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Every day can bring new challenges to social enterprises alongside opportunities for innovation, growth, and creating lasting  impact. In this podcast series, 'Social Entrepreneurs', we look at themes of growth, delve deep into the stories of the people at the heart of Leicester’s Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, and those dedicated to using business strategies to solve social problems and drive meaningful change.

Hosted by Tobias Gould, Business Innovation Fellow at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business and a director at Community Enterprise Engine, each episode features one of our academic experts and a local social entrepreneur exploring the hurdles faced by the sector.

Whether it's navigating the complexities of funding, overcoming operational challenges, or scaling up while staying true to the organisation’s purpose, Social Entrepreneurs sheds light on how those making a difference are aiming to push boundaries and find solutions.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact and you’re part of a social enterprise, charity, or CIC, our podcast series will provide inspiration, practical advice, and real-world stories to help you tackle your own challenges and create change in your own enterprise.

Episode 1: Strategy:

“Why do social entrepreneurs need to be good at strategy?”

Tobias is joined by Gareth James, Chief Executive of , and Professor Mat Hughes, Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business.

Episode 2: Tech for Good:

“How can smart tech help communities?”

Tobias is joined by Stacey Wragg, Founder of and Dr Francesca Faedi, Lecturer in Business and the Space Economy at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business.

Episode 3: AI for VCSEs:

“How can social entrepreneurs make best use of AI technology?”

Tobias is joined by Harvinder Poonian, founder of HKP Marketing and former director of , and Dr Murat Karacay, Lecturer in Strategic Management and International Business Strategies at the Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business.

Episode 4: Creating blue skies and blue oceans:

“What does the VCSE need to stop doing and what do they need to create, to open up uncontested markets?”

Tobias is joined by Jon Roberts, Founder and Director of and Professor Maggie Jing Zeng, Professor in Strategy and Innovation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s School of Business. 

Episode 5: High performing teams:

“Why should social enterprises build investable and transformative teams?”

Tobias is joined by Payal Walker, Founder and CVO, and Sandra Wiggins, Founder and CEO, of  and Dr Dennis Pepple, Associate Professor in Human Resource Management at Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business.

Episode 6: Special episode

"When social investment is a good thing"

Tobias is joined by Tom Bostock, an investment manager from , and Ian Wilson from and June Gomes from , who both deliver support on the Growth Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs programme with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ School of Business.

Check back for the next episode in the series of 'Social Entrepreneurs'.