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Inside the Little Book of Padel: Ross Thornley’s Personal and Professional Transformation (JOPS04E19)

Inside the Little Book of Padel: Ross Thornley’s Personal and Professional Transformation (JOPS04E19)

by | Oct 7, 2026 | , , , ,

In this Joy of Padel episode, entrepreneur and author Ross Thornley shares his passionate ten-week journey into padel, highlighting the sport’s community, accessibility, and the psychology of learning. The conversation focused on adaptability, the role of ego, and the unique social dynamic of padel. The discussion explored how vulnerability and humility are central to improvement and enjoyment, and why padel’s low barrier to entry has fueled its global growth.
Key points:
1. Padel’s beginner-friendly, social environment sparks rapid learning and lasting connections.
2. Adaptability and letting go of ego are essential to progressing in padel and embracing its unique joy.

The Padel Rules We Make Up—and the Pros Who Break Them

The Padel Rules We Make Up—and the Pros Who Break Them

by | Oct 6, 2026 | ,

Padel can inspire near-religious devotion—and a few beliefs we mistake for rules. From choosing a side to serving and double faults, this playful look at the professional game asks what happens when we question our court-side orthodoxies. Because in padel, as in life, the joy may lie in staying curious—and being willing to change.

Stop Chasing and Start Creating: Justin Jones-Fosu on Finding Meaning in Work and Life (MDE674)

Stop Chasing and Start Creating: Justin Jones-Fosu on Finding Meaning in Work and Life (MDE674)

by | Oct 4, 2026 | , , ,

In this episode, Justin Jones-Fosu joins Minter Dial to discuss crafting meaningful lives by aligning with personal values, overcoming the chase for external validation, and integrating personal and professional identities. They explore the importance of community in work, findings from research into meaningfulness, and the challenge of defining manhood. Practical steps for leaders and individuals wanting to infuse more purpose into their work and life are shared. Discover more and access the research at stopchasingstartcreating.com and workmeaningful.com.

The Mental Game of Padel: Managing Energy, Momentum and Pressure

The Mental Game of Padel: Managing Energy, Momentum and Pressure

by | Sep 30, 2026 | ,

Padel demands more than fitness and a good shot. It asks players to manage pressure, momentum and emotion—while staying in tune with their partner and making smart decisions under pressure. Drawing on professional matches and personal experience, this article explores how to reset after mistakes, use nerves constructively and conserve energy throughout a game. Discover a practical blueprint for staying focused, playing with patience and finding the flow that makes padel so rewarding.

Padel: Making Mistakes, Making Up, and Handling Bad Days

Padel: Making Mistakes, Making Up, and Handling Bad Days

by | Sep 29, 2026 | ,

Padel tests more than technique: it tests patience, communication and how you respond when things go wrong. From mishits and bad days to awkward moments with your partner, this piece explores why the strongest players are not those who never make mistakes, but those who recover quickly, simplify their game and stay generous under pressure.

Living Your Dash: Linda Ellis Discusses Meaning, Mortality, and Authenticity (MDE673)

Living Your Dash: Linda Ellis Discusses Meaning, Mortality, and Authenticity (MDE673)

by | Sep 27, 2026 | , , , , ,

In this episode, Minter Dial speaks with poet Linda Ellis, author of the renowned “The Dash.” They delve into the impact of her poem on how we view life, death, and legacy, with Linda Ellis sharing personal stories behind her writing. Together, they discuss the challenges of embracing mortality, living authentically, and maintaining empathy and connection—both in life and the workplace. It’s a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to make the most of your dash.

The Soul of the Padel Court: What the Numbers Tell Us About the State of Padel at the Paris Major 2026

The Soul of the Padel Court: What the Numbers Tell Us About the State of Padel at the Paris Major 2026

by | Sep 25, 2026 | ,

At the Paris Major 2026, the numbers revealed more than winners and losers. Across 110 matches, men’s padel delivered explosive speed and athletic efficiency, while the women’s draw showcased tactical patience, defensive resilience and extraordinary mental endurance. From brutal qualifying battles to a dramatic men’s final and a dominant women’s title match, this analysis explores what the tournament’s data says about the evolving soul of modern padel.

The Colour of Meaning: How to Build a Life That Matters

The Colour of Meaning: How to Build a Life That Matters

by | Sep 24, 2026 |

Meaning is not a prize to be earned or a purpose borrowed from someone else. It is made through attention, authentic connection and choices that reflect what matters most to you. This essay explores how to identify your own North Star, build meaningfulness into everyday life, and use a colour-coded calendar to see whether your time reflects the life you want to lead.

The Art of Joyful Play: Alfonso Patacho’s Winning Padel Mindset (JOPS04E18)

The Art of Joyful Play: Alfonso Patacho’s Winning Padel Mindset (JOPS04E18)

by | Sep 23, 2026 | ,

In this episode of the Joy of Padel, GB team member Alfonso Patacho joins to share his journey from golf in Spain to international padel success. The conversation focused on how maturity, fun, and intentional practice have shaped his game, why communication is crucial on court, and what it means to play with the right partner. Listeners get insights into the mental approach needed for tournaments and his experience on the big stage.

Key points:

Maturity and having fun are essential for growth in padel.

Communication and adaptability with partners drive improvement and results.

Beyond the Hero’s Pedestal: Dr Michael Gerharz on Authentic Persuasion and Impact (MDE672)

Beyond the Hero’s Pedestal: Dr Michael Gerharz on Authentic Persuasion and Impact (MDE672)

by | Sep 20, 2026 | , ,

The conversation focused on how effective communication shapes strategic impact within organisations. One concept discussed was the importance of finding the right words that resonate across teams, emphasising clarity over jargon. A key theme that emerged was the need for leaders to step off the hero’s pedestal and engage authentically with their audience. The discussion explored how simplicity in messaging can act as a powerful entry point to handle complexity, using vivid language and repetition to embed strategic ideas into company culture. Several points were raised, including the role of meaning, presence, and heartfelt conviction in leadership communication.

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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