In this episode, host Dr. Maria-Artemis Kolliniati speaks with Prof. Dr. Mark Goodale about one of the defining resources of the green transition — lithium. The conversation delves into the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of lithium extraction, including the ongoing debates surrounding lithium projects in Serbia and the wider Balkan region. They reflect on how communities, governments, and industries navigate the tension between innovation, sustainability, and local impact.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, and the views and opinions expressed are those of the guest(s).

In this episode, host Charlotte Daly is joined by Dr. Maria-Artemis Kolliniati to explore one of the moral challenges shaping our world today: freedom versus fairness. They begin by introducing the core values of libertarianism and egalitarianism before examining how influential thinkers like Robert Nozick and John Rawls clash in their views on justice, taxation, and wealth redistribution.

The conversation also turns to Ronald Dworkin’s idea of treating individuals with “equal concern and respect” and unpacks what this principle means for rights and justice in practice. Finally, they ask: Can a society truly prioritise both individual liberty and equality, or must one always come at the expense of the other?

In this episode, host Charlotte Daly discusses with Dr. Goran Ridic the potential of entering a new economic era. They start with the basics of economics and then dive into how economists define major shifts in the global economic landscape. The discussion then turns to recent developments, including new U.S. tariffs and the potential resurgence of protectionist policies. What do these changes mean for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs)? Is the era of global free trade coming to an end?

As the global push for sustainability grows, the spotlight turns to small and medium-sized enterprises, key players in transitioning South Eastern and Eastern Europe towards a low-carbon future. In this episode, host Katarina Zdraljevic (Group Sustainability Team Leader - ProCredit Holding) is joined by Danko Kalkan (Senior Manager - EY) to talk about the pivotal role of SMEs in sustainability and focus on their responsibilities in meeting regulatory demands, market expectations, and reporting requirements. They discuss the major challenges SMEs face and delve into the business case for decarbonisation and how SMEs can benefit from adopting sustainable practices. The discussion then highlights banks’ crucial role in supporting SMEs and offers guidance to help them transition towards a greener future.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, questions arise about the role of financial institutions in fostering a greener future. In this episode, host Dr. Felix Eickelbeck (Lecturer - ProCredit Academy) is joined by Dr. Gian Marco Felice (Member of ProCredit Holding Management Board) to talk about the growing importance of sustainable banking and discuss why sustainability has become crucial in recent years. The conversation highlights key challenges banks face in balancing profitability with sustainability goals. It then examines the ProCredit approach as an example of responsible banking. Finally, they explore the future of the sustainable banking industry and its potential to shape a greener, more responsible financial sector.

As one of the most influential platforms today, TikTok continues to shape the digital culture and influences how we consume content and interact online. In this episode, host Dr. Felix Eickelbeck (Lecturer - ProCredit Academy) is joined by Prof. Dr. Alexander Hahn (Professor of User Experience Research) to talk about why TikTok has become so powerful and delve into TikTok’s algorithm and how it shapes user behaviour. They also examine the implications for individual users as well as the broader societal impacts, including cultural trends and information dissemination. The discussion ends with recommendations for navigating TikTok responsibly as both individuals and communities.