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Jul 2022
28m 53s

Woke or Broke?

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

From Disney to the Halifax bank, companies are increasingly willing to take a stance on everything. But what is driving this trend and will it continue? Ultimately isn't it the job of a business to make money for its shareholders and not get involved in politics and contentious social issues? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

GUESTS

Nina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial Development, John Lewis Partnership

Ian Leslie, Journalist and Author of 'Conflicted'

Becky Willan, CEO and Co-founder, Given Agency

Nicola Kilner, CEO and Co-founder of Deciem

Producer: Julie Ball Sound: James Beard Editor: Jon Bithrey Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

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