Billionaires represent a scourge of economic inequality, but how do they get away with it within our culture?

In this episode of our Transforming Business podcast series with Martin Parker, Carl Rhodes, author of ‘Stinking Rich’, explains the dangerous and deceptive myths which portray billionaires as a ‘force for good’.

They discuss the myths of the heroic, generous, meritorious and vigilante billionaire, and how their wealth and power is setting us back to old-fashioned feudalism and plutocracy.

Hosted by leading organization studies professor Martin Parker (University of Bristol), Transforming Business is a new series from Transforming Society, featuring in-depth conversations with top experts in work, economy, finance, employment, leadership, responsible and sustainable business, innovation, organising and activism. These insightful interviews explore fresh ideas and bold strategies for creating a more ethical and equitable business world. Tune in to challenge conventions, spark innovation and drive meaningful change.

Carl Rhodes is Professor of Organization Studies and Dean of the Business School, University of Technology Sydney.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/stinking-rich

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2025/03/26/podcast-the-myth-of-the-heroic-billionaire/

Timestamps:

00:31 - What did you want to achieve with this book?

01:25 - Why do you think we have an elevated perception of billionaires?

05:45 - The myth of the heroic billionaire

09:51 - The myth of the generous billionaire

14:04 - The myth of the meritorious billionaire

19:20 - The myth of the vigilante billionaire

26:30 - The importance of writing for a non-academic audience

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com

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