Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter Dialogue

In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming back Maria Garrido, a dynamic individual who juggles multiple roles with grace and enthusiasm. Maria describes herself as a "hyperactive queenager," a term she embraces as she navigates her life as a mother of three, a multilingual Paris resident, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Deezer. We delved into her approach to maintaining cultural relevance in the music streaming industry, emphasising the importance of credibility and staying attuned to cultural shifts.

Maria shared insights into Deezer's strategy for engaging diverse audiences, highlighting the significance of music credibility and user experience. She also discussed the challenges of personalisation in streaming services and the balance between business interests and user satisfaction.

Beyond her role at Deezer, Maria is the founder of Terranum Wellness, a retreat centre in Galicia, Spain. She spoke passionately about her journey from corporate life to creating a sanctuary for wellness, driven by her personal experiences and a desire to offer others the same healing she found in retreats.

Maria's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to authenticity, both in her professional endeavours and personal life.

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Ismail-Beigi Bartlett, a dynamic HR consultant and executive coach based in Cleveland. We explore her unexpected journey from aspiring mechanical engineer to a leader in organisational behaviour and change management. Sara shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the HR landscape, emphasising the importance of understanding the psychological aspects of change. We also delve into her podcast, "Can I Offer You Some Feedback?", discussing the nuances of giving and receiving feedback in both personal and professional contexts. Sara highlights the significance of trust and relationship-building in effective communication. Throughout our conversation, we touch on the evolving nature of healthcare, the role of empathy in leadership, and the complexities of transparency in the workplace. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that offers valuable perspectives on leadership, change, and the art of feedback.

Join me as I sit down with the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan in this captivating episode. We reminisce about our first meeting and the unforgettable moment when Stanley played my favourite song, "Angel." Stanley shares his unique perspective on music as an applied philosophy, a way of understanding the world that transcends mere entertainment. We delve into the profound connection humans have with music, exploring its therapeutic potential and its role in significant life events. Stanley also discusses his innovative work in sonification, translating scientific data into musical sound, and his creation of a periodic table of music. We touch on his iconic contribution to the Macintosh chime and his deep appreciation for the Grateful Dead's musical legacy. Stanley's passion for integrating music with science and education shines through, offering a glimpse into his future projects and his vision for a more musically connected world.

In this latest episode, I had a wide ranging discussion with Michael Brown, author of "I Don't Agree", a book that explores navigating disagreements and fostering mutual respect. Brown shares his personal journey, highlighting a tumultuous period in his career involving a power struggle with business partners, which inspired his book. Two key points discussed include the concept of attribution bias, where individuals often credit themselves for positive outcomes in negotiations, and the innovative idea of integrating mental health support within soup kitchens, aiming to address homelessness by providing accessible mental health services.

In this episode of the Minter Dialogue podcast, I explore the possibilities of delegating the hosting to AI, in the form of Google's NotebookLM. In the ensuing interview that is artificially constructed by two voices, there are two interviews with quite different editorial approaches to exploring my book, "Heartificial Empathy, 2nd edition". The first discussion centres around the potential of empathy as a competitive advantage in a world increasingly dominated by AI and algorithms. Two key points raised include the idea that empathy is not merely a passive feeling but an active process requiring genuine understanding of others' emotions and motivations. The second discussion focuses on more ethical issues and is more critical of my book.... Which do you prefer? One, both or neither? Please drop in your comments and let us know your thoughts/reactions!

This episode is with Vincent Kouwenhoven, a Dutch entrepreneur who transformed a hobby into the largest safari operation in Zambia and Malawi. Vincent shares his journey from a corporate career in telecoms and venture capital to pioneering fintech solutions in Africa. He discusses his passion for the continent, sparked by a gap year adventure, and how it led him to invest in sustainable safari lodges. We explore the unique allure of Zambia's wilderness, the importance of creating jobs for local communities, and Vincent's innovative approach to eco-friendly tourism. Discover how Vincent's leadership style evolved through hands-on involvement and his commitment to kindness and sustainability. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to the safari experience, Vincent's insights offer a fresh perspective on luxury travel and conservation. Tune in to learn more about the magic of Africa and the impact of responsible tourism.

In this engaging episode, I welcome back Fabrice Grinda, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and investor. Fabrice shares his journey from his early days in France to building tech companies and investing in over 1100 startups through FJ Labs. We delve into his unique approach to life, challenging societal norms and embracing authenticity. Fabrice discusses his transformative experiences with psychedelics and how they influenced his personal and professional life. We also explore the role of AI in modern business, with Fabrice explaining how every company he invests in utilises AI in some capacity. He introduces Fabrice AI, a digital representation of himself, designed to answer frequently asked questions from entrepreneurs. Throughout the conversation, Fabrice offers insights into the future of AI, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the value of a broad education.

In this episode, I sit down with Karin von Hippel, Director of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London. We explore her extensive career in think tanks and foreign policy, including her work with the United Nations, the State Department, and the European Union. Karin shares insights into her early career, discussing her first job working on Somalia's political options post-dictatorship. We delve into the concept of resilience in conflict zones and the importance of national service. Karin reflects on the challenges of geopolitics, the role of think tanks like RUSI, and the complexities of global security threats. We also discuss leadership qualities and the evolving nature of international relations. As Karin prepares to leave RUSI, she offers her perspective on the future of global politics and her own next steps. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, resilience, and the intricate web of global affairs.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Willie Pietersen, a distinguished professor at Columbia Business School and former CEO, who shared his remarkable journey from South Africa to the United States. Willie discussed his experiences growing up during apartheid, his career transition from law to business, and his insights on leadership. He emphasised the importance of personal leadership, strategic direction, and interpersonal skills, drawing on his own life lessons and the example set by Nelson Mandela. We explored the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in leadership and the role of moral courage. Willie also shared his thoughts on the biases that affect decision-making and the significance of having a shared purpose in business. For those interested in learning more, his book "Leadership: The Inside Story" is available on Amazon. It was a truly enlightening conversation, and I hope to meet Willie in person someday to continue our discussion.

In this episode, I host Neal Schaffer, a digital marketing expert and author of the new book, "Digital Threads: The Small Business and Entrepreneur Playbook for Digital Marketing." Neal shares his journey from Southern California to becoming a global influencer, educator, and consultant. He discusses his extensive experience in Japan, where he lived for 15 years, and how it shaped his approach to social media and digital marketing. Neal emphasises the importance of a results-driven, experimental mindset in marketing, inspired by the PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) methodology. He also highlights the value of long-term relationships and a holistic perspective in business. Neal's latest book aims to democratise digital marketing strategies for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them make meaningful connections and achieve sustainable growth.