Frances Lee is professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. She is the author of Insecure Majorities: Congress and the Perpetual Campaign; Beyond Ideology: Politics, Principles, and Partisanship in the U.S. Senate; and (with James M. Curry) The Limits of Party: Congress and Lawmaking in a Polarized Age.
This Joy of Padel episode features Johannes Thomhave, CEO of Padel TV, discussing the challenges and opportunities in broadcasting padel matches. As a padel aficionado, Johannes shares insights on filming techniques, the growth of padel in Sweden and the UK, and the importance of globalizing the sport. He emphasizes the need for high-quality production, including multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics to enhance viewer experience. The conversation also touches on Padel TV’s business model and future expansion plans.
Key points:
1. Padel TV aims to professionalize padel broadcasting by producing high-quality content with multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics.
2. The importance of globalizing padel by featuring players from various countries and conducting interviews in English to reach a wider audience
I had the pleasure of speaking with Ben Nichols, a communications expert with a diverse background in sports and anti-doping. We delved into his experiences at the World Anti-Doping Agency and how it shaped his approach to challenges. Ben shared insights on the complexities of managing communications in the digital age, particularly during crises. We discussed the evolution of PR strategies and the importance of authenticity in messaging. Ben also talked about his current focus on padel, a rapidly growing sport, and his various ventures in this space, including Padel22, a PR and marketing communications business. He highlighted the unique opportunity to shape the narrative of padel as a new sport in many markets. We explored the challenges and opportunities for paddle players in building their personal brands. Finally, Ben shared his passion for purpose-driven businesses and his vision for growing the padel industry. Overall, it was a fascinating conversation about communication strategies, sports marketing, and the exciting world of padel.
The Hexagon Cup 2025 in Madrid marked a new era for padel, blending spectacle and innovation. Created by the founders of Formula E, this unique team exhibition tournament brought together global teams owned by celebrities and financiers. Fans enjoyed diverse line-ups, thrilling Golden Point moments, and a slower court that encouraged longer rallies. The event showcased inclusivity with adapted padel for wheelchair players and highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication. Despite surprises from top-seeded players, the tournament delivered excitement and valuable lessons for enthusiasts, reinforcing padel’s growing appeal and international reach.
Flavia Barbat, Editor-in-Chief of Branding Mag, shares her journey from Transylvania to becoming a branding expert. We discuss her unique approach to editorial strategy, the power of long-form content, and the importance of honesty in brand communications. Flavia challenges conventional marketing wisdom, advocating for nuanced, thoughtful content over shallow engagement tactics. We explore her mission to reshape Romania’s national identity through branding principles, and the personal challenges she’s faced in this endeavor. Flavia offers insights on the complexities of national branding, the pitfalls of forced inclusivity, and the importance of standing for something authentic in today’s marketing landscape.
Ksenia Sharifova, a rising star in professional padel, shares her journey from tennis to padel and the challenges of finding the right partner in this insightful padel podcast. As a padel aficionado, Ksenia discusses the intricacies of shot selection, court positioning, and the mental aspects of the game. She offers a candid perspective on the competitive world of professional padel, including the delicate balance of partnerships and the importance of a strong support system. Ksenia’s passion for padel shines through as she describes her favorite shots and players, providing valuable insights for both amateur and professional players alike. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt exploration of the Joy of Padel, highlighting the sport’s unique blend of strategy, skill, and emotional fulfillment.
I sit down with Simon Hartley, a sports psychologist turned human psychology expert. We explore the crossover between sports and business psychology, discussing motivation, focus, and the pursuit of excellence. Simon shares insights from his latest book, “Key to the Door,” where he analyzes global thought leaders’ success. We delve into the nuances of purpose, enjoyment, and authenticity in achieving widespread impact. Simon challenges conventional wisdom on motivation, offering a multifaceted approach he calls “pear-shaped motivation.” Our conversation touches on the delicate balance between ambition and authenticity, and the journey from personal truth to universal truths in thought leadership.
In this episode, I sit down with Mitch Joel, a seasoned digital marketing expert and thought leader. We explore the evolving landscape of content creation, the impact of AI on professional workflows, and the challenges of hybrid work environments. Mitch shares insights from his new venture, ThinkersOne, a platform connecting businesses with thought leaders for bite-sized, customized content. We delve into the transformative power of generative AI in content creation and how it’s reshaping Mitch’s approach to his work. The conversation also touches on the importance of serendipity, memory, and nostalgia in an increasingly digital world, offering a blend of optimism and critical reflection on our rapidly changing professional and personal landscapes.
This podcast features Seb Gordon, co-founder of Rocket Padel, discussing his journey in the sport and the growth of padel in the UK. Gordon shares insights from his experience in Sweden’s padel boom and how he’s applying those lessons to develop premium indoor padel facilities in Britain. The conversation covers the importance of community in padel, the challenges of coaching development, and Rocket Padel’s expansion plans across London and beyond.
Key points:
1. The transition from tennis to padel and the therapeutic aspects of the sport’s community feel.
2. The significance of indoor courts for consistent play and the focus on creating premium padel experiences.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Esther O’Callaghan, founder of Hundo, about the pressing issue of youth unemployment and skills development. Esther shared insights from her recent report on the future of work and education, highlighting the disconnect between traditional education systems and the rapidly evolving job market. We discussed the need for businesses to engage with younger audiences earlier, providing virtual work experiences and skills-based learning opportunities. Esther emphasized the importance of both technical and soft skills, suggesting that a “skill stack” approach is crucial for future career success. We also touched on the challenges of intergenerational workplace dynamics and the role of technology in reshaping industries. Esther advocated for a more collaborative approach between parents, educators, and employers to better prepare young people for the future of work. Overall, our conversation underscored the urgent need for innovation in education and workforce development to address the growing skills crisis and ensure young people are equipped for success in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world.
I’m Minter Dial and I serve my clients by elevating the debate and energy, telling powerful stories and connecting people and ideas. My mission to insert more meaningfulness into our lives and at work. I relish being an engaging professional speaker on leadership, transformation and branding. I’m known for being someone who walks the talk and delivers on or above expectations. I’m the author of four award-winning books, including the second edition of my award-winning book, Heartificial Empathy (April 2023, available in English and French), You Lead published by Kogan Page that won the Business Book Award 2022, and Futureproof (FT-Press/Pearson) that won the Business Book Award 2018. I’m also the producer of the award-winning WWII book and documentary film The Last Ring Home.
My new project is Dialogos, Fostering More Meaningful Conversations that is being published weekly via Substack, which will be converted into a book end of 2023.
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