Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter Dialogue

This podcast features a thought-provoking conversation with guest, John Vervaeke, exploring the concept of meaning in modern life. Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, discusses the 'meaning crisis' - a widespread sense of disconnection and lack of purpose in society. He delves into topics such as the importance of wisdom, the nature of self, and the role of spirituality in addressing this crisis. The dialogue touches on historical perspectives, contemporary challenges, and potential paths forward for individuals and society. Key points: 1. The need to reconnect with a sense of belonging and mattering in a world that has become increasingly individualistic and disconnected. 2. The importance of facing reality, including our limitations and 'negative' aspects, as part of cultivating genuine meaning and wisdom.

This podcast explores leadership challenges in today's complex business environment. Will Linssen, author of "Triple Win Leadership Coaching," discusses the state of leadership, emphasizing that only 5-8% of leaders are considered effective. He delves into the impact of ego on leadership and the importance of humility. Linssen introduces his coaching methodology, focusing on co-creating change with coworkers and building trust. The conversation covers topics such as authenticity, transparency, and the balance between personal and professional aspects in leadership. Linssen also explains his approach to assessing coachability and the paradox of structure creating freedom in coaching. Key points: 1. Ego is the main obstacle to effective leadership, while humility acts as a catalyst for improvement. 2. Co-creation with coworkers is essential for successful leadership in diverse, international environments.

Rob Mugglestone, author of "Beyond Marginal Gains," discusses high performance strategies in sports and business. He explores the limitations of traditional marginal gains approaches and introduces his OMIT and ATC models for accelerating improvement. Rob shares insights on prioritizing high-impact changes, distinguishing between optimal and maximal performance, and the importance of resilience in leadership. Using examples from sports and the music industry, he illustrates how unconventional thinking can lead to breakthrough results. The conversation delves into the challenges of fostering high performance cultures while avoiding burnout, and Rob reflects on how writing the book evolved his own views on achieving excellence.

For this special episode, I sat down with Mykolai Sierga, the founder of Cultural Forces, a Ukrainian organization using art and culture to address wartime challenges. We explore how Mikolai rapidly pivoted from artist to soldier to cultural ambassador after Russia's invasion. He shares insights on masculinity in crisis, the power of storytelling in war, and using music to bridge divides. We discuss Cultural Forces' innovative approach to maintaining support for Ukraine internationally, including performances at NATO and Cannes. Mykolai offers a unique perspective on the transformative impact of war and the vital role of culture in shaping societal values and political landscapes.

In this episode, I sit down with Pete Steege, author and expert on helping accidental CEOs uncover meaning and lead with purpose. We explore the concept of radical clarity and how it reveals true business meaning. Pete shares insights on his CMP framework (Clarity, Meaning, Purpose) and discusses why meaning is essential for business success. We delve into the challenges faced by accidental CEOs, the importance of shared meaning, and how to take calculated risks. Pete offers valuable advice on finding your company's truth and standing out in the market. We also touch on the unbounded potential of meaning and how leaders can evolve by making room for it in their lives and businesses.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Middleton, a seasoned professional in the apparel industry who's now making waves in the world of paddle tennis with his brand, Pulco. Joe shared his journey from playing cricket and field hockey to working for Levi's and Canterbury, before retiring and then unexpectedly diving into the paddle tennis market. He identified a gap in the sport's apparel and set out to create a brand that reflects the unique culture of paddle tennis. Joe emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs, developing innovative fabrics to address sweat issues, and crafting a distinct brand identity separate from traditional tennis wear. He discussed Pulco's global expansion strategy, focusing on key cities worldwide rather than a country-by-country approach. Joe's passion for the sport and his commitment to creating a brand that embodies the addictive nature of paddle tennis shone through our conversation, leaving me excited about the future of both Pulco and the sport itself.

This episode is with Dan Docherty, an expert in leadership and communication. We explored the importance of personal vision and purpose in both professional and personal life. Dan shared his journey from corporate leadership to academia and consultancy, emphasising the value of lived experiences in coaching. We discussed the power of perspective-taking and empathy in leadership, and how understanding personal stories can transform workplace relationships. Dan highlighted the need for psychological safety and the balance between compliance and compassion in organisational cultures. We touched on the role of play and curiosity in business environments, and how these elements can foster innovation and problem-solving. Dan also shared insights from his research on shared vision and its impact on workplace engagement. Throughout our conversation, we explored the challenges of modern leadership, including talent retention and the importance of trust. Dan's approach to coaching and leadership, rooted in neuroscience and emotional intelligence, offers a fresh perspective on creating high-performing, empathetic work environments.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dana Cox, a business strategist, coach, and author from St. Louis. We delved into her journey from burnout to becoming a 'badass', as detailed in her book "From Burnout to Badass". Dana shared her personal experience of overcoming burnout, which stemmed from years of overcompensation and juggling multiple responsibilities. We discussed the challenges of recognizing burnout and the importance of self-knowledge in overcoming it. Dana emphasized the need to rewrite one's life story and the power of admitting when the life you've built no longer serves you. We explored the concept of work-life harmony rather than balance, and how cultural expectations can create unique challenges for women. Dana also shared insights on authentic leadership and creating joyful work environments. The conversation touched on the 'success tax' and 'joy tax', highlighting the importance of celebrating small wins and fostering a positive work culture. Overall, it was an enlightening discussion on personal growth, leadership, and finding joy in one's professional life.

In this episode, I sit down with Petra Velzeboer, a psychotherapist, author, and mental health consultant. We explore her journey from growing up in a religious cult to becoming a leading voice in workplace well-being. Petra shares insights on digital detoxes, the importance of self-awareness, and aligning well-being strategies with business objectives. We discuss the challenges of modern work culture, including always-on expectations and the need for authentic leadership. Petra offers practical advice for individuals and organizations to foster mental health, emphasizing the power of connection and service to others. Her personal experiences and professional expertise provide a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of digital well-being and finding fulfillment in today's fast-paced world.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Loïc Fery, a fascinating figure in both the business and sports worlds. Loïc shared insights from his diverse career, including his role as founding and running Chenavari, being the owner of French football club FC Lorient and his recent venture into the world of padel. We discussed the similarities and differences between managing a sports team and running a business, with Loïc emphasizing the unique emotional aspect of sports. He also shared his journey into padel, from his first encounter with the sport to co-founding the 10 Padel team for the Hexagon Cup. Loïc's passion for padel was evident as he described the sport's accessibility and social aspects. We explored the challenges of transitioning from tennis to padel and the intricacies of team selection for the Hexagon Cup. The interview concluded with Loïc's thoughts on the future of padel, including its potential inclusion in the Olympics and its growth in various markets. Overall, it was an enlightening conversation that highlighted the exciting developments in the world of padel.