I’ve been interviewed by fellow Co-operator Paul Robinson for the “Listener Owned” Podcast. Paul and I are both members of Co-op Group’s National Members Council, which is a governance committee for the retail co-op. I speak with Paul about my experiences, focussing on my involvement in the grass roots side of the Co-op Movement with smaller co-ops such as Community Energy Birmingham and Co-op Press

We also have a more general discussion about why I got involved in the Co-op Movement, and the benefits Co-operatives have for creating a better society. In my preparation for the podcast, I gave myself the chance to think about what I do and why I am so committed to the Co-operative movement. The values of democratic ownership and mutual benefit are key beliefs for me that mean that Co-ops are better at creating fairer power structures, than for example charities.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Paul and recommend you check out his podcast. It is a new endeavour for him. More episodes will be added in the near future

The Multi-Faceted Co-operator: Shaz Rahman’s Journey Across Birmingham’s Co-op Landscape