Digital, New Tech & Brand Strategy - Minterdial.com

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 enlight

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.

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 communication 2. 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 pea

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.

In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, former Chief of the General Staff of the British Army. We explored his journey from a young rugby player to a seasoned military leader, discussing the geopolitical shifts he's witnessed throughout his career. Sir Mark shared invaluable insights on leadership, emphasising the importance of character, trust, and empowering others. We delved into the challenges facing Western nations, including the need for increased defence spending and the reordering of European security. Sir Mark highlighted the importance of resilience in societies and armed forces, cautioning against using military interventions as social engineering tools. The conversation touched on the nature of free will, the value of studying history, and the complexities of modern warfare. Sir Mark stressed the need for clear national identities and values in an increasingly polarised world. We concluded with a poignant reflection on the possibility that our generation m

From Bangladesh to Boardrooms: Faisal Hoque's Inspiring Journey In this episode, I sit down with Faisal Hoque, an entrepreneur, author, and innovator. We explore Faisal's journey from Bangladesh to the US, his experiences in tech entrepreneurship, and his shift towards philosophical writing. Faisal shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the importance of humanities in the age of AI. We discuss his upcoming book "Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI" and delve into the ethical considerations of AI development. Faisal offers a unique perspective on serving others, drawing from his experiences working with the US defense sector and his personal life. The conversation touches on the value of adversity in fostering innovation and the need for a balanced approach to technological advancement and human values.

The Power of Creativity: Nicol Kindness's Journey into Podcasting I chat with Nicol Kindness, a former British Army officer turned podcaster living in the Swiss Alps. We explore his journey from a struggling youth to finding purpose in the military, and how that shaped his approach to life and leadership. Nicol shares insights from his podcast, "Mr. Kindness," where he interviews ordinary people with extraordinary stories. We discuss the importance of embracing risk, listening to intuition, and the transformative power of solitude. Nicol's story of a carpenter's spiritual awakening in the Norwegian mountains serves as a powerful metaphor for personal growth and overcoming inner obstacles. This conversation offers a unique perspective on conscious living and the pursuit of meaningful experiences.

Chantal Cornelius, founder of Apple Tree Marketing, joins me to discuss her unique approach to marketing and branding. We explore her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and how her passion for horse riding has influenced her business philosophy. Chantal shares insights from her books "Magnetic Marketing" and "Standout Strategies," emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in marketing. We delve into the evolution of USPs, the five standout strategies she's identified, and the critical role of empathy in modern marketing. Chantal also offers candid advice on the courage required to stand out in business, drawing from her own recent experiences. This conversation provides valuable insights for entrepreneurs and marketers looking to differentiate themselves in today's competitive landscape.

This 599th episode features Ron Szekely, a business coach with a fascinating background. Ron shared his journey from corporate life to entrepreneurial coaching, emphasizing the importance of simplifying business processes and maintaining passion in leadership. We explored his experiences in various industries, from beauty to beverages, and how this diversity has shaped his coaching approach. Ron's insights on hockey as a metaphor for business and life were particularly illuminating. We discussed the value of authenticity in leadership and the balance between personal and professional life in the workplace. Ron's practical tools for simplifying business, such as the accountability chart and the power of journaling, offered actionable advice for our listeners. The conversation touched on the challenges of scaling entrepreneurial passion and the importance of connecting employees to a company's core purpose. Overall, this episode provided a blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, offering valuable i

In this episode, I sit down with Saul Ezra, an architect and businessman with a rich multicultural background. Importantly, Saul has also been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. We explore Saul's journey from Bombay to London, his experiences in architecture and property development, and the values that have shaped his life. Saul shares insights on education, sports, and the importance of family, offering a unique perspective on success and happiness. We discuss the challenges of modern society, including mental health and national identity, and Saul's views on resilience and the role of genetics in shaping our lives. As Saul reflects on his life's journey, he imparts wisdom on work ethic, cultural adaptation, and finding balance in an ever-changing world.

In this episode, I sit down with Chantel Ray, author of "Delegate Everything but Sex." We explore Chantel's unique approach to delegation and time management, discussing how she built a life that prioritizes personal time and family. Chantel shares insights on becoming a "time millionaire," offering practical tips on simplifying processes, automating tasks, and identifying what to delegate. We delve into the importance of self-awareness in delegation, the concept of decision fatigue, and how to overcome common obstacles in letting go of control. Chantel also touches on the significance of passive income and challenges conventional expectations for working women. Throughout our conversation, we uncover valuable strategies for leaders looking to maximize their productivity and create a more balanced life.

Minter Dialogue with Brian Solis In this 596th episode, I sit down with Brian Solis, a digital analyst, anthropologist, and futurist. We explore his journey from digital disruption expert to personal transformation advocate, discussing his latest book, "Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future." Brian shares insights on the rapid acceleration of digital adoption during COVID-19 and the subsequent challenges in true business transformation. We delve into the importance of self-awareness, humility, and empathy in leadership, particularly in an era of perpetual disruption. Brian offers a compelling perspective on the need for innovative, creative, and empathetic leaders to help unlock our collective potential. The conversation touches on societal issues, the crisis of meaning in work, and the lack of resilience in modern society, concluding with a call for new leadership at every level to navigate ongoing disruption.

Minter Dialogue with Dr Chris Kerr (Re-release) In 2024, I released 47 new episodes and with listeners from 113 countries I want to acknowledge those who are listening from as far away as Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Indonesia and South Africa. I want to thank you for all your support and words of encouragement. I am grateful to have your ear and precious time once a week. So to celebrate the new year, I wanted to re-release the top 3 episodes of the year in terms of popularity. And I found it deeply meaningful that the most popular episode was the conversation I had with Dr Chris Kerr. Dr Chris Kerr is a hospice physician and end-of-life researcher. He’s also the acclaimed author of “Death is But a Dream” as well as one of the most viewed TEDx speakers, with over 5 million views for his talk, “I See Dead People: Dreams and Visions of the Dying.” In this conversation, we discuss his work, what he has observed about people dying and death, the way the medical community evaluates and embraces — or doesn’t — d

Minter Dialogue with Felix Velarde (re-release) This year, I released 47 new episodes on the Minter Dialogue podcast and we had listeners from 113 countries with the top 3 being the US, UK and India. But there’s also Jamaica, Botswana, Bahrain, Mongolia and Turks & Caicos. At this point, with the pod running since 2010, I just five more episodes to go before hitting number 600 (at number 595) and I want to thank you for all your support and words of encouragement. I am grateful to have your ear and precious time once a week. As we step into the new year, I wanted to re-release the top 3 episodes of the year in terms of popularity. Coming in at number 2 was the conversation I had with serial entrepreneur, author Felix Velarde. Felix Velarde is a serial entrepreneur, with a long track record in the agency side of the business. He's currently CEO at The 2Y3X® Programme, chair and board advisor, and Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at AVA Acquisitions. He's also a keynote speaker and the author of "Scale at Spe

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 pers