Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter Dialogue

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.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Frances Lee, a professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. We delved into the political landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how our democratic systems struggled to cope with the crisis. Dr. Lee shared insights from her book "In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us," co-authored with Stephen Macedo. We discussed the concept of moralized antagonism and how it hindered productive dialogue during the pandemic. Dr. Lee highlighted the importance of leaders acknowledging uncertainty and avoiding the temptation to pretend they have all the answers. We also touched on the failures of federalism in the US, where partisan divides prevented effective policy learning across states. The conversation explored the broader implications for democracy, including concerns about free speech and the suppression of dissent. Dr. Lee emphasized the need for citizens and leaders alike to resist moralized antagonism and engage with diverse perspectives. Overall, our discussion provided a thoughtful examination of the pandemic's impact on democratic processes and the challenges we face moving forward.

This podcast features Ben Nichols, a communications expert and paddle enthusiast, discussing his career journey and current ventures in the paddle industry. Nichols shares insights from his time at the World Anti-Doping Agency, addressing the complexities of doping in sports. He also delves into his current role in promoting paddle through various initiatives, including Paddle22, a PR and marketing communications business, and Insider22, a membership community for paddle industry professionals. The conversation explores the challenges of personal branding for athletes and the growth potential of paddle as an emerging sport. Key points: 1. The importance of authenticity and personality in athlete branding 2. The unique opportunity to shape paddle's image as a new sport in many markets

This podcast features a conversation between host Minter Dial and guest Flavia Barbat, exploring the intricacies of branding and communication. Flavia, originally from Transylvania, shares her journey as editor-in-chief of Branding Mag and her approach to crafting meaningful brand narratives. The discussion delves into the importance of nuanced, long-form content in a world dominated by short attention spans and clickbait. Flavia emphasises the need for honesty and clarity in brand communication, challenging the notion that every brand needs a world-changing purpose. The conversation also touches on her efforts to reshape Romania's national identity through branding principles.Key points:1. The value of long-form, nuanced content in brand communication2. The importance of honesty and clarity over forced brand purpose

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Simon Hartley, a renowned sports psychologist and author, to explore the fascinating world of human psychology in sports and business.In our chat, Simon shared insights on motivation, focus, and the pursuit of excellence that apply far beyond the realm of athletics. We discussed the power of accountability, the importance of enjoyment in performance, and how to develop self-awareness to reach the next level.Simon also opened up about his latest book, "Key to the Door", where he examines what sets global thought leaders apart. We delved into the delicate balance between authenticity and success, and how to share your truth in a way that resonates with others.Whether you're an athlete, business leader, or simply someone striving for personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons on harnessing your potential and achieving your goals.Don't miss this insightful conversation - tune in now to gain a fresh perspective on motivation, success, and the psychology of peak performance.

This podcast features a conversation with my guest Mitch Joel, discussing various aspects of digital marketing, content creation, and the impact of AI. Joel shares insights on his career journey, the evolution of his work, and his new venture, ThinkersOne. The discussion covers topics such as the changing landscape of business books, the role of AI in content creation, and the challenges of hybrid work environments.Key points:1. Joel introduces ThinkersOne, a platform connecting thought leaders with businesses for short, customized speaking engagements.2. The conversation explores how AI is transforming content creation and workflow, with Joel sharing examples of how he uses AI tools to enhance his productivity.

Esther O'Callaghan, founder of Hundo and OBE recipient, joins me to discuss the global youth employment crisis. We explore Hundo's innovative approach to workforce skills development and their new research arm, HUNDO Lab. Esther shares insights on the disconnect between education and employment, the importance of integrating technology skills earlier, and the need for businesses to engage with future workforces sooner. We delve into the challenges of intergenerational workplace dynamics, the value of both technical and soft skills, and the role of sports and gaming in skill development. Esther offers practical advice for parents and young people navigating the rapidly changing job market, emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences and aligning interests with future career paths.

Mark Schaefer, marketing expert and author, joins me to discuss his latest book "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." We explore the importance of breaking bad rules for good reasons in marketing, the power of word-of-mouth, and the need for brands to create meaningful experiences. Mark challenges conventional marketing norms, emphasizing the value of play, humor, and embracing imperfection in brand strategies. We delve into the concept of "collective effervescence" and how brands can create shared experiences that lead to emotional connections. The conversation touches on the broader implications of AI in marketing and the enduring importance of human creativity and audacity in a world increasingly dominated by algorithms.

Leslie Grandy, author of "Creative Velocity," shares her journey from film to tech, including encounters with industry giants like Brian De Palma and Steve Jobs. We explore the importance of emotional regulation when dealing with big personalities, and how character fuels creativity. Leslie discusses the ethics of AI co-creation and the need for critical thinking when using AI tools. We delve into the value of play in adult life and how it unlocks creativity. Leslie's insights on combining flow, play, and storytelling offer a fresh perspective on nurturing creativity in corporate environments. The conversation touches on the paradox of authenticity in professional settings and the power of serendipity in career development.