Life of PIE podcast

Dealing with 'crises' and not a crisis is becoming the norm for us today. During times of crisis or adversity, female entrepreneurs find themselves faced with multidimensional challenges which they have to navigate using the resources available to them. More often than not, they are hit the hardest by a crisis and find themselves experiencing inter-role conflict. How do they navigate such challenges? In this first episode of Life of PIE with Onya Idoko, we discuss this question with Bidisha Pandey, a former UCL Institute for Global Prosperity MSc PIE student.

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An ‘addiction’ to GDP has led to policies that favour increased economic production without consideration of the effects on society or the environment. In this episode with Justin Van Wyk (UCL MSc PIE alumnus) and Robert Costanza (Professor of Ecological Economics at UCL Institute for Global Prosperity), we discuss the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), one of several alternative measures to GDP which takes into consideration the impact of economic activity on social wellbeing.

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Can climate justice principles be applied to businesses? The research on climate justice has grown significantly in the last decade, however, its practical implications are still unclear, and research has mostly been limited to national government responses rather than corporations. How can B Corp businesses advance a just transformation to sustainability? How do they manage the tensions that exist between mission and market-oriented practices? In this episode we discuss these questions with Sarah Wyns (UCL MSc PIE alumna) and James Perry (Co-chairman of Cook & Co-founder of the B Corp movement in the UK).

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Urban greenspaces not only have environmental benefits, but they also have social benefits. They are spaces that bring communities together and contribute to mental health and wellbeing. While these spaces are important and, on the surface, seem to be accessible to all, research by former MSc Global Prosperity student Nyma Haqqani shows that these spaces are in fact inaccessible to ethnic minority groups. How do we achieve environmental equity for all and contribute to the creation and promotion of socially sustainable cities? Nyma Haqqani (Social Consultant and MSc Global Prosperity alumni) and Paul Ely (Trustee for the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces) join this conversation about urban greenspaces and community-led approaches to social inclusion.

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Reducing coal consumption is crucial for China's sustainable development. To achieve this goal, the Chinese government has implemented various policies aimed at promoting a transition to clean energy, such as the "coal to gas" and "coal to electricity" initiatives. In this episode, Lydia Qui, an alumna of the MSc PIE program and currently a Risk analyst at TikTok, focuses on the metropolitan region of Jing-Jin-Ji. She analyses the impact of the "coal to gas" and "coal to electricity" policies on the winter heating sector, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. 

During their conversation, Onya and Lydia discuss the key characteristics, impacts, limitations, and differences between these policies. They also delve into the consequences of implementing these policies for the residents of Jing-Jin-Ji, as well as the implications of Lydia's findings for policymakers and corporations.

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Celebrate International Women's Day with a special first episode of the new series of Life of PIE! Host Onya Idoko delves into the complex world of women's health alongside Kris Teow, an MSc PIE alum from the 2022-23 cohort. Kris shares findings from her qualitative study on the experiences of Malaysian corporate women, shedding light on the diverse ways women's health is perceived and managed globally. From the cultural construction of women's bodies to the stigma surrounding menstruation and menopause, the conversation explores the nuanced factors that shape women's health. 

Join them as they navigate cultural nuances and societal expectations and raise crucial questions. How do cultural norms shape women's health? What challenges do women face in different corners of the world? Join this eye-opening episode to unravel the complexities of women's health on a global scale, as Onya and Kris invite you to explore, question, and advocate for a more inclusive approach to women's well-being.

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Public spaces like parks are increasingly becoming less accessible. This phenomenon, observable from London to Lima, affects how we socialise, engage in physical activities and participate in our communities. One reason for this lack of access is the commodification of these spaces but what are the consequences of charging a fee to access a park?

In this episode, Onya speaks with Nadir Chioino, an MSc PIE alum and multidisciplinary designer, and Daniela Chong, a city planner, architect and designer from Lima, Peru. What are the benefits of public spaces for our well-being, and what are the consequences when these spaces are privatized and become less accessible?

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What happens when a career you've dedicated your whole life to suddenly comes to an end? Onya sits down with Xuecong Wang, an alum from the Prosperity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship programme, and Aditi Mutatkar, a former athlete and Program Head of Athlete and Women Initiatives at the Simply Sport Foundation. Simply Sport Foundation is an organisation dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by athletes when they retire from professional sports, offering them the necessary tools and guidance for a successful career transition. Together, they explore the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of their sports careers. Drawing from Xuecong’s research and Aditi’s grassroots work supporting athletes, they discuss the impact of balancing sports with academia, the lack of infrastructure for athlete career support, and the vital need for career transition assistance programs. Hear how the right preparation can help athletes transition successfully beyond their playing years. The Simply Sport Foundation website: www.simplysport.in/

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In the final episode of series 2 of The Life of PIE, we explore the unique challenges social enterprises face as they balance growth with their mission. How can social enterprises expand while staying true to their core purpose?

Onya and Jacob McMahon, a Life of PIE alum from the 22-23 cohort, discuss external pressures, such as securing funding and managing customer expectations, alongside internal struggles like aligning diverse activities and maintaining focus. Jacob shares strategies organisations use to manage these tensions, including creating flexible structures, monitoring staff and stakeholder engagement, and fostering collaboration within networks. How can growth both ease and create challenges for social enterprises? Why is it important to share knowledge instead of trying to own everything?

We invite you to join us as we explore valuable lessons for leaders in social enterprises on how to grow sustainably and impactfully, while offering thought-provoking insights for anyone interested in the balance between ambition and purpose in any organisation. Since graduating from the PIE programme, Jacob has gone on to work as a Program Manager at Impact Hub London, Impact & Operations Manager at Cambio Consultancy, and Strategic Partnerships Lead at ZNotes, applying his expertise in strategy, innovation, and organisational design to drive sustainable growth and social impact.

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In this episode, Onya speaks with Mara Stoll (UCL MSc Prosperity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and theologian Dr. David Dark about how hermeneutics, the art of interpretation, can transform social entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack why understanding our own assumptions and a community’s lived reality is key to avoiding well-intentioned missteps. Discover how applying hermeneutic principles can help founders slow down, listen deeply, and co-create ventures that truly fit the people they are meant to serve.

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Slow Down and Listen: Hermeneutics for Social Entrepreneurs

In this episode, Onya speaks with Mara Stoll (UCL MSc Prosperity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) and theologian Dr. David Dark about how hermeneutics, the art of interpretation, can transform social entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack why understanding our own assumptions and a community’s lived reality is key to avoiding well-intentioned missteps. Discover how applying hermeneutic principles can help founders slow down, listen deeply, and co-create ventures that truly fit the people they are meant to serve.

Access the transcript