The Power of Public Value

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.

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.

Peter is 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.

Peter talks to Professor John Gosling about his journey from the automotive industry to academia, and his role as Director of Research Engagement and Impact at Cardiff Business School.

John 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.

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.

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.

What is the psychology behind money?

In this episode, Professor Arman Eshraghi, finance expert and honorary professor of finance at Cardiff Business School, 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.

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.

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.

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.