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Is It Time We Institute A New Form Of National Service?

Is It Time We Institute A New Form Of National Service?

by | May 12, 2026 | ,

In the face of deepening divisions, rising geopolitical threats, and a crisis of resilience among our youth, could national service be the answer? From NATO’s stark warnings about Russian aggression to the breakdown of social cohesion in Western democracies, the arguments for reintroducing mandatory national service — military or otherwise — are more compelling than ever. It would force people from all walks of life to work side by side, build psychological hardiness, and rediscover a sense of earned pride in their country. In the words of JFK: ask not what your country can do for you…

From Design Mantras to Cultural Insights Olivier Hinton’s Approach to Meaningful Innovation (MDE654)

From Design Mantras to Cultural Insights Olivier Hinton’s Approach to Meaningful Innovation (MDE654)

by | May 10, 2026 | , , , , , , ,

Minter Dial welcomes Olivier Hinton to discuss innovation, design, and the challenges companies face in embracing change. Drawing from experience across France, the UK, and Italy, Olivier Hinton explains why “thinking in a bigger box” often outpaces the traditional “think outside the box” mantra. They explore the critical roles of company culture, AI’s impact on customer insights, and the balance between creativity and commercial viability. Discover why understanding both structure and symbolism is essential in product design, and how genuine innovation requires more than just following KPIs or chasing rapid returns.

Growing the Game: Nick Baker on Padel Clubs, Juniors, and Tournaments in the UK (JOPS04E08)

Growing the Game: Nick Baker on Padel Clubs, Juniors, and Tournaments in the UK (JOPS04E08)

by | May 6, 2026 | , , ,

This episode of the JOY OF PADEL features Nick Baker in conversation with a dynamic UK club owner whose racket sport journey evolved from squash and real tennis to padel entrepreneurship. They delve into the joy and challenges of transitioning skills across racquet sports, the addictive tactics of padel doubles, and what makes the sport irresistibly social. The episode offers insights into building vibrant padel communities and the growth of UK tournaments and junior programs.

Key points:

Padel’s accessibility and fun community drive its rapid UK expansion.

Smart club initiatives foster diversity, skills, and grassroots passion for padel.

Behind the Curtain: Julia Burbach on Creativity, Risk, and Teamwork in Opera Direction (MDE653)

Behind the Curtain: Julia Burbach on Creativity, Risk, and Teamwork in Opera Direction (MDE653)

by | May 3, 2026 | , , , ,

On this episode of Minter Dialogue, Julia Burbach—an acclaimed scenic director in opera—shares insights into the blend of artistry, leadership, and diplomacy required to bring grand productions to life. From her personal journey navigating risk, creativity, and collaboration, to the importance of team dynamics and the evolving world of opera, Julia offers a compelling look behind the scenes. Perfect for those curious about the power of imagination, emotional intelligence, and international experience in the performing arts.

A Plan for the New World Disorder

A Plan for the New World Disorder

by | Apr 28, 2026 | ,

The world order is not merely shifting — it is inverting. The political coalitions, military alliances, moral standards, and civic habits that governed the last eighty years are dissolving simultaneously. Germany and Japan re-arm. Right-wing parties court working-class voters once owned by the left. Technology accelerates faster than our ethical grammar can follow. Beauty, truth, and goodness become matters of personal taste. And courage — that oldest of virtues — grows scarce precisely when it is most needed. The central question of this decade is not what is changing, but whether we have the character to meet it.

The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Leilani Garrett’s Path to Radical Empathy (MDE652)

The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Leilani Garrett’s Path to Radical Empathy (MDE652)

by | Apr 26, 2026 | , ,

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter speaks with Leilani Garrett, founder of Be More Human and author of After the Burn. They explore the meaning of being more human in today’s world, navigating authenticity in corporate life, and the power of radical empathy. Leilani Garrett reflects on her journey from a long corporate career to embracing creativity, identity, and purposeful leadership. Dive into a candid discussion on storytelling, belonging, and integrating your side hustle into a meaningful life.

Is a Left-Right Pairing the Best Doubles Combination? Padel and Tennis Data Compared

Is a Left-Right Pairing the Best Doubles Combination? Padel and Tennis Data Compared

by | Apr 23, 2026 | ,

Does a left–right pairing really outperform in doubles, or is it just padel folklore? This article digs into Grand Slam tennis and Premier Padel results to see how often left- and right-handed pairs actually win, compared to two right-handers or two lefties. From Coello–Tapia and Sánchez–Josemaría in padel to classic lefty combinations in tennis, it shows why having two forehands down the middle – and an opponent-unfamiliar lefty spin – can be a genuine competitive edge, not just a tactical curiosity.

Padel for Everyone: Adaptive Sport, Community, and Inspiration With Alessandro Ossola (JOPS04E07)

Padel for Everyone: Adaptive Sport, Community, and Inspiration With Alessandro Ossola (JOPS04E07)

by | Apr 22, 2026 | , , , , ,

This episode of the JOY OF PADEL features Alessandro Ossola, Paralympic athlete and founder of Inclusive Padel Tour, joining Minter Dial to share his inspiring journey from overcoming a life-changing accident to pioneering adaptive padel in Italy. Alessandro reveals how sports and community fueled his recovery, discusses founding Bionic People, and outlines how Inclusive Padel Tour empowers both disabled and able-bodied players.

Key points:

Inclusive Padel Tour creates mixed teams, fostering accessibility and fun for all.

Padel’s walls and gameplay make it the perfect adaptive sport, emphasizing inclusion and skill development.

The AI Instinct and Hybrid Cognition Redefining Human Agency and Experience with Rana Gujral (MDE651)

The AI Instinct and Hybrid Cognition Redefining Human Agency and Experience with Rana Gujral (MDE651)

by | Apr 19, 2026 | , , , ,

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, host Minter Dial welcomes AI entrepreneur and author Rana Gujral to discuss his forthcoming book, “The AI Instinct.” Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is shaping human perception, decision-making, and even experience itself. From the realities of hybrid cognition to the risks and responsibilities of emotion AI, the conversation probes the boundaries between humanity and technology, raising timely questions about agency, transparency, and the evolving roles of machines in our lives. Discover insights from Rana into the future of intelligent collaboration and what it means for all of us.

To Book Minter!

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 last major published project was Dialogos, Fostering More Meaningful Conversations that was published weekly via Substack, over 79 weeks. I am currently working on a new book, The Avatar Trap.  

Click here to inquire about booking Minter!

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