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Evergreen Podcasts | Minter Dialogue

With the Minter Dialogue podcast, your host Minter Dial is on a mission to help elevate the debate and insert more meaningfulness into our lives. He gives weekly interviews around leadership, brand strategy and transformation, featuring top business leaders, personalities, entrepreneurs and authors from around the world who are making things happen! This show has had multiple awards and citations over the years, including the #2 Brand Strategy podcast worldwide by Feedspot in 2025 (#1 in the UK), as well as #22 among all Leadership podcasts. It was also listed as a Top 50 leadership podcast by LeadersHum for 2022 and Top 50 Marketing Blog/Podcasts by Linkedin.
Minter Dial is a filmmaker and author of multiple award-winning books, including The Last Ring Home, Futureproof (FT Press), You Lead (Kogan Page) and Heartificial Empathy, 2nd edition (2023). He also hosts The Joy of Padel podcast.
Podcast show notes are on minterdial.com. To rate & review: RateThisPodcast.

Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter Dialogue

In this episode, Minter Dial welcomes back Charlene Li, renowned author, analyst, and entrepreneur, whose career has traced the fault lines of technological disruption from her days at Forrester Research to the founding of Altimeter Group and beyond. Now immersed in the world of artificial intelligence, Charlene joins the conversation on the back of her latest book, penned alongside Dr Katia Walsh—a hands-on leader in enterprise-scale AI—offering practical guidance for thriving in this age of rapid transformation.

The conversation focused on the realities and myths around AI adoption, from the relentless buzz in San Francisco’s heart of tech, to the ways even farmers’ markets are not immune from the AI wave. One concept discussed was the importance of psychological safety and trust when collaborating—essential for creativity, candour, and, as Charlene explains, for navigating the complexities of co-authoring a book. The discussion explored how AI was used as a tool in their writing process, proving invaluable for tasks like research and scenario generation, while falling short at emulating distinctive authorial voice and holding narrative threads over long passages.

A key theme that emerged was how organisations can approach AI with intention. Several points were raised, including why a blueprint or structured process offers reassurance amidst the many paths available, and the need to use AI strategically—always anchored in the specific problems at hand, rather than chasing the latest trend. The dialogue ventures into leadership challenges: how to balance experimentation with governance, where transparency must serve trust, and why developing ‘superhuman’ capabilities—combining technical fluency with deepened empathy, intuition, and wisdom—could give businesses a unique, defensible edge.

Whether you’re a leader on the edge of AI transformation, wrestling with issues of culture, agency, and fairness, or simply keen to avoid the traps of overload and burnout, this episode offers a grounded, pragmatic look at unlocking genuine value from AI in work and life. Tune in as Minter Dial and Charlene Li probe the messy realities underpinning successful digital transformation—and reframe technology as a catalyst for not just efficiency, but for amplifying our most human strengths.

Winning with AI: Charlene Li on Superhuman Leadership and Navigating Transformation’s Challenges (MDE661)

In this conversation, Minter Dial sits down with Matt Marcotte, whose extensive career spans retail, consumer experience, and technology leadership at renowned organisations such as Bergdorf Goodman, Salesforce, and Apple. Now an executive coach, consultant, and MBA lecturer at Boston College, Matt Marcotte brings a wealth of hands-on expertise in building authentic brand connections, fostering team dynamics, and driving scalable business results through a commitment to purpose-driven work.

The conversation focused on how belief underpins brand identity and organisational culture, exploring why defining what a company truly believes—and does not believe—is essential for attracting the right talent and loyal customers. A key theme that emerged was the challenge legacy brands face when navigating cultural transformation, especially as they seek to move teams from mere compliance to genuine commitment. The discussion explored the nuances of personal belief versus corporate purpose, offering a practical framework for translating internal convictions into meaningful, shared values.

Listeners will discover actionable strategies for evaluating company culture, vetting potential employers, and articulating their own personal brands. Several points were raised, including the importance of curiosity within organisations, the vital role of emotional intelligence in leadership, and the necessity of follow-through after culture-change initiatives. Whether you’re early in your career, leading a large-scale organisation, or simply striving for deeper connection and fulfilment in your work, this episode is rich with insights, real-world examples, and frameworks to help you reimagine what it means to build a brand—both personally and professionally—on the solid ground of belief.

Transforming Brand Culture Through Belief: Lessons on Authentic Leadership and Connection (MDE660)

In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes Kerry Halferty Hardy, a seasoned bridge builder across cultures, sectors, and knowledge silos. With a rich background spanning public, private, and nonprofit leadership, Kerry shares her journey as what she calls a “human Swiss army knife,” adept at navigating the intersections of civil society, healthcare, international affairs, and education.

In their deep and wide-ranging exchange, Kerry articulates the nuanced reality of living between cultures as a Franco-American, unpacking the complexities and rewards of a multi-national identity. The discussion moves fluidly across the importance of critical thinking, the power of civil society as the connective tissue in resilient, free societies, and the challenges of aligning incentives—whether across governments, businesses, or NGOs.

The conversation also delves into education and parenting in a rapidly evolving world, as Kerry shares her perspectives on nurturing curiosity, agency, and adaptability in the next generation. Drawing from her experience on numerous nonprofit boards—including the American Club of Paris and the World Anti Extremism Network—she offers fresh perspectives on defending freedom, combating extremism, and the responsibility that comes with liberty.

For anyone grappling with how to operate meaningfully across borders and disciplines, empower young people, or defend the values of an open society, this episode is rich with practical wisdom and lived insight. Listen in as Minter Dial and Kerry Halferty Hardy explore what it takes to build bridges where others see barriers, and why fostering resilience, openness, and responsibility matters now more than ever.

Bridging Worlds: Kerry Halferty Hardy on Civil Society, Cross-Cultural Insights, and Freedom (MDE659)

In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes Dixie Maria Carlton, celebrated author and publishing consultant affectionately known as the “word witch.” With decades of experience guiding aspiring writers from rough ideas to finished manuscripts, Dixie brings a refreshingly candid perspective on the realities of book writing, publishing, and beyond.

Together, Minter and Dixie delve into the transformative journey of authorship—what it means to move from the blank page to powerful public presence, and why crafting a book today is as much about authority and influence as it is about the written word. Dixie sheds light on the evolving state of book reading and publishing, offering her take on why, despite the digital deluge, readers—and books—still matter more than ever.

Their exchange traverses the nuances of language, the importance of clarity and simplicity in communication, and the sometimes overlooked art of translating expertise into genuine impact, both on stage and off. Dixie shares practical wisdom for thought leaders seeking to build a meaningful ecosystem around their work, and doesn’t shy away from the current debates around AI’s place in writing: when it supports creativity and when it threatens the soul of authorship.

Peppered with stories from years of coaching, tales of transformation, and reflections on the lost art of meaningful conversation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity amid the noise of modern publishing, or hoping to turn their expertise into work that truly resonates. 

Tune in as Minter Dial and Dixie Maria Carlton explore the heart, craft, and future of communicating ideas that matter.

From Pages to Stages: Dixie Maria Carlton Unlocks Transformative Author Journeys (MDE658)

In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes entrepreneur, athlete, and CEO J Johnson Jr, whose journey traverses viral app creation, elite athletics, and pioneering a new frontier in frequency-based wellness and performance. From launching his first viral app at just fourteen, to shifting his focus towards Division I athletics and ultimately founding High Frequency Highway, J Johnson brings a powerful perspective on self-optimisation, discipline, and the deeper connections between mind, science, and technology.

This wide-ranging discussion uncovers J Johnson’s fascinating path—from overcoming early allergies and ADHD, to building tech startups in San Francisco and delving into meditation as a gateway to transformation. He shares hard-won insights on neuroplasticity, developing a business model around frequency, and how his innovations in sound and wearable tech aim to “raise the frequency” of individuals, ultimately contributing to peace on Earth. The exchange dives deep into the intersections of neuroscience, quantum physics, personal agency, and the practical implications of shifting brain states for better focus, sleep, and performance, whether on the track or in the boardroom.

Whether you’re intrigued by the science of sound, searching for tools to boost attention in a world of distraction, or curious about the convergence of spirituality, technology, and business, this episode offers fresh thinking and actionable ideas. Join Minter Dial and J Johnson as they explore the transformative potential of frequency—and what it means to thrive and find purpose in today’s rapidly changing world.

Athlete, Inventor, Visionary: J Johnson’s Journey to World Peace with High Frequency Highway (MDE657)

In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes Tim Lewko, CEO of Thinking Dimensions, whose decades of strategic advisory work have spanned four continents and hundreds of organisations. With real-world experience working side by side with CEOs on growth and transformation, Speaker A brings an unapologetically practical approach to the complexities of strategic decision-making.

In this wide-ranging exchange, Tim delves into the lessons he’s drawn from both history and the boardroom, weaving in powerful stories—such as his uncle’s harrowing experience as a World War II prisoner of war—to underscore why personal values, freedom, and purpose are the true drivers behind long-term success. The conversation moves from deeply personal perspectives on resilience to the pragmatic realities faced by today’s leaders, connecting the dots between personal narrative and corporate stewardship.

Minter and Tim explore the nuances of authentic leadership, with Tim outlining his MOVE framework—Making thinking Visible, Orienting around advantage, Visible bets, and Executing in rhythm—captured in his new book, "MOVE: AI-Powered Strategy for a Fast World." The discussion dives into why organisations falter when they chase after muddled strategies or become lost in the fog of too many priorities. Tim pulls no punches on the pitfalls of corporate jargon, instead showing what it takes to foster clarity, transparency, and true engagement in executive teams.

Listeners will hear why framing purpose and criteria is the linchpin of strategic success, how leveraging AI as a thinking partner is transforming the speed and quality of decision-making, and why the ability to boil down complexity to its essentials separates thriving organisations from those that stagnate. Whether you’re a CEO, a team leader, or simply curious about how to make strategic frameworks truly actionable, this episode offers a blueprint for building purposeful cultures and harnessing technology without sacrificing authenticity. Tune in as Minter and Tim challenge prevailing assumptions and provide an energising vision for strategy in a changing world.

Making Strategic Thinking Visible: Tim Lewko on Purpose, Values, and AI in Business (MDE656)

In this episode, Sarah Lynn Thomas joins us from Portugal, reflecting on a whirlwind few weeks running retreats across Costa Rica, Mexico, and Europe, and offering rare insight into the world of Behold Retreats—a unique organisation specialising in plant medicine ceremonies. With a Western background in finance and crypto, Sarah Lynn Thomas brings both analytical rigour and deep personal experience to her work, championing ayahuasca, bufo, and psilocybin as powerful catalysts not just for healing trauma and mental health, but for unlocking personal expansion and self-awareness.

The conversation traverses the intricate legal and ethical landscape of plant medicine, delving into why Behold operates in countries like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Portugal, and how the nuances of legality and regulation influence both access and the preservation of traditional practice. Sarah articulates what truly sets Behold apart: a devotion to the integration process—holding participants through the intensity of ceremony, ensuring that transformative insights take root long after they leave the retreat centre.

Listeners are invited behind the curtain to explore the realities of facilitating healing in a global context—from fostering sustainable practices and community alliances to the rigorous screening necessary for safeguarding both individuals and groups. The episode moves beyond stereotypes, shining a light on the practicalities and paradoxes of consciousness work, from managing vulnerability as a leader to the evolving interplay between sovereignty, support, and collaboration.

Whether you’re curious about the intersection of ancient plant wisdom and modern wellbeing, re-evaluating your own relationship with personal growth, or simply seeking a candid dialogue about leadership, accountability, and transformation, this conversation with Sarah Lynn Thomas offers a thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly human perspective.

From Corporate to Conscious: Sarah Lynn Thomas Redefines Healing at Behold Retreats (MDE655)

In this conversation, Minter Dial is joined by Olivier Hinton, innovation strategist and psychologist, whose cross-Channel upbringing and multinational experience have profoundly shaped his perspective on change and creativity. Drawing from a career spanning France, the UK, Italy and beyond, Olivier Hinton sheds light on why embracing change is fundamental to innovation, and why companies must learn to “zoom out” from what they think they know in order to truly break new ground.

The pair explore the real-world challenges organisations face when shifting from operational excellence to genuine innovation, untangling why it’s so difficult to step away from established routines and the seductive comfort of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Olivier Hinton goes behind the scenes of Groupe Zebra’s approach to consulting on innovation and design, stressing the importance of integrating structure, function, and symbolism—not just in products, but in the processes and cultures that bring them to life.

The discussion features candid examples—from the pitfalls of design innovation in everyday products, to the tricky dance of involving legal and financial stakeholders without stifling creative risk. The conversation delves into the influence of company culture, and the necessity of aligning innovation with brand DNA, illustrated by lessons from the likes of Renault and Dyson. Olivier also shares insights into the evolving role of AI, both as an enhancer of human insight and as a tool whose promise is all too often overestimated.

Whether you’re wrestling with innovation briefs, rethinking your approach to leadership, or navigating the tensions between flexibility and backbone, this episode is brimming with fresh perspectives on building tomorrow’s business. Tune in as Minter Dial and Olivier Hinton challenge the buzzwords, uncover the thorny realities, and offer pathways to more human-centred, commercially viable innovation.

From Design Mantras to Cultural Insights Olivier Hinton’s Approach to Meaningful Innovation (MDE654)

In this episode, Minter Dial welcomes renowned opera director and scenic visionary Julia Burbach for an illuminating exploration into the artistry, psychology, and leadership behind the world’s grandest stages. With an international upbringing and an academic background straddling history, law, and diplomacy, Julia has forged a distinct path in opera—blending creative storytelling with the demands of team-building, risk-taking, and finely-tuned human management.

Julia Burbach sheds light on the curious duality her role demands: balancing her personal, often private, creative instincts with the high-wire act of corralling diverse, multinational teams towards a coherent vision. The conversation gets under the skin of the creative process, revealing how self-confidence, intuition, and strategic risk all play vital roles in bringing complex productions to life. She opens up about her family’s artistic heritage, the incremental nature of building confidence as a woman in a traditionally male world, and the invisible strategies behind navigating egos on and off the stage.

The dialogue also delves into broader questions facing the operatic world: from the practicalities of working with singers (who are cast before directors even join projects), to the challenges of accessibility and relevance in an era of mounting political and financial pressures. Julia shares her belief in the healing power of beauty and the timeless draw of communal artistic experience, all while offering candid insights on diplomacy, team selection, and what it takes to sustain emotional realism in the heart of fiction.

Whether you are a business leader searching for lessons on human management, a creative wrestling with risk and intuition, or simply curious about how opera adapts for survival in turbulent times, this episode offers rare perspectives from behind the curtain. Join Minter Dial as he ventures into the messy, exhilarating, and deeply personal world of opera with Julia, whose career stands testament to the enduring value of collective endeavour and artistic courage.

Behind the Curtain: Julia Burbach on Creativity, Risk, and Teamwork in Opera Direction (MDE653)

In this conversation, Minter Dial sits down with Leilani Garrett, founder of Be More Human, former technology sales executive, and accomplished novelist. Drawing from over thirty years of experience navigating the corporate world and her journey as a writer, Leilani Garrett explores the transformative power of storytelling in fostering radical empathy, not just as a tool for innovation and growth, but as a blueprint for uplifting one another in life and work.

The exchange delves deeply into what it means to be human—and indeed, “more human”—both in the workplace and society at large. Leilani Garrett unpacks the tension between authenticity and the performative masks many adopt to succeed at work, reflecting on her own experiences balancing ambition, identity, and creativity within traditionally male-dominated corporate structures. Together, they question how we define “us” and “them”, address the importance of curiosity over judgement in divided times, and probe how leaders and teams can unlock greater cohesion, trust, and innovation by truly listening to the stories of others.

From the challenges of integrating side hustles and creative pursuits with high-powered careers, to the cultural impact of major tech mergers, and the courage it takes to reveal oneself through creative work, this episode is rich with nuanced insight and practical wisdom. For those seeking to lead with empathy, to navigate the complexities of identity in modern organisations, or to find their authentic voice amidst conformity, this episode offers inspiration and a fresh perspective on what it means to thrive as a human being—at work and beyond.

The Transformative Power of Storytelling: Leilani Garrett’s Path to Radical Empathy (MDE652)

Minter Dialogue with Dr Alan Cowen
Dr Alan Cowen is the CEO and Chief Scientist at Hume AI, a science-backed expression API platform for researchers and developers, whose mission is to align science and technology with human well-being. In this conversation, we discuss his background, including 5 years working at Google, doing scientific research on AI, the Hume AI project and business model, the state of play in understanding our emotions and creating artificial empathy. A perfect topic for any interested in how AI will play an important part in tending to our well being.
If you've got comments or questions you'd like to see answered, send your email or audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com; or you can find the show notes and comment on minterdial.com. If you liked the podcast, please take a moment to rate/review the show on RateThisPodcast. Otherwise, you can find me @mdial on Twitter.

Building an Artificial Intelligence for our Well-Being with Hume AI CEO, Alan Cowen (MDE508)

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