Minter Dial's Blog: Minter Dialogue

This episode of JOY OF PADEL celebrates the launch of the British Padel Awards 2026, as host Minter energizes listeners with exciting news for the UK padel community. Minter kicks off the fourth season by announcing 21 categories honoring the players, clubs, coaches, innovators, and legends who are shaping British padel as the fastest growing sport in the nation. Run by Anthony Dolphin and featuring a world-class MC duo, the awards are positioned as a true highlight for everyone passionate about the game.Minter also shares his personal involvement with four categories, including Padel Ambassador, Influencer of the Year, Innovation and Technology with Pango Sports, and, notably, a nomination for JOY OF PADEL as Podcast of the Year. However, the focus remains firmly on community and celebration. Minter calls on listeners to visit britishpaddleawards.co.uk/vote, support their favorites, and spread the word, emphasizing that every vote helps fuel the growth and visibility of padel across Britain.Key points:The British Padel Awards 2026 spotlight 21 categories, celebrating those driving the sport's growth and vibrancy in the UK.Minterurges the community to vote, share, and participate, highlighting padel’s inclusivity and the importance of collective enthusiasm in building the sport’s future.JOY OF PADEL is proudly nominated for Padel Podcast of the Year, recognizing its contribution to connecting and inspiring padel fans.Join JOY OF PADEL each week as Minter and the broader padel community continue to share stories, foster connection, and showcase the supreme delight of this wonderful game across Britain and beyond.

In this insightful episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial welcomes leadership coach and author Marc Pitman. They dive into the nuances of coaching, doubt, humility, and leadership, exploring how self-awareness and intentionality shape your impact. Discover why embracing doubt can unlock personal growth, and learn actionable strategies for moving beyond “cover song leadership” to finding genuine meaning in your work.

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial welcomes brand expert Warren Kornblum, author of "Notes from the Brand Stand." They dive deep into what makes a brand truly resonate, the importance of purpose and authenticity, and why knowing who you are—and who you're not—is essential. Discover insights on brand leadership, the role of emotion in business, and advice for brand-driven organizations. Perfect for anyone passionate about branding and customer connection!

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Sarah McLaughlin discusses her new book "Authoritarians in the Academy" and the crucial topic of free speech on university campuses. With Minter Dial, she explores how foreign governments influence campus censorship, the complexity of cultural versus legal definitions of free expression, and why defending speech—even unpopular opinions—is vital for democracy.

In padel, the match starts long before the first serve. From the warm-up on, sharp players are already reading the game — decoding communication cues, testing opponents’ walls, lobs, and overheads, and spotting where cracks might appear later. Reading the Game explores how to turn those first few rallies into tactical intelligence, helping you and your partner build chemistry, adjust strategies on the fly, and stay one step ahead. Padel isn’t just played with the racquet — it’s won with observation.

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial sits down with Tom Perfrement, investor and co-founder of 5am Capital. They dive into the importance of long-term investing, building strong business moats, and the value of purpose-driven companies. With insights drawn from tennis, business experience at Canva, and a focus on quality investments, Tom shares strategies for navigating market volatility and balancing risk with sustainable growth.

Stepping onto the court with a new padel partner brings both uncertainty and opportunity. Success hinges on three fundamentals: strategic side selection based on complementary strengths, mastery of essential communication phrases like “Yours,” “Mine,” and “Switch,” and synchronized movement that transforms two individuals into a cohesive unit. Decide upfront who handles middle balls and overhead smashes, establish clear non-verbal signals, and commit to positive reinforcement even after mistakes. The best partnerships evolve through deliberate attention to positioning, constant awareness of your partner’s footwork, and real-time adaptability. Chemistry doesn’t develop instantly, but with intentional communication and teamwork, two players can quickly begin moving as one.

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial welcomes back marketing visionary David Meerman Scott. They dive into the enduring relevance of the Grateful Dead’s marketing philosophy, legacy, and the importance of true human connection in today’s digital chaos. The conversation explores how letting go of your creations empowers fandom and how brands like the Grateful Dead still thrive with new members like John Mayer. Plus, David Meerman Scott shares insights on generosity, AI’s role in connection, and building meaningful experiences, on and offline.

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Minter Dial chats with Chris O'Neill, proud Canadian business leader and former head of Evernote. They explore lessons from retail, the value of hard work, building resilient teams, and the impact of AI on business. Chris O'Neill shares powerful insights on leadership, self-awareness, and shaping culture, diving into how purpose and human connection drive success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about transformation, teamwork, and the future of technology.

This episode of JOY OF PADEL features Camille Huyghues Despointes, French entrepreneur and co-founder of Pango, as she joins host Minter to discuss her journey from theater studies and multiple startups to launching an innovative padel app. Camille shares how her experience in show jumping shaped her understanding of partnership and energy, and why she fell in love with padel's accessibility and social nature. The discussion explores Pango’s mission to redefine player ratings and foster a global padel community.Key points:Pango addresses real padel player problems, offering a unique, community-driven rating system.Padel’s joyful, strategic gameplay makes it addictive and ideal for social and personal growth.