Minter Dial's Blog: Minter Dialogue, page 9

The Role of RUSI in Modern Defence and Security with Karin von Hippel (MDE584)

Karin von Hippel, a distinguished leader in the realm of defence and security, joins me on the latest episode of my podcast. We explore her journey from think tanks to the United Nations, and her insights on resilience in conflict zones. Discover how her leadership at the Royal United Services Institute has shaped discussions on global security.

Navigating Ethical Challenges: Insights from Willie Pietersen (MDE583)

Booking versus Expedia — No Contest Customer Experience

In 2024, user experience remains crucial for businesses, as demonstrated by a frustrating five-day ordeal with Booking.com. The author's attempt to make airline reservations through the platform was plagued by constantly changing flight availabilities, payment rejections, and price fluctuations. Despite multiple calls to customer service and attempts to resolve issues, the experience only worsened. The author's expertise in the travel industry highlighted the flaws in Booking.com's dynamic pricing system. Ultimately, the author found success with Expedia, securing the desired itinerary at a lower price. This experience underscores the importance of seamless user experience and the potential consequences of neglecting it, even for large organizations.

Roby Gattiker: Eleven-Time World Champion’s Secrets to Success (JOPS02E16)

Neal Schaffer: The Digital Marketing Playbook for Small Businesses (MDE582)

Catch our latest podcast with Neal Schaffer, where he spills the beans on his unique marketing strategies and experiences.Find out how living in Japan shaped his approach to social media and digital marketing. Plus, get some cool tips from his new book, "Digital Threads," on why content, email, and social media are key for small businesses.Tune in for some great insights and practical advice. You don't want to miss this one!

The Business of Padel: Insights from Alex Inglot (JOPS02E15)

In this episode of "The Joy of Padel," host Minter Dial welcomes Alex Inglot, a prominent figure in the world of padel. Alex shares his fascinating journey from tennis and volleyball to padel, highlighting his competitive spirit and transition into the sport. He discusses his professional background, including his roles in sports law, administration, and his current position as the commissioner of a major esports league. The conversation delves into the business side of padel, exploring the enthusiasm, opportunities, and challenges within the industry. Alex also touches on his podcast, "All the Angles," which focuses on the business aspects of padel, aiming to bridge the gap between the sport's legacy and emerging markets.

Rethink Press: Revolutionising Publishing with Lucy McCarraher (MDE581)

In this episode, Minter Dial engages in a compelling conversation with Lucy McCarraher, a prolific author and co-founder of Rethink Press. Lucy shares her journey from magazine publishing and TV journalism to becoming a significant figure in the business book publishing world. She discusses the inception of Rethink Press, which she co-founded with Joe Gregory, and their innovative approach to publishing that allows authors to pay for a publishing package upfront, thus giving them greater control and higher royalties.Lucy elaborates on the importance of books in establishing expertise and how the process of writing a book can be transformative for entrepreneurs. She also touches on the challenges and rewards of mentoring authors, emphasising the personal growth that comes from writing. The conversation delves into the role of AI in the publishing process, with Lucy expressing caution about its current capabilities in generating authentic content.The episode concludes with a discussion on the Business Book Awards, which Lucy founded to recognise a broader range of business books beyond bestsellers. She highlights the importance of diversity and encouraging more women and diverse authors to write and publish their books. For those interested in writing or publishing a book, Lucy recommends exploring Bookmagic AI and Rethink Press for support and guidance.

Mark Cox on Elevating Sales: Insights from “Learn to Love Selling” (MDE580)

In this episode, Minter Dial hosts Mark Cox, a prominent figure in the sales industry and author of "Learn to Love Selling." Mark shares insights from his extensive career in sales, including his experience running large sales organisations and founding In the Funnel, a company dedicated to elevating the sales profession. The conversation delves into the nuances of B2B sales, the importance of curiosity, and the evolving roles of Business Development Reps (BDRs) and Sales Development Reps (SDRs).Mark discusses the significance of managing curiosity to avoid distractions and maintain productivity. He emphasises the importance of understanding clients' needs and building genuine relationships, which he believes are crucial for successful sales. The discussion also touches on the challenges of recruiting competent salespeople in today's market and the necessity of aligning personal and organisational values.The episode highlights the role of fun and humour in business, with Mark sharing how these elements are integrated into his company culture. He also addresses the importance of brand and purpose in sales, suggesting that a strong brand promise can significantly impact sales performance. The conversation concludes with Mark explaining the motivation behind his book, aiming to provide a practical guide for sales professionals to develop and execute effective sales strategies.

Rafa Vega on Coaching, Competing, and the Fun of Padel (JOPS02E14)

In this episode, Minter Dial chats with Rafa Vega, a top-ranked padel player and coach in the UK. They explore Rafa's transition from competitive tennis to padel, his coaching strategies, and the differences between the two sports. Rafa offers valuable insights on maintaining sharpness as a coach, the challenges of switching from tennis to padel, and the importance of enjoying the game. The discussion also highlights the social aspects of padel, the sport's growth in the UK, and Rafa's experiences at the Hexagon Cup. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal stories and practical advice for padel enthusiasts.

How AI is Shaping the Future of Content: A Conversation with Michael Katz (MDE579)

In this episode, Minter Dial hosts Michael Katz, a technologist and founder of Flowsend AI. They discuss Michael's journey from a sceptical technologist to an AI enthusiast, driven by his passion for innovation and creativity. Michael shares insights into his Baltimore roots, his love for music, and his evolution in the tech world. The conversation delves into the development of Flowsend AI, a tool designed to transform audio and video content into written content, maintaining the creator's unique voice. They explore the challenges of running a startup, the importance of prioritisation, and the future of AI in branding and marketing.