Episodes

  • From Jeans to Padel: Joe Middleton's Journey in Crafting Brand Culture (MDE616)

    From Jeans to Padel: Joe Middleton's Journey in Crafting Brand Culture (MDE616)
    Jun 21 2025
    I had the pleasure of interviewing Joe Middleton, a seasoned professional in the apparel industry who's now making waves in the world of paddle tennis with his brand, Pulco. Joe shared his journey from playing cricket and field hockey to working for Levi's and Canterbury, before retiring and then unexpectedly diving into the paddle tennis market. He identified a gap in the sport's apparel and set out to create a brand that reflects the unique culture of paddle tennis. Joe emphasized the importance of understanding consumer needs, developing innovative fabrics to address sweat issues, and crafting a distinct brand identity separate from traditional tennis wear. He discussed Pulco's global expansion strategy, focusing on key cities worldwide rather than a country-by-country approach. Joe's passion for the sport and his commitment to creating a brand that embodies the addictive nature of paddle tennis shone through our conversation, leaving me excited about the future of both Pulco and the sport itself.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Rewiring Leadership: Dan Docherty on Purpose, Play, and Perspective (MDE615)

    Rewiring Leadership: Dan Docherty on Purpose, Play, and Perspective (MDE615)
    Jun 14 2025
    This episode is with Dan Docherty, an expert in leadership and communication. We explored the importance of personal vision and purpose in both professional and personal life. Dan shared his journey from corporate leadership to academia and consultancy, emphasising the value of lived experiences in coaching. We discussed the power of perspective-taking and empathy in leadership, and how understanding personal stories can transform workplace relationships. Dan highlighted the need for psychological safety and the balance between compliance and compassion in organisational cultures. We touched on the role of play and curiosity in business environments, and how these elements can foster innovation and problem-solving. Dan also shared insights from his research on shared vision and its impact on workplace engagement. Throughout our conversation, we explored the challenges of modern leadership, including talent retention and the importance of trust. Dan's approach to coaching and leadership, rooted in neuroscience and emotional intelligence, offers a fresh perspective on creating high-performing, empathetic work environments.
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    55 mins
  • From Burnout to Badass: Dana Cox's Journey of Self-Discovery (MDE614)

    From Burnout to Badass: Dana Cox's Journey of Self-Discovery (MDE614)
    Jun 7 2025
    I had the pleasure of speaking with Dana Cox, a business strategist, coach, and author from St. Louis. We delved into her journey from burnout to becoming a 'badass', as detailed in her book "From Burnout to Badass". Dana shared her personal experience of overcoming burnout, which stemmed from years of overcompensation and juggling multiple responsibilities. We discussed the challenges of recognizing burnout and the importance of self-knowledge in overcoming it. Dana emphasized the need to rewrite one's life story and the power of admitting when the life you've built no longer serves you. We explored the concept of work-life harmony rather than balance, and how cultural expectations can create unique challenges for women. Dana also shared insights on authentic leadership and creating joyful work environments. The conversation touched on the 'success tax' and 'joy tax', highlighting the importance of celebrating small wins and fostering a positive work culture. Overall, it was an enlightening discussion on personal growth, leadership, and finding joy in one's professional life.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Exploring Digital Wellbeing and Digital Detox with Petra Velzeboer (MDE613)

    Exploring Digital Wellbeing and Digital Detox with Petra Velzeboer (MDE613)
    May 24 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with Petra Velzeboer, a psychotherapist, author, and mental health consultant. We explore her journey from growing up in a religious cult to becoming a leading voice in workplace well-being. Petra shares insights on digital detoxes, the importance of self-awareness, and aligning well-being strategies with business objectives. We discuss the challenges of modern work culture, including always-on expectations and the need for authentic leadership. Petra offers practical advice for individuals and organizations to foster mental health, emphasizing the power of connection and service to others. Her personal experiences and professional expertise provide a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of digital well-being and finding fulfillment in today's fast-paced world.
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    56 mins
  • Loïc Fery: Bridging the Gap Between Business Acumen and Sports Passion (MDE612)

    Loïc Fery: Bridging the Gap Between Business Acumen and Sports Passion (MDE612)
    May 17 2025
    In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Loïc Fery, a fascinating figure in both the business and sports worlds. Loïc shared insights from his diverse career, including his role as founding and running Chenavari, being the owner of French football club FC Lorient and his recent venture into the world of padel. We discussed the similarities and differences between managing a sports team and running a business, with Loïc emphasizing the unique emotional aspect of sports. He also shared his journey into padel, from his first encounter with the sport to co-founding the 10 Padel team for the Hexagon Cup. Loïc's passion for padel was evident as he described the sport's accessibility and social aspects. We explored the challenges of transitioning from tennis to padel and the intricacies of team selection for the Hexagon Cup. The interview concluded with Loïc's thoughts on the future of padel, including its potential inclusion in the Olympics and its growth in various markets. Overall, it was an enlightening conversation that highlighted the exciting developments in the world of padel.
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    51 mins
  • Moralized Antagonism: How Our Politics Failed Us in COVID's Wake (MDE602)

    Moralized Antagonism: How Our Politics Failed Us in COVID's Wake (MDE602)
    May 10 2025
    I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Frances Lee, a professor of politics and public affairs at Princeton University. We delved into the political landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring how our democratic systems struggled to cope with the crisis. Dr. Lee shared insights from her book "In Covid's Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us," co-authored with Stephen Macedo. We discussed the concept of moralized antagonism and how it hindered productive dialogue during the pandemic. Dr. Lee highlighted the importance of leaders acknowledging uncertainty and avoiding the temptation to pretend they have all the answers. We also touched on the failures of federalism in the US, where partisan divides prevented effective policy learning across states. The conversation explored the broader implications for democracy, including concerns about free speech and the suppression of dissent. Dr. Lee emphasized the need for citizens and leaders alike to resist moralized antagonism and engage with diverse perspectives. Overall, our discussion provided a thoughtful examination of the pandemic's impact on democratic processes and the challenges we face moving forward.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ben Nichols: From Anti-Doping to Padel's PR Powerhouse (MDE610)

    Ben Nichols: From Anti-Doping to Padel's PR Powerhouse (MDE610)
    May 3 2025
    This podcast features Ben Nichols, a communications expert and paddle enthusiast, discussing his career journey and current ventures in the paddle industry. Nichols shares insights from his time at the World Anti-Doping Agency, addressing the complexities of doping in sports. He also delves into his current role in promoting paddle through various initiatives, including Paddle22, a PR and marketing communications business, and Insider22, a membership community for paddle industry professionals. The conversation explores the challenges of personal branding for athletes and the growth potential of paddle as an emerging sport. Key points: 1. The importance of authenticity and personality in athlete branding 2. The unique opportunity to shape paddle's image as a new sport in many markets
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Crafting a Brand's Voice: Flavia Barbat's Unique Approach (MDE609)

    Crafting a Brand's Voice: Flavia Barbat's Unique Approach (MDE609)
    Apr 27 2025
    This podcast features a conversation between host Minter Dial and guest Flavia Barbat, exploring the intricacies of branding and communication. Flavia, originally from Transylvania, shares her journey as editor-in-chief of Branding Mag and her approach to crafting meaningful brand narratives. The discussion delves into the importance of nuanced, long-form content in a world dominated by short attention spans and clickbait. Flavia emphasises the need for honesty and clarity in brand communication, challenging the notion that every brand needs a world-changing purpose. The conversation also touches on her efforts to reshape Romania's national identity through branding principles. Key points: 1. The value of long-form, nuanced content in brand communication 2. The importance of honesty and clarity over forced brand purpose
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    1 hr and 13 mins
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