In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Peter Tonagh shares insights from his unique journey from consultancy to media leadership, emphasizing the power of purpose-driven work, authentic culture, and the transformative potential of AI in business. Hear actionable leadership lessons, the importance of customer experience, and why embracing AI risk is essential for future success.
Can success exist without endless growth or relentless expansion? This article explores why “steady state” businesses rarely stay steady, how ambition became a dirty word, and why the real risk isn’t wanting more but settling for comfortable stagnation. Drawing on sport, boardroom experience, philosophers like Seneca and C.S. Lewis, and examples from modern capitalism, it argues for a healthier kind of ambition: not to be number one at all costs, but to stay relevant, useful and meaningful over time.
This episode of JOY OF PADEL features Ariana Sánchez, world number 1 and a benchmark in women’s padel, in conversation with Minter Dial. Ariana shares her journey from her beginnings to reaching the top, reflecting on the pressure of staying number one, managing criticism on social media, and the value of communication on court. She discusses her new project with Andrea, the growth of women’s padel, and the crucial role of mental training.
Key points:
Emotional control and discipline make the difference in high-level competition.
Ariana highlights the importance of the lob and communication in professional play.
Padel has given birth to a wonderfully absurd tactic called “the fridge.” In a foursome, if one player is clearly stronger, some opponents simply pretend they don’t exist. Every ball goes to the weaker partner, who feels gloriously important, while the better player stands there, slowly defrosting on the side. Tactically, it’s effective; morally, in a friendly match, it’s about as brave as running away from the killer rabbit. If you want to improve, don’t freeze out the best player. Hit at them, learn from them, and leave the fridge for the post‑match beverages.
In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial chats with entrepreneur Justin Hai, author of Stress Nation. They dive into the impact of technology on stress and sleep, the misunderstood role of cortisol, and how forming routines can help reclaim well-being. Justin Hai shares personal stories, practical advice, and insights from his company Rebalance Health. Discover why joy, boundaries, and living in the moment are key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world.
Communication in padel is not a nice-to-have; it’s the secret sauce between chaos and chemistry. From Level 0 “Dead Parrot” silence (only grunts and glares) to Level 3 “War Room” strategy chats, how you talk with your partner shapes every point. The best pros — like Marta Ortega, Alejandra Salazar and Fernando Belasteguín — treat communication as a weapon and a glue: calling positions, sharing emotions, adjusting tactics. And just like in life, business, or even the military, when communication breaks down, everything else soon follows. Talk, listen… then say: “Next point. ¡Vamos!”
In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Tess Fyalka joins Minter Dial to explore the journey of stepping into leadership—what she calls “walking the leadership ledge.” They dive deep into the challenges new leaders face, from managing team dynamics and navigating organizational politics to building confidence and resilience. If you want real, actionable insights on leading with curiosity, authenticity, and courage, this conversation is a must-listen.
This episode of JOY OF PADEL welcomes Flight Lieutenant Ben Hanley, as he joins host Minter to share his journey from Ipswich to Madrid and how he discovered padel through a NATO posting. Ben reflects on overcoming injury, becoming an M3-certified coach, and launching military padel clubs that unite diverse communities and support mental health. The conversation highlights padel’s unique power for connection and resilience across cultures and ranks.
Key points:
Ben is driving padel’s growth within the UK military, using sport to build community and well-being.
Padel’s accessibility and camaraderie support recovery, leadership, and inclusive competition.
Padel overheads are nothing like tennis smashes. In tennis, you see a lob and simply try to finish the point. In padel, every floating ball forces a three-part decision: which overhead to play, where to strike it from on your side, and with what direction and intention. Between the bandeja, víbora, rulo, gancho, remate and the cheeky amago, you’re managing time, position and pressure rather than just power.
Minter Dialogue with Anthony ReevesAnthony Reeves is a seasoned creative leader whose journey spans from the rugged Australian Outback to some of the world’s most competitive boardrooms. Currently at Kohler, Anthony has also made his mark at global giants such as...
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.
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