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 series one, two and three on YouTube, or listen to all episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Series Four
Creating impact: research that makes a difference - Jon Gosling
Peter talks to Professor Jon Gosling about his journey from the automotive industry to academia, and his role as Director of Research Engagement and Impact at Cardiff Business School.
Jon discusses working across disciplines to tackle complex challenges in areas including construction, sustainability and the circular economy. He reflects on the importance of collaboration, the value of connecting research with real-world problems, and how universities can support work that creates positive change beyond academia.
The episode also explores the role of impact in research and why making a difference often starts with bringing people together around shared challenges.
Teaching for change: management, society and public value - Marcus Gomes
Peter’s joined by Dr Marcus Gomes to discuss teaching, research and the role of management in addressing social and environmental challenges.
Marcus reflects on his journey from Brazil to Cardiff and explores how universities can encourage students to think critically about leadership, responsibility and decision-making.
He discusses innovative teaching approaches developed through partnerships with community organisations, his work with international students, and how management education can prepare future leaders to consider the wider impact of their decisions.
Beyond the rankings: accreditation, impact and public value - Michelle Riddick
Peter speaks with Michelle Riddick, Accreditation and Rankings Manager at Cardiff Business School, about the art of telling a compelling institutional story.
Michelle reflects on her journey from studying journalism at Cardiff University to leading the School's accreditation activity. She discusses how curiosity, problem-solving and a talent for connecting ideas have helped her showcase the strengths of the School and the people within it.
The discussion explores how public value has shaped Cardiff Business School's identity, strengthened its accreditation narrative and helped demonstrate the real-world impact of its research, education and engagement activities.
Finding your place: public value through a student's eyes - Krishi Bhoyar
In a first for the podcast, Peter speaks with student Krishi Bhoyar, a Business Management student at Cardiff Business School.
Krishi reflects on her journey from India to Cardiff, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and the opportunities that helped her grow in confidence and independence.
She discusses student voice, volunteering and the importance of contributing to university life beyond the classroom. Drawing on her experiences and family background, Krishi shares her perspective on public value and how universities can help students develop the skills, confidence and outlook needed to make a positive difference in the world.
Using economics to tackle inequality - Melanie Jones
How can research help create fairer opportunities for everyone?
Peter talks to Professor Melanie Jones, Head of Economics at Cardiff Business School, about her work on labour market inequalities, disability, education and public policy.
Melanie discusses how economists can contribute to social change through research, collaboration and engagement with policymakers. She reflects on widening participation in economics, influencing government policy, and ensuring that evidence reaches the people who can act on it.
The episode explores the role universities play in connecting research with real-world challenges and creating positive impact for communities across Wales and beyond.
Creating connection: kindness, belonging and public value - Wayne Dickie
In this episode, Peter to Wayne Dickie, a Technical Support Officer whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. From welcoming students on their first day to celebrating with them at graduation, Wayne has become a familiar and valued presence in the Cardiff Business School community.
He shares how building relationships, treating everyone as equals and creating a sense of belonging can make a lasting difference to students studying far from home.
Together, Peter and Wayne explore what public value looks like in everyday actions, and how kindness, connection and community can shape experiences long after students leave Cardiff.
Building belonging: student voice and community - Catherine McIntosh
Peter talks to Catherine McIntosh, Director of Student Experience at Cardiff Business School.
From her journey as a Cardiff University student and researcher to her current leadership role, Catherine reflects on what it means to create an environment where students feel heard, valued and connected.
She discusses the importance of student voice, the challenges of balancing academic and leadership responsibilities, and why belonging plays a vital role in student success.
Looking beyond colonial legacies - Joshy Easaw
Peter’s joined by Professor Joshy Easaw to discuss how historical events continue to shape economies, institutions and opportunities around the world.
Drawing on research into the transatlantic slave trade, colonial legacies and development economics, Joshy explores the importance of understanding global challenges from different perspectives.
He reflects on decolonising research and teaching, widening participation in economics, and creating more equitable international partnerships. The conversation highlights how education and research can help us better understand the past while contributing to a fairer future.
Making improvement matter: systems thinking, learning and engagement - Sarah Lethbridge
Peter sits down with Sarah Lethbridge to discuss the ideas that have shaped her career, from lean thinking and systems improvement to executive education and external engagement.
Sarah shares how a chance opportunity introduced her to the world of lean systems, transforming the way she understood organisations, change and customer experience. She explains why listening to people, making knowledge visible and focusing on what matters most can unlock innovation and improvement.
The conversation explores the power of learning through collaboration, the importance of connecting research and practice, and how universities can work with organisations and communities to create meaningful impact.
Contact for further information
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.
