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From Padel Courts to Tech Parks: When A Booming Sport Meet Silicon Valley

From Padel Courts to Tech Parks: When A Booming Sport Meet Silicon Valley

by | Mar 20, 2025 | , , , , ,

As padel courts multiply faster than corporate buzzwords, technology is transforming this addictive sport in ways that would make even the most innovative startup jealous. From Virtual Reality training that lets you practice volleys in your living room (spilled tea notwithstanding), to AI systems that simultaneously analyze your game and tactfully deflate your ego, padel’s technological revolution offers fascinating parallels to business transformation. Whether it’s the augmented reality graphics revealing professional players’ secrets or AI coaches delivering feedback with quintessential British politeness, these innovations demonstrate how traditional activities can embrace technology without losing their essential character – a lesson worth smashing home in any boardroom.

Reflections on Leadership and Geopolitics with Sir Mark Carleton-Smith (MDE603)

Reflections on Leadership and Geopolitics with Sir Mark Carleton-Smith (MDE603)

by | Mar 16, 2025 | , , , , , , ,

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 might not only be post-war but potentially pre-war, underscoring the critical importance of preparing and guiding the next generation for future challenges.

Smashing Stereotypes: Carolina Orsi on Women’s Padel and Communication

Smashing Stereotypes: Carolina Orsi on Women’s Padel and Communication

by | Mar 12, 2025 | ,

This Joy of Padel podcast episode features Italian padel pro Carolina Orsi, who shares her journey from tennis to professional padel. Orsi discusses the challenges of transitioning to padel, emphasizing the importance of mastering wall play and developing anticipation skills. She offers insights into the women’s padel game, highlighting the strategic communication between partners during matches. Orsi also reflects on padel’s rapid growth in Italy and her aspirations to break into the top 20 rankings.

Key points:

1. Repetition and trust are crucial for reading ball trajectories off walls in padel.

2. Women’s padel involves more tactical communication during matches compared to men’s padel.

Faisal Hoque: Navigating Life’s Challenges and AI’s Future (MDE602)

Faisal Hoque: Navigating Life’s Challenges and AI’s Future (MDE602)

by | Mar 9, 2025 | , ,

Faisal shared his journey from a 19-year-old immigrant to a successful entrepreneur and author. He emphasized the importance of resilience, mindfulness, and finding purpose in life. The discussion touched on the challenges of defining ‘good’ in the context of AI and business ethics. Faisal stressed the need for a balanced approach to innovation, considering both possibilities and potential risks. He highlighted the value of humanities and philosophical teachings in leadership, particularly in the age of AI. The conversation also explored the concept of service, with Faisal advocating for pragmatic and meaningful ways to contribute to society. Throughout the podcast, themes of personal growth, ethical leadership, and the impact of cultural background on success were woven together. This episode offers listeners valuable insights on navigating the complexities of modern leadership and technology while maintaining a focus on humanity and service.

Cracking the Code: Nicol Kindness on Intuition, Ego, and Personal Growth (MDE601)

Cracking the Code: Nicol Kindness on Intuition, Ego, and Personal Growth (MDE601)

by | Mar 2, 2025 | , , , ,

Here’s my latest episode featuring Nicol Kindness. Nicol’s journey from the British Army to the Swiss Alps is a testament to the power of intuition and personal growth. He candidly discusses his time at Sandhurst, the challenges of military life, and how these experiences shaped his approach to risk and leadership.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as Nicol shares insights from his podcast, “Mr. Kindness,” where he explores extraordinary stories from ordinary people. A particularly impactful story he recounts is of Ben Ward, who found enlightenment in the solitude of a Norwegian mountain farm.

Throughout the episode, we delve into themes of self-discovery, the importance of creativity, and the ongoing struggle between ego and intuition. Nicol’s reflections on conscious growth and the challenges of starting a podcast offer valuable insights for listeners on their own personal journeys.

This episode is a rich exploration of life’s unexpected paths and the wisdom gained along the way.

Chantal Cornelius on Courage in Marketing: Standing Out in a Crowded Field (MDE600)

Chantal Cornelius on Courage in Marketing: Standing Out in a Crowded Field (MDE600)

by | Feb 23, 2025 | , , ,

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.

Hockey, Empathy, and Business: Ron Szekely’s Unique Leadership Insights

Hockey, Empathy, and Business: Ron Szekely’s Unique Leadership Insights

by | Feb 16, 2025 | , , , ,

This engaging 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 insights for leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

Brittany Dubins, US #1, on Padel Strategy: Lobs, Partners, and Progression

Brittany Dubins, US #1, on Padel Strategy: Lobs, Partners, and Progression

by | Feb 12, 2025 | ,

This podcast features an engaging conversation with Brittany Dubins, the top-ranked female padel player in the United States. Brittany shares her journey from tennis to professional padel, discussing the challenges and joys of the sport. She offers insights into the unique aspects of padel, including partner dynamics and strategic play. The discussion covers Brittany’s experiences at the World Championships in Doha and her thoughts on the future of padel in the US. This episode provides a fascinating look into the world of professional padel from an American perspective.

Key points:

1. The importance of partner compatibility and off-court relationships in padel.

2. The challenges of transitioning from tennis to padel, including adapting to different shot selections and strategies.

Saul Ezra: Reflections on a Life Bridging Cultures and Constructing Dreams (MDE598)

Saul Ezra: Reflections on a Life Bridging Cultures and Constructing Dreams (MDE598)

by | Feb 2, 2025 | , , ,

Born in 1941 in Bombay during the British Raj, Saul Ezra’s life has been a fascinating journey through different cultures and professions. He spoke about his Jewish-Iraqi heritage, his education in a Jesuit school, and his successful career as an architect in India. Saul shared insights on his family life, his passion for sports, and his transition to business in London.

Throughout the interview, Saul’s wisdom shone through as he discussed the importance of education, hard work, and family. He reflected on the role of religion in society, the challenges of modern technology, and the value of resilience. Saul’s perspective on success, happiness, and legacy was particularly poignant, emphasizing the importance of making others happy and celebrating everyone’s achievements.

As Saul faces a terminal illness, his reflections on life were both touching and inspiring. His final words, expressing love for his family and contentment with his life, left a lasting impression. This podcast offers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights from a life well-lived.

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 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.

Click here to inquire about booking Minter!

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