Research and Innovation

Leeds University Business School
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Leeds University Business School’s "Research and Innovation" podcast brings you insights from our expert researchers. From the future of work, to disruptive technologies; green behaviours to emerging markets, we cover a wide-range of topical issues and novel ideas. Listen to the podcast to find out more about our research and how it’s inspiring business managers, informing policymakers and influencing society. If you have any comments regarding any of these episodes, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk.

  1. 6D AGO

    Building regional economies that work for everyone – now and in the future

    Professor Alice Owen (Sustainability Research Institute, University of Leeds), Felix Kumi-Ampofo (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) and Professor Gary Dymski (Leeds University Business School) discuss what it really means for a regional economy to be successful, looking beyond headline growth figures to questions of inclusion and sustainability. Drawing on UK and US experience, they discuss devolution, fiscal powers, and the challenges of aligning national policy with local priorities in shaping economies fit for the future. Visit the MetroCentral Capacity for Growth project webpage. Read the briefing - “Governance for inclusive economic growth in UK cities.” The project discussed in this episode is funded by the UK Innovation Caucus. This podcast episode was recorded remotely on 7 May 2026. If you would like to get in touch regarding this podcast, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. Speaker bios: Professor Alice Owen is Director of Leeds’ Sustainability Research Institute, the largest group of sustainability researchers in the UK. She brings her experience across policy and business to her research which focuses on how to delivery sustainable construction, and place-based approaches to sustainability. Felix Kumi-Ampofo is Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills, and Culture at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Felix has over 25 years of experience in policy-making and delivery. Prior to his current role at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Felix’s career had spanned both the public and private sectors including academia, local government, regional development, and international consultancy. Professor Gary Dymski is Professor of Applied Economics at Leeds University Business School. He has participated in national projects about how to rebuild macroeconomics and about the productivity paradox in the UK, and is currently the principal investigator of the URKI-funded Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership.

    30 min
  2. Discussing the intersection of suicide, masculinity and work, with Tom Dickinson

    MAY 5

    Discussing the intersection of suicide, masculinity and work, with Tom Dickinson

    Our special guest this episode is Tom Dickinson, founder of Tom's Talks. The episode centres around Tom's personal experience of losing his brother to suicide and how that shaped the work he does today, speaking in schools and workplaces about mental health and wellbeing. In this episode, we explore the intersections between suicide, masculinity, and work and reflect on what organisations can learn in supporting mental health and preventing harm. This episode was recorded on 18 March 2026. A transcript of the episode is available. If you would like to get in touch regarding the episode or podcast, email research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. Visit the podcast webpage for further information. If you have been affected by anything you’ve heard, support is available. You can contact Samaritans, who offer free, confidential listening support 24/7, on 116 123 or in person or via online chat. If you are in the UK and need urgent mental health support, you can call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option to be directed to your local crisis service. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999. About the speakers: Tom is the founder of Toms Talks, a mental health initiative focused on breaking the stigma around suicide and men’s mental health. Following the loss of his brother to suicide, Tom now works across schools and organisations, delivering powerful talks that combine lived experience with practical insights. He has built a large online following of nearly 250,000 on TikTok and has inspired millions through his content, helping to open up conversations around mental health. Dr Sanjay Popat is a Chartered Organisational Psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow specialising in occupational stress, well-being and mental health. His work focuses on how these phenomena occur over time and how time might influence whether we adapt to stressors or reach a breaking point.

    33 min

  3. APR 1

    Learning in Tandem: designing experiential and inclusive team-based learning

    Tony Morgan and Dr Lena Jaspersen discuss experiential and team-based learning in this episode, sharing insights from both their classroom practice and their pedagogical research. They discuss the diverge-converge approach, how to include students with varying levels of confidence, language proficiency or neurodiversity, and their approach to building resilience in students. In this episode, they also introduce their “Learning in Tandem” framework, offering practical guidance for educators who wish to design meaningful, inclusive, and research-informed experiential learning. This podcast episode was recorded remotely in March 2026. If you would like to get in touch regarding this podcast, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. Useful resources: LITE Research ProjectDiverging and Converging for Team-Based LearningDesign Thinking for Student Projects bookLearning in Tandem framework About the speakers: Lena Jaspersen is a Lecturer in Innovation and Qualitative Research Methods at Leeds University Business School. Her expertise includes interdisciplinary teaching and research in technology and social innovation, organization theory, global development, cross-sector partnerships, sustainability research, and qualitative research methods. Lena is co-author of the bestselling textbook ‘Management and Business Research’ and co-author, with Tony, of ‘Design Thinking for Student Projects’, a textbook focused on experiential learning and employability skills development. Tony Morgan (FHEA) is an Associate Professor in Innovation Management Practice at the University of Leeds in the UK, where he teaches interdisciplinary and team-based innovation modules at Undergraduate, Masters and MBA levels. He previously held senior innovation and technology roles at IBM. Research areas include how students learn when working in diverse and interdisciplinary teams. Tony is the author of multiple books, and co-author, with Lena, of ‘Design Thinking for Student Projects’.

    25 min
  4. Letting go of the script: Brandon Baker on authentic work and self‑discovery

    MAR 26

    Letting go of the script: Brandon Baker on authentic work and self‑discovery

    In this episode, Dr Sanjay Popat speaks to former child actor Brandon Baker, best known for Johnny Tsunami and other Disney Channel hits. They explore Brandon’s mental health journey in the context of how early career success shapes identity, the psychological impact of career transitions, and what it took for him to find meaningful work. This episode was recorded on 4 March 2026. A transcript of the episode is available. If you would like to get in touch regarding the episode or podcast, email research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. Visit the podcast webpage for further information. About the speakers: Brandon Baker rose to fame on Disney Channel’s “Johnny Tsunami”, following earlier roles in “The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story” and later appearing in “Even Stevens”. Despite his success, he realised acting didn’t feel authentic to him and stepped away to explore other passions, including music and officiating weddings, bringing his energy and creativity to ventures beyond Hollywood. Dr Sanjay Popat is a Chartered Organisational Psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow specialising in occupational stress, well-being and mental health. His work focuses on how these phenomena occur over time and how time might influence whether we adapt to stressors or reach a breaking point.

    40 min
  5. "Bringing together coalitions of the willing" - Yorkshire stakeholders collaborating for shared outcomes

    MAR 10

    "Bringing together coalitions of the willing" - Yorkshire stakeholders collaborating for shared outcomes

    In this episode of “Gerrin’ on wit’ it”, Paul Hayes speaks with Kersten England CBE about how collaboration drives meaningful change across Yorkshire and the Humber. Kersten reflects on major moments in her long career within local government and contributing to local, regional, and national conversations to influence decision-making processes. These candid reflections provide examples that emphasise why collaboration isn’t optional when tackling complex social situations - what works, what doesn’t, and what she would do differently as the region continues to build a more collaborative future. Kersten explains why effective partnerships require deep listening, shared incentives, and a commitment to long‑term relationships. Paul and Kersten discuss the impact of initiatives such as YPIP and Y‑PERN, and they explore how universities, local authorities, and communities can work together more effectively. Paul and Kersten unpack how to balance academic incentives with place-based needs to strengthen collaboration and how to embed genuine, non-transactional relationships across sectors. The conversation highlights the importance of governance, strong networks, capacity building, and sustainable resourcing. This episode was recorded on 9 December 2025. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. About the speakers: Kersten England CBE currently serves as Chair of Bradford 2025 (UK City of Culture) and Chair of the Young Foundation – having recently stepped down as Chief Executive of Bradford Council and Chair of Yorkshire & Humber Councils. She has over 30 years of experience in local government leadership across Kirklees, Calderdale, and York. Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School, supporting academic colleagues in developing impacts from their work and in engaging with the policy community and public bodies. He was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group, an association of 27 mid-size UK cities. This role encompassed policy advisory work to local, regional and national politicians; development and authorship of local and regional strategies and plans; engagement with and representation on working groups of UK government and national bodies; and responses to consultations. The role also included scoping, commissioning, and joint development of academic and think tank research and engagement with business and voluntary and community sectors. Terms and acronyms: YPIP – Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership Bradford 2025 City of Culture The Young Foundation REF – Research Excellence Framework Y-PERN – Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP) Yorkshire and Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA) Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)

    19 min
  6. "The key thing is equitable, reciprocal knowledge exchange" - building and sustaining collaborative relationships

    MAR 3

    "The key thing is equitable, reciprocal knowledge exchange" - building and sustaining collaborative relationships

    In this episode of Gerrin’ on wi’ it, Paul Hayes sits down with community leader Kate Macdonald to explore what genuine cross‑sector collaboration really looks like in Yorkshire and the Humber. Drawing on decades of experience in academia, the NHS, and grassroots community projects, Kate discusses the challenges faced by the voluntary and community sector - from short‑term funding cycles to power imbalances and cultural misunderstandings. Together, they unpack why relationship‑building, trust, and equitable knowledge exchange are essential ingredients for meaningful co‑production, sustainable partnerships, and place‑based change. This episode was recorded on 18 February 2026. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. About the speakers: Kate Macdonald has over 30 years of experience in academia, NHS mental health services, and grassroots community projects. She has improved mental health services locally and regionally, including early psychosis care, and uses relational practice and systems thinking to foster trust, equitable collaboration, and human-centred solutions. She founded TimeBank Hull and East Riding, co-facilitates Hull Poverty Truth Commission, and is Development Coordinator for the Ideas Fund, connecting communities and researchers. She also leads the Community Panel for the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership, championing inclusive approaches that enable communities to shape policy and co-create solutions. Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School, supporting academic colleagues in developing impacts from their work and in engaging with the policy community and public bodies. He was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group, an association of 27 mid-size UK cities. This role encompassed policy advisory work to local, regional and national politicians; development and authorship of local and regional strategies and plans; engagement with and representation on working groups of UK government and national bodies; and responses to consultations. The role also included scoping, commissioning, and joint development of academic and think tank research and engagement with business and voluntary and community sectors. Terms and acronyms: Y-PERN – Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research NetworkYPIP – Yorkshire Policy Innovation PartnershipTimebank Hull and East RidingHull Poverty Truth CommissionThe Ideas FundYPIP Community Panel‘Not another toolkit’

    20 min
  7. "My knowledge of regional policy is night and day different now" - an academic embedded in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)

    FEB 24

    "My knowledge of regional policy is night and day different now" - an academic embedded in South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)

    In this episode of "Gerrin' on wi' it," Paul Hayes speaks with Dr Dan Olner from the University of Sheffield about bridging the gap between academia and local government. As a policy fellow embedded within the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), Dan shares his experiences working at the intersection of data science, regional economic policy, and collaborative governance. Dan discusses his dual role as both university researcher and embedded policy analyst, explaining how he helps answer critical questions about South Yorkshire's economy, growth sectors, and regional strengths. Rather than operating as a traditional academic expert transmitting knowledge from on high, he describes a collaborative model where experts from different backgrounds work together on equal footing. Dan contrasts his ongoing, open approach with traditional consultant models, emphasising the value of sustained relationships and accessible data. The conversation also examines the sustainability of such embedded roles, the benefits to both academics and policymakers, and the need for collaborative funding from national bodies, regional authorities, and universities to mainstream this type of engagement. Ultimately, Dan makes a compelling case for why these bridging roles matter for evidence-based policymaking and regional development. This episode was recorded on 17 December 2025. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. About the speakers: Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School, supporting academic colleagues in developing impacts from their work and in engaging with the policy community and public bodies. He was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group, an association of 27 mid-size UK cities. This role encompassed policy advisory work to local, regional and national politicians; development and authorship of local and regional strategies and plans; engagement with and representation on working groups of UK government and national bodies; and responses to consultations. The role also included scoping, commissioning, and joint development of academic and think tank research and engagement with business and voluntary and community sectors. Dr Dan Olner is a data analyst and geographer based in the School of Management at Sheffield University and, through the Yorkshire & Humber Policy Engagement Research Network (Y-PERN), is working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority on all things economic and regional and data. Dan hasn't strayed far from Yorkshire, studying politics at Sheffield University and a PhD at Leeds University. Find out about Dan's work at danolner.net and coveredinbees.org or link up at www.linkedin.com/in/danolner. Terms and acronyms: SYMCA – South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Y-PERN – Yorkshire and Humber Policy and Engagement Research Network

    17 min
  8. Talking Burnout with Dr Ranj

    FEB 18

    Talking Burnout with Dr Ranj

    In the first episode of our “Work in Progress” series, hosted by Dr Sanjay Popat, Sanjay speaks with NHS doctor, BAFTA award winner, and best-selling author Dr Ranj. Together, they candidly discuss Dr Ranj’s experience of burnout, as well as why the NHS has become such a high-risk environment for burnout, and what urgently needs to change. This episode was recorded on 27 January 2026. A transcript of the episode is available. If you would like to get in touch regarding the episode or podcast, email research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk. Visit the podcast webpage for further information. About the speakers: Dr Ranj is a physician, broadcaster, and bestselling author recognised as one of the UK’s leading TV health experts. A co-host of BBC One’s Morning Live and co-creator of the BAFTA-winning Get Well Soon, he is a familiar face across Britain’s flagship television programmes. Dr Sanjay Popat is a Chartered Organisational Psychologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow specialising in occupational stress, well-being and mental health. His work focuses on how these phenomena occur over time and how time might influence whether we adapt to stressors or reach a breaking point.

    31 min
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About

Leeds University Business School’s "Research and Innovation" podcast brings you insights from our expert researchers. From the future of work, to disruptive technologies; green behaviours to emerging markets, we cover a wide-range of topical issues and novel ideas. Listen to the podcast to find out more about our research and how it’s inspiring business managers, informing policymakers and influencing society. If you have any comments regarding any of these episodes, please contact research.lubs@leeds.ac.uk.

Information

  • Creator
    Leeds University Business School
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Research and Innovation