusses his background, insights from his research with food and drink SMEs, and his involvement in developing a food and drink strategy for Wales.
Episode 9: Economics for a better society - Dr Iain Long
Curious to hear a clear explanation from an economist? Is there a link between alcohol pricing and violence?
In the final episode of the series, Peter talks to Dr Iain Long about embedding public value into the economics degree programmes and his research which addresses key societal challenges.
Series three
Episode 1: Unpacking fast fashion: climate resilience and the supply chain – Amy Boote
In the first episode of our third series, Peter sits down with Amy Boote, a PhD student with a passion for fashion and sustainability.
After working as a buyer for a well-known retailer and feeling powerless about how to improve conditions for garment workers, Amy began her research project: Environmental Impact and Gender Inequality in the Fast Fashion Supply Chain: An Ecofeminist Perspective.
Amy discusses how she is motivated to break down the complexities of her research on climate resilience, empowering the garment worker voice and make a visible difference to supply chain policies.
Episode 2: Marketing morals and brave brands – Dr Zoe Lee
What role does branding play in today’s ethical landscape?
Dr Zoe Lee, Reader in Marketing at Cardiff Business School, joins Peter to discuss the growing commercialisation of the non-profit sector - and how businesses, in turn, are becoming more values-driven. Zoe draws on her research into how charities use branding to drive awareness and donations.
Together, they unpack how brand ethics influence consumer trust, talent attraction, and public perception. Zoe also shares insights on why brands must be bold in engaging with socio-political issues, and how storytelling and standing up for values is key to staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Episode 3: Driving public value through quality and collaboration – Professor Maneesh Kumar
Professor Maneesh Kumar joins Peter to discuss quality management, process excellence, and how adopting a public value approach, both environmentally and socially, can significantly enhance business calibre.
He shares insights into the power of cross-disciplinary, global collaborations and their role in solving complex challenges more effectively.
Passionate about equality, social enterprise, and healthcare, Maneesh talks about how his personal commitment to morals, ethics and family connect to making a meaningful impact on society, the community, and the wider world.
Episode 4: Building and refining a Public Value legacy – Professor Martin Kitchener
Professor Martin Kitchener shares insights with Peter on Cardiff Business School’s enduring commitment to Public Value. He chats about his role in establishing this ethos and multidisciplinary way of working through which the School distinguishes itself through today.
As Dean from 2012 to 2018, Martin challenged expectations by applying his research in public service governance, change, and performance to create a more rewarding experience for staff, students, and stakeholders.
He also shares how Cardiff’s economic context makes it an ideal setting for a Public Value business school and discusses his current research into purpose-driven organisations.
Episode 5: Connecting sectors and transforming businesses - Sharanne Basham-Pyke
How can organisations stay confident and creative during change?
In this episode, Peter chats with Sharanne Basham-Pyke, Director of Shad Consultancy Ltd, a trusted advisor to organisations across the private, public and third sectors.
Sharanne shares her journey, including 16 years on Cardiff Business School’s International Advisory Board, where she’s helped build strong, lasting connections.
Known for her expertise in business change and tremendous personal energy, Sharanne talks about working with large organisations to tackle challenges and spark innovation. She shares practical insights on how to stay purposeful, think creatively, and keep the bigger picture in mind.
Episode 6: Leading professional services with integrity, connection and advocacy – Dr Andrew Glanfield
Dr Andrew Glanfield, School Manager at Cardiff Business School and a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, shares insights into his work championing, developing, and supporting professional services staff.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Andrew highlights the value of knowledge sharing, honesty, empowerment, and board games for building strong, collaborative relationships between professional services and academic communities in higher education.
Episode 7: Finance meets psychology, shaping money and market decisions – Professor Arman Eshraghi
In this episode, Professor Arman Eshraghi, finance expert and former Cardiff Business School academic, unpacks how structured biases and personality traits shape market movements and investor decisions. In conversation with Peter, he delves into the rapid spread of information and disinformation in today’s financial landscape, and the illusion of risk-free profits.
Arman also reflects on modern methods of sharing research, including his TED Talk, and his journey into psychology.
Episode 8: Democratic organisations and technologies for climate action - Dr Genevieve Shanahan
In this episode, Dr Genevieve Shanahan joins Peter to explore her interest in alternative organisations and their potential to foster democratic practices and shared purpose.
Genevieve discusses how these organisations can influence markets and policymakers at enterprise scale, driving meaningful change to help steer society back on course in the face of the climate crisis.
Peter also explores Genevieve’s political activism and her recent research into democratic technologies designed to support co-operatives.
Episode 9: Entrepreneurship insights and creative cakes – Ryan Rowe
How did a local cake shop become a hub for creativity, community, and entrepreneurship?
Ryan Rowe has recently become an Entrepreneur in Residence for Cardiff Business School representing his and his partners’ business, Let Them See Cake, a Cardiff based cake shop and brunch cafe.
He chats with Peter about how pandemic restrictions sparked a new direction for his business, taking us through the journey of this popular cafe and commercial kitchen.
Peter and Ryan also discuss the benefits of supporting local businesses, giving back to the community, providing opportunities for networking and mentoring, and inspiring a new generation to pursue creative business ideas.
Contact for further information
Professor Peter Wells
Professor of Business and Sustainability, Director of the Centre for Automotive Industry Research, Pro Dean for Public Value
As the world’s first Public Value Business School, we care about more than economic success, we want to bring humanity, sustainability, generosity and innovation to the business sector.
