Minter Dial
Keynote speaker, author & podcaster on leadership, empathy and AI
Helping leaders be more themselves, more human and more future-proof.
Latest posts
Tough opposition? Let me explain the Flyers’ 4-8-4 start
After a 4-8-4 start and an opening run of 0-6-3, I went looking for mitigating circumstances. The schedule really was tough. Some of the results really were not. An honest look at the Flyers’ start to the season.
Tennis Elbow (aka Padel Elbow): A Field Guide from a Man Who’s Collected the Set
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, javelin elbow: I’ve collected the set. Here’s my seven-step ritual for keeping a grumbling elbow on court, and what the research says about the Tyler Twist, cortisone and age.
Sorry, You Arrived Early: When Automation Apologises for Good News
Eurostar wrote to apologise: my train would arrive in Paris six minutes early, same departure time. When a template cannot tell an improvement from a disruption, the apology is worthless, and so is the next one. On automated empathy, Air Canada’s liable chatbot and Facebook’s inadvertent algorithmic cruelty.
Aaron Painter: Fighting Deepfakes and Fraud (MDE678)
The conversation with Aaron Painter focused on the challenges of building trust in a digital age shaped by deepfakes and AI impersonation. A key theme that emerged was the distinction between recognition and verification, especially when dealing with identity fraud. The discussion explored how even familiar digital channels are no longer inherently trustworthy, pushing organisations to rethink security and customer experience. Several points were raised, including the importance of respectful listening across cultures, the vulnerabilities within help desk processes, and how technology can better support identity assurance in both personal and professional settings.
Why I still bleed Orange and Black: sports teams as brands
The Flyers haven’t lifted the Stanley Cup since 1975, and I’m still wearing the orange and black. Here’s what sports teams teach us about brands: loyalty that survives losing, roots in a place, and the courage not to be everything to everyone.
Artificial Empathy: From Oxymoron to Obsession
Artificial empathy has gone from fringe idea to burning topic. Books, search trends, research and serious startup money show why, and why it matters.
Mike Link: AI for Elderly Safety, with Dignity (MDE677)
The conversation with Mike Link focused on the intersection of AI technology and elder care, particularly fall detection using vision-based systems. A key theme that emerged was the balance between maintaining dignity and privacy while using cameras to improve safety for older adults. The discussion explored challenges in integrating new tech into human environments, from ethical data practices to the complexities families face when supporting ageing relatives. Several points were raised, including the importance of human-centric design, data anonymisation, and the vision for holistic systems that support independent living while respecting individual choices and values.
What doesn’t break a team makes it: the gift of hardship
The magic happens when a team has been through a strong trial and come out the other side. Hardship, in other words, can be a gift. It just rarely arrives with a bow on it.
David Gala: Patience and Effort on the Pro Tour (JOPS04E20)
This episode of the Joy of Padel features David Gala, young Spanish talent and number 34 in the world ranking, as he shares with the host his story of passion for the sport and the value of teamwork. David recounts the influence of his family on his choice of padel and reflects on the importance of patience, self-demand, and learning from defeat.
Key points:
Family support and communication with the team are fundamental in the development of a professional player.
The combination of patience and explosiveness is key to progressing in competitive padel.
Books
Heartificial Empathy
Heartificial Empathy
You Lead
Futureproof
The Last Ring Home
Meaningful Communication
Making Empathy CountPodcasts
The Joy of Padel
The players, coaches and builders of the world’s fastest-growing sport. Season 4 now.
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Minter Dialogue en français
Des conversations sur le leadership, l’empathie et le sens. Un épisode par mois.
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Former L’Oréal executive turned speaker, author and podcaster. The full story, speaker profile and press are on the About page. Read my story →