Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter Dialogue

Minter Dialogue with Paul Assaiante (re-release of episode 554)"Coach" Paul Assaiante is one of the greatest coaches in the history of intercollegiate athletics. He's labelled as the “winningest coach in college sports history,” sporting a 252-match winning streak over 13 years, a 507-29 all-time record, and winning 17 NCAA Championship titles as head coach at Trinity College. Paul systematically brought together great players from around the world and demonstrated how teammates from diverse cultures can unite to build a winning culture and team. And his experience is also enriched by having coached the US National Team in squash (17 years) as well as World Team Tennis with Billie Jean King. To add to his list of accomplishments, he's also co-author with James Zug of the book, "Run to the Roar, Coaching to Overcome Fear," (published by Penguin) and the subject of a 2013 documentary film, All In, by Marc DiBenedetto. In this conversation, we discuss his philosophy of coaching, how he's been guided by his personal purpose, the best ways to train, motivate and guide a team of individual athletes to bring out their best. We also look at the role of empathy in coaching, how to learn, improve and perform under stress, and the way to get the best out of everyone. He also addresses some of the challenges of coaching in today's environment, with the perils of social media, helicopter parenting and coming to grips with one's emotions.If you've got comments or questions you'd like to see answered, send your email or audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com; or you can find the show notes and comment on minterdial.com. If you liked the podcast, please take a moment to go over to Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast channel, to rate/review the show. Otherwise, you can find me @mdial on Twitter.You can also find the original recording on YouTube here.

In this engaging episode, I welcome back Kevin Eikenberry, a repeat guest on the show, to discuss his upcoming book, "Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence," set for release in early 2025. We explore the critical role of confidence in leadership, especially amidst today's chaotic and fast-paced world. Kevin shares insights on the importance of self-awareness and the often-overlooked value of confidence in leadership development. We delve into the concept of sense-making and the challenges of adapting to a world that is no longer as predictable as it once was. Kevin introduces the Cynefin framework, a tool for understanding different contexts in leadership, and discusses the balance between flexibility and having a strong backbone. We also touch on the significance of purpose in guiding decisions and fostering commitment over mere compliance.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Philadelphia Flyers player, Daniel Carcillo. Daniel shares his transformative journey from a violent and angry NHL player to a person deeply connected to nature and consciousness. He discusses the pivotal role of natural mushrooms in his healing process, which helped him overcome brain health issues and become the best version of himself. We explore the power of psychedelics in personal growth and the importance of belief systems and lived experiences. Daniel also reflects on his hockey career, the lessons learned, and the significance of risk and accountability in life. Join us for an insightful conversation about transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

In this episode, I welcome Oleksandr Buratynskyi, a dynamic founder and executive coach based in Kyiv. Oleksandr shares his journey from a diverse career background, including roles in IT, logistics, and travel blogging, to becoming a startup founder and volunteer amidst the challenges of war in Ukraine. He is currently founder and CEO of tTravel.me, an app that allows travellers to keep all their itinerary and memories together in one location. We explore his role as a Jooble Agile Coach, where he helps businesses solve complex problems through communication and training. Oleksandr discusses the importance of breaking down silos within organisations and fostering a culture of collaboration. We also delve into his personal experiences during the war, highlighting resilience, unity, and the power of community. Oleksandr's insights offer a unique perspective on navigating uncertainty and building a meaningful life and business in turbulent times. Join us as we uncover lessons in agility, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of Ukraine.

In this 592nd episode of the Minter Dialogue podcast, I sit down with Justin Jones-Fosu, founder and CEO of Work Meaningful, to explore the intersection of meaningful work and inclusion. Justin shares his journey as a global citizen, husband, and father, and discusses his latest book, "I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World." We dive into the concept of meaningful work, challenging the notion that it must always bring happiness, and instead focusing on purpose and value. Justin introduces the idea of bringing meaning to work through the three rhythm model, inspired by job crafting research. We also touch on resilience, the importance of mindset, and the power of respectful disagreement. Throughout the conversation, Justin offers practical insights and personal stories, encouraging listeners to challenge their perspectives and engage with those they disagree with to foster empathy and understanding.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Maria Garrido, a dynamic individual who juggles multiple roles with grace and enthusiasm. Maria describes herself as a "hyperactive queenager," a term she embraces as she navigates her life as a mother of three, a multilingual Paris resident, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Deezer. We delved into her approach to maintaining cultural relevance in the music streaming industry, emphasising the importance of credibility and staying attuned to cultural shifts.Maria shared insights into Deezer's strategy for engaging diverse audiences, highlighting the significance of music credibility and user experience. She also discussed the challenges of personalisation in streaming services and the balance between business interests and user satisfaction.Beyond her role at Deezer, Maria is the founder of Terranum Wellness, a retreat centre in Galicia, Spain. She spoke passionately about her journey from corporate life to creating a sanctuary for wellness, driven by her personal experiences and a desire to offer others the same healing she found in retreats.Maria's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to authenticity, both in her professional endeavours and personal life.

Minter Dialogue with Sara Ismail-Beigi BartlettIn this episode, I sit down with Sara Ismail-Beigi Bartlett, a dynamic HR consultant and executive coach based in Cleveland. We explore her unexpected journey from aspiring mechanical engineer to a leader in organisational behaviour and change management. Sara shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the HR landscape, emphasising the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of change. We also delve into her podcast, "Can I Offer You Some Feedback?", discussing the nuances of giving and receiving feedback in both personal and professional contexts. Sara highlights the significance of trust and relationship-building in effective communication. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the evolving nature of healthcare, the role of empathy in leadership, and the complexities of transparency in the workplace. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that offers valuable perspectives on leadership, change, and the art of feedback.

Join me as I sit down with the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan in this captivating episode. We reminisce about our first meeting and the unforgettable moment when Stanley played my favourite song, "Angel." Stanley shares his unique perspective on music as an applied philosophy, a way of understanding the world that transcends mere entertainment. We delve into the profound connection humans have with music, exploring its therapeutic potential and its role in significant life events. Stanley also discusses his innovative work in sonification, translating scientific data into musical sound, and his creation of a periodic table of music. We touch on his iconic contribution to the Macintosh chime and his deep appreciation for the Grateful Dead's musical legacy. Stanley's passion for integrating music with science and education shines through, offering a glimpse into his future projects and his vision for a more musically connected world.

In this latest episode, I had a wide ranging discussion with Michael Brown, author of "I Don't Agree", a book that explores navigating disagreements and fostering mutual respect. Brown shares his personal journey, highlighting a tumultuous period in his career involving a power struggle with business partners, which inspired his book. Two key points discussed include the concept of attribution bias, where individuals often credit themselves for positive outcomes in negotiations, and the innovative idea of integrating mental health support within soup kitchens, aiming to address homelessness by providing accessible mental health services.

In this episode of the Minter Dialogue podcast, I explore the possibilities of delegating the hosting to AI, in the form of Google's NotebookLM. In the ensuing interview that is artificially constructed by two voices, there are two interviews with quite different editorial approaches to exploring my book, "Heartificial Empathy, 2nd edition". The first discussion centres around the potential of empathy as a competitive advantage in a world increasingly dominated by AI and algorithms. Two key points raised include the idea that empathy is not merely a passive feeling but an active process requiring genuine understanding of others' emotions and motivations. The second discussion focuses on more ethical issues and is more critical of my book.... Which do you prefer? One, both or neither? Please drop in your comments and let us know your thoughts/reactions!