Leadership coach Natasha Skolny joins Minter Dial to explore authentic leadership through the lens of her figure skating background. Based in Toronto, Skolny works with high-achieving women seeking to lead on their own terms whilst shedding corporate armour. The conversation examines how sports cultivate self-knowledge, the challenge of balancing authenticity with professional expectations, and why genuine connection matters more than conformity. From navigating social media's impact on future leaders to understanding the difference between being yourself and truly knowing yourself, this episode challenges conventional leadership wisdom whilst emphasising the power of vulnerability and presence in creating meaningful impact. Key Points: 1. Corporate Armour and Authenticity: Women leaders often conform to masculine leadership styles to be heard, particularly in boardrooms. Dropping this protective armour and leading authentically—through vulnerability and genuine connection—creates more impactful leadership than maintaining a protective facade. 2. Conversation as Leadership's Highest Tool: Intentional, present conversations build trust and connection with teams. In an AI-driven world focused on efficiency, creating space for genuine human interaction—understanding what matters to people beyond their work output—distinguishes exceptional leadership from mere management.

Henry King and Vala Afshar, co-authors of Autonomous, join me to explore how AI-first strategies are reshaping business fitness. Henry brings his unique journey from CIO to design thinking expert, whilst Vala shares insights from his decade as Salesforce's chief evangelist. We examine Salesforce's V2MOM framework—a radical transparency tool that aligns 80,000 employees—and discuss why the best implementations often mean resisting customisation. The conversation tackles uncomfortable truths about autonomous vehicles, digital labour, and the erosion of human agency, whilst exploring how companies can eliminate waste through agentic AI. Henry and Vala challenge the notion that relationships will diminish in an AI-driven world, arguing instead that they'll become more critical. We discuss enterprise fitness, the importance of identifying organisational blockages, and why trust—defined as competence plus character—remains the foundation for transformation in an age where we're the last generation managing only people.

Dr. Jack Kreindler, physician, entrepreneur, and physiologist, returns to my podcast to discuss his Antarctic expedition and insights on human resilience. We explore the differences between male and female physiology in extreme environments, the importance of communication and load-sharing in endurance challenges, and the value of embracing discomfort for personal growth. Jack shares his views on developing resilience in modern society, the entrepreneurial mindset, and his work in performance medicine. Our conversation touches on the balance between risk-taking and longevity, the richness of lived experiences, and the importance of creative problem-solving in both business and adventure. Jack's parting wisdom: "Don't die dull."

This podcast features a conversation with Marcin Piróg, an investor, entrepreneur, and former CEO of several companies. Piróg shares insights from his career, including experiences at Carlsberg and LOT Airlines. He discusses the importance of self-discovery, risk-taking, and leadership in business. Piróg also talks about his passion for ultra-marathons and how they contribute to his personal growth. The conversation touches on topics such as corporate transformations, negotiating with major companies, and the challenges of managing state-owned enterprises. Key points: 1. The importance of building a strong team and being transparent as a leader 2. The challenges of managing and transforming state-owned companies

This podcast features a conversation between host Minter Dial and guest Cat Holt, founder and CEO of Coologee. They discuss the importance of branding in today's business landscape, exploring how it impacts company performance, employee engagement, and customer relationships. Cat shares insights from her experience in the insurance industry, particularly her work at Progressive. The discussion touches on the challenges of integrating brand strategy into data-driven organisations and the role of AI in marketing and branding. Key points: 1. Brand is crucial for companies to outperform competitors and create meaningful connections with customers. 2. The importance of maintaining humanity and intuition in branding decisions, even as data and AI play increasingly significant roles.

This podcast explores the complexities of personal identity, change, and leadership through the lens of literature and storytelling. Edward Nelson, a lawyer and actor turned coach, discusses how archetypes and polarities can be used to understand ourselves and facilitate organisational change. The conversation delves into the challenges of authenticity, the power of empathy, and the importance of risk-taking in leadership. Edward shares insights from his work using Shakespeare's plays, particularly Henry V, to help leaders navigate difficult decisions and team dynamics. Key points: 1. Stories and archetypes provide a safe way to explore personal and organisational challenges. 2. Effective leadership requires balancing empathy with the ability to take risks and make unpopular decisions.

This episode features my conversation with guest Ravi Kathuria, exploring spirituality, business, and personal growth. Kathuria shares his perspective on the universe, emphasising that we are all part of it. He discusses the importance of finding inner peace and experiencing one's life force as the essence of spirituality. The dialogue touches on balancing ambition with humility, the pitfalls of obsession, and the need to enjoy the present moment rather than constantly chasing future outcomes. Key points: 1. Spirituality is defined as experiencing one's own life force, accessible to everyone regardless of background or beliefs. 2. Success and happiness in both life and business stem from maintaining a peaceful and calm mind.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jason Zimmerman, a behavioral economist and strategy expert. We explored the fascinating world of organizational transformation and the challenges companies face in implementing change. Jason shared insights from his experience, including a case study of a 15,000-person transformation that was completed in just 2.5 years. We discussed the importance of informal networks in organizations and how they can be leveraged to accelerate change. Jason explained the concept of organizational network analysis and how it can identify influential individuals who may not hold formal leadership positions. We also delved into the psychology of resistance to change, exploring different types of resistance and how to address them. Jason emphasized the need for clarity and control in driving successful transformations. Throughout our conversation, we touched on the balance between maintaining a clear strategy and being adaptable, the role of trust and credibility in leadership, and the importance of creating meaningful work environments. Jason's insights provided valuable perspectives on navigating the complex world of organizational change and strategy execution.

This podcast features a conversation with Miles Spencer, co-founder of Reflekta.AI, a platform that uses artificial intelligence to recreate digital versions of deceased loved ones. Spencer discusses how the technology allows users to interact with these 'elders', sharing personal experiences of reconnecting with his late father. The discussion explores the potential of AI to preserve family legacies, provide emotional comfort, and address society's need for meaningful connections. Spencer also touches on his entrepreneurial background and the evolution of his perspective on value creation. Key points: 1. Reflekta AI uses photos, audio files, and autobiographical information to create interactive digital representations of deceased individuals. 2. The platform aims to preserve family legacies and values, offering a new way to maintain connections with loved ones who have passed away.

This podcast features my guest, Julianne Miles, co-founder of Career Returners, discussing the challenges and opportunities for professionals returning to work after a career break. Miles, a chartered psychologist and author, shares insights on rebuilding confidence, redefining personal narratives, and navigating the modern workplace. The discussion covers strategies for both returners and employers, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives in the workforce. Key points: 1. Confidence rebuilding involves reconnecting with one's professional identity and taking action rather than just thinking. 2. Employers should recognize the unique skills and experiences returners bring, and provide support structures to ensure their successful integration into the workplace.

This podcast features Nick Greenhalgh, co-founder of Luca Health, discussing his journey from professional rugby player to entrepreneur. Nick shares insights into Luca Health's innovative approach to concussion management in sports, particularly focusing on schools and grassroots clubs. The conversation covers the challenges of diagnosing concussions, the use of technology in assessment, and the importance of objective data in brain health monitoring. Nick also reflects on the difficulties and rewards of running a mission-driven startup. Key points: 1. LUCA Health uses smartphone technology to provide objective data for concussion diagnosis and management. 2. The company aims to make concussion diagnosis more accurate and accessible, particularly in school and grassroots sports settings.

This podcast is with Lizzie Asher, a remarkable woman with an inspiring life story. Lizzie shared her journey as an immigrant from Peru, her experiences as a competitive swimmer, and her near-death experience during childbirth. She spoke passionately about the importance of perseverance, the power of the mind, and the value of sports in shaping character. Lizzie's commitment to making a positive impact on the world was evident throughout our conversation. She discussed her involvement with various charitable organizations, including City Squash and Safe Venice, emphasizing the importance of finding causes that resonate with one's heart. We also touched on her family's spirits company, Machu Pisco, and her husband Daniel's entrepreneurial ventures. Lizzie's story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep-seated desire to give back to society. Our conversation ended with a powerful call to action, encouraging listeners to find what they care about and take small steps towards making a difference in the world.

This podcast features a thought-provoking conversation with guest, John Vervaeke, exploring the concept of meaning in modern life. Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, discusses the 'meaning crisis' - a widespread sense of disconnection and lack of purpose in society. He delves into topics such as the importance of wisdom, the nature of self, and the role of spirituality in addressing this crisis. The dialogue touches on historical perspectives, contemporary challenges, and potential paths forward for individuals and society. Key points: 1. The need to reconnect with a sense of belonging and mattering in a world that has become increasingly individualistic and disconnected. 2. The importance of facing reality, including our limitations and 'negative' aspects, as part of cultivating genuine meaning and wisdom.

This podcast explores leadership challenges in today's complex business environment. Will Linssen, author of "Triple Win Leadership Coaching," discusses the state of leadership, emphasizing that only 5-8% of leaders are considered effective. He delves into the impact of ego on leadership and the importance of humility. Linssen introduces his coaching methodology, focusing on co-creating change with coworkers and building trust. The conversation covers topics such as authenticity, transparency, and the balance between personal and professional aspects in leadership. Linssen also explains his approach to assessing coachability and the paradox of structure creating freedom in coaching. Key points: 1. Ego is the main obstacle to effective leadership, while humility acts as a catalyst for improvement. 2. Co-creation with coworkers is essential for successful leadership in diverse, international environments.

Rob Mugglestone, author of "Beyond Marginal Gains," discusses high performance strategies in sports and business. He explores the limitations of traditional marginal gains approaches and introduces his OMIT and ATC models for accelerating improvement. Rob shares insights on prioritizing high-impact changes, distinguishing between optimal and maximal performance, and the importance of resilience in leadership. Using examples from sports and the music industry, he illustrates how unconventional thinking can lead to breakthrough results. The conversation delves into the challenges of fostering high performance cultures while avoiding burnout, and Rob reflects on how writing the book evolved his own views on achieving excellence.

For this special episode, I sat down with Mykolai Sierga, the founder of Cultural Forces, a Ukrainian organization using art and culture to address wartime challenges. We explore how Mikolai rapidly pivoted from artist to soldier to cultural ambassador after Russia's invasion. He shares insights on masculinity in crisis, the power of storytelling in war, and using music to bridge divides. We discuss Cultural Forces' innovative approach to maintaining support for Ukraine internationally, including performances at NATO and Cannes. Mykolai offers a unique perspective on the transformative impact of war and the vital role of culture in shaping societal values and political landscapes.

In this episode, I sit down with Pete Steege, author and expert on helping accidental CEOs uncover meaning and lead with purpose. We explore the concept of radical clarity and how it reveals true business meaning. Pete shares insights on his CMP framework (Clarity, Meaning, Purpose) and discusses why meaning is essential for business success. We delve into the challenges faced by accidental CEOs, the importance of shared meaning, and how to take calculated risks. Pete offers valuable advice on finding your company's truth and standing out in the market. We also touch on the unbounded potential of meaning and how leaders can evolve by making room for it in their lives and businesses.

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.

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.

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.