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Navigating the Skills Crisis: Insights from Hundo’s Founder Esther O’Callaghan (MDE606)

Navigating the Skills Crisis: Insights from Hundo’s Founder Esther O’Callaghan (MDE606)

by | Apr 6, 2025 | , , , ,

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.

Revolutionising Marketing: The Power of Play and Awe with Mark Schaefer (MDE605)

Revolutionising Marketing: The Power of Play and Awe with Mark Schaefer (MDE605)

by | Mar 30, 2025 | , , ,

Mark Schaefer, marketing expert and author, joins me to discuss his latest book “Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World.” We explore the importance of breaking bad rules for good reasons in marketing, the power of word-of-mouth, and the need for brands to create meaningful experiences. Mark challenges conventional marketing norms, emphasizing the value of play, humor, and embracing imperfection in brand strategies. We delve into the concept of “collective effervescence” and how brands can create shared experiences that lead to emotional connections. The conversation touches on the broader implications of AI in marketing and the enduring importance of human creativity and audacity in a world increasingly dominated by algorithms.

Revolutionising Padel in the UK: Jonathan Rowland’s R3 Sport Strategy

Revolutionising Padel in the UK: Jonathan Rowland’s R3 Sport Strategy

by | Mar 26, 2025 | ,

This podcast features Jonathan Rowland, a padel aficionado since 2004, discussing his journey in the sport and his venture, R3 Sport. Rowland shares insights on padel’s growth in the UK, his experiences playing in unconventional settings, and his vision for developing the sport professionally. The conversation delves into the challenges of competing with established padel nations and the importance of nurturing young talent. Key points include Rowland’s approach to sponsoring players and the role of celebrity involvement in promoting padel. The podcast highlights the joy of padel and its potential as an Olympic sport, emphasising the need for continued support and evolution in the UK padel scene.

From Film Sets to Silicon Valley: Leslie Grandy’s Unconventional Path (MDE604)

From Film Sets to Silicon Valley: Leslie Grandy’s Unconventional Path (MDE604)

by | Mar 23, 2025 | , , , , ,

This podcast features a conversation between Minter Dial and Leslie Grandy, exploring creativity, career development, and personal growth. Grandy shares her journey from the film industry to corporate America, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and developing problem-solving skills. The discussion delves into the ethics of AI in creative processes and the value of play in fostering creativity. Grandy emphasises the need for emotional regulation when dealing with challenging personalities and the importance of maintaining one’s values in professional settings.

Key points:

1. Creativity is not solely about originality but often involves combining existing ideas in new ways.

2. Play is crucial for adults to unlock their creative potential and break free from professional constraints.

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.

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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