Episodes

  • Cortisol, Creativity, and Connection: Justin Hai’s Blueprint for Reclaiming Rest and Reducing Stress (MDE647)

    Cortisol, Creativity, and Connection: Justin Hai’s Blueprint for Reclaiming Rest and Reducing Stress (MDE647)
    Mar 22 2026
    In this episode, Minter Dial welcomes adaptive entrepreneur and designer Justin Hai for a wide-ranging conversation that traverses the intersections of technology, stress, and the role of beauty and creativity in modern life. Justin Hai draws from his diverse background—spanning RISD design training, entrepreneurship, and the launch of Rebalance Health—to unpack his latest book, Stress Nation: Escape the Technology Trap, Eliminate Stress, and Reclaim Rest. Together, they explore the profound impact of technology and modern routines on our biological stress responses, with Justin Hai offering a refreshingly nuanced take on cortisol, sleep, and daily resilience. The discussion dives deep into how technology habits are rewiring our brains, why willpower alone isn’t enough to break free, and the power of routines in restoring balance. Justin Hai challenges conventional thinking about beauty, productivity, and what it means to be adaptive—not only in business, but in navigating everyday pressures. Minter Dial and Justin Hai also tackle leadership in a hyperconnected world, discussing practical systems leaders can implement to safeguard their teams against burnout and stress. This episode is packed with actionable advice, personal stories, and an invitation to rethink the boundaries between tech, creativity, and well-being. Whether you’re a leader seeking healthier routines for your organization, a parent managing devices at home, or simply grappling with the demands of the digital age, tune in as Minter Dial and Justin Hai share strategies and perspectives for reclaiming rest, joy, and connection amidst relentless technological noise.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Walking the Leadership Ledge: Tess Fyalka on Courage, Authenticity, and Team Alignment (MDE646)

    Walking the Leadership Ledge: Tess Fyalka on Courage, Authenticity, and Team Alignment (MDE646)
    Mar 15 2026
    In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes leadership expert and coach Tess Fyalka, author of Walking the Leadership Ledge, who brings deep insight from years of cultivating leaders, especially those navigating the challenges of stepping into new management roles. Through their dynamic exchange, Tess Fyalka reveals her passion for empowering emerging leaders to find their unique leadership voice rooted in courage, authenticity, and compassion. Together, they unpack the realities of the "messy middle"—that liminal space where new managers must reconcile their own values with inherited company cultures, internal politics, and the sometimes conflicting styles of bosses above and teams below. The discussion highlights practical strategies to build team alignment, navigate organizational dysfunction, and foster genuine trust, not just as abstract values on a wall but as lived, actionable behaviors. Minter and Tess also delve into the art (and struggle) of delegation, reframing it as a tool for engagement and growth—for both employee development and for leaders seeking to avoid burnout. Tess introduces her concept of the “leadership ledge” as a metaphor for the uncertainty leaders face, and offers pragmatic advice on balancing courage with compassion, flexibility with resolve, and self-reflection with action. Whether you’re a newly minted manager, an experienced leader aiming to polish new facets, or someone seeking to drive authentic purpose in your organization, this episode brims with straight-talking wisdom and practical tools. Join Minter Dial and Tess Fyalka as they strip away the myths of 20th-century command-and-control leadership and chart a path for resilient, human-centered leadership in today’s ever-changing world.
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    57 mins
  • Navigating Busyness and Balance: Anthony Reeves on Meaningful Work and Lasting Impact (MDE645)

    Navigating Busyness and Balance: Anthony Reeves on Meaningful Work and Lasting Impact (MDE645)
    Mar 8 2026
    Minter Dial welcomes Anthony Reeves, creative leader and author of "Eat the Donkey," for an honest and deeply personal discussion that bridges the worlds of the Australian Outback and today’s most competitive boardrooms. Anthony brings a unique perspective shaped by his early years in one of the harshest landscapes on earth and his subsequent rise through the ranks of global giants like Amazon, WPP, and Kohler. Together, Minter and Anthony examine the lessons of resilience, perseverance, and purposeful stillness—insights drawn from both childhood survival and high-stakes business. Anthony shares candid stories about his journey, including what it’s truly like to work inside Amazon’s legendary culture of customer obsession, frugality, and relentless invention, and how those principles translate to sustainable long-term success. The conversation dives into the tension between busyness and meaningful productivity, the pitfalls of short-term thinking driven by market pressures, and why so many companies lose sight of what really matters. Anthony opens up about his own breaking point—how outward markers of success can mask internal struggles—and challenges leaders to pursue purpose and impact over perfection. Minter and Anthony also discuss why great companies must accept imperfection, focus on being extraordinary at what matters most, and cultivate environments where people—and brands—can find meaning, inside and out. Throughout, Anthony’s hard-won wisdom blends with Minter’s probing questions, offering actionable takeaways for anyone grappling with the realities of modern leadership, fulfillment, and organizational culture. Tune in for a conversation that’s as much about humanity and what we value as it is about business, and discover new frameworks for building resilient, purpose-driven organizations in an ever-changing world.
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    48 mins
  • AI, Brand Moats, and the Power of Owned Media with Cody Schneider (MDE644)

    AI, Brand Moats, and the Power of Owned Media with Cody Schneider (MDE644)
    Mar 1 2026
    In this conversation, Minter Dial sits down with entrepreneur and growth expert Cody Schneider, who brings years of hands-on experience from building early-stage startups, scaling teams, and innovating at the cutting edge of AI-powered growth tools. In this wide-ranging exchange, Cody Schneider shares the lessons he’s learned from helping companies embrace digital transformation, with a special focus on fostering individual agency and unlocking the power of in-house champions. The discussion dives into the realities of AI adoption in organizations—why simply mandating usage rarely works, and how empowering team members to automate their own workflows can supercharge productivity and satisfaction. The pair also explores the evolving media landscape, with Cody Schneider emphasizing why distribution and owned media are quickly eclipsing product as key competitive moats in a world where creating features is easier and cheaper than ever. He introduces listeners to his compelling concept of “digital gravity,” revealing how brands can build a defensible presence and lasting influence online. Whether you’re navigating AI implementation, wrestling with brand-building in a crowded space, or searching for the right approach to content creation in an AI-driven world, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh perspectives. Tune in as Minter Dial and Cody Schneider challenge conventional wisdom and offer new frameworks for thriving in today’s fast-evolving business environment.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Navigating Agentic AI: Peter Morgan on Technology, Ethics, and the Future of Work (MDE643)

    Navigating Agentic AI: Peter Morgan on Technology, Ethics, and the Future of Work (MDE643)
    Feb 22 2026
    In this episode of Minter Dialogue, host Minter Dial sits down with Peter Morgan, a theoretical physicist turned entrepreneur, data scientist, and AI consultant. With a career that spans from quantum particle physics to building tech companies and now leading Deep Learning Partnership, Peter Morgan brings a provocative and insightful perspective on the current state and future of artificial intelligence. Together, they explore the rapid evolution of AI — from large language models to today's focus on agentic AI and autonomous digital workers. Peter Morgan offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities businesses face when implementing AI, demystifies artificial general intelligence (AGI), and weighs in on topics like AI and human emotion, the value of proprietary data, and ethical leadership in a time of technological upheaval. The conversation also spans the impact of AI on industries such as healthcare and cybersecurity, the shifting role of the human workforce, and what the emergence of agentic AI means for both business strategy and society at large. Whether you're an executive wondering how to future-proof your organization, or simply AI-curious, this episode offers a blend of humility, practical advice, and mind-expanding discussion that’s sure to spark new ideas about our place in the age of intelligent machines.
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    58 mins
  • Beyond Worth It: Jeremy Schwartz Unpacks Brand Purpose and Business Transformation (MDE642)

    Beyond Worth It: Jeremy Schwartz Unpacks Brand Purpose and Business Transformation (MDE642)
    Feb 15 2026
    In this episode, Minter sits down with Jeremy Schwartz, an accomplished mountaineer, long-distance cyclist, adventurer, and industry veteran known for his transformational leadership at companies like L’Oréal, The Body Shop, Sainsbury's, and Pandora. Together, they explore the importance of bringing personal elements and emotional authenticity into the workplace, the nuanced role of fear and empathy in corporate cultures, and the delicate balance between creativity and rationality that defines brand success. Jeremy Schwartz reflects on his pivotal role in launching iconic campaigns such as “Because I’m Worth It,” discusses the challenges of cultivating corporate and brand purpose within conglomerates, and shares candid stories about risk-taking, bold decision-making, and the pursuit of innovation. Whether you're a leader, marketer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and wisdom on creating impact, fostering teamwork, and building brands that truly matter. Tune in for a rich conversation that combines personal anecdotes, strategic thinking, and a touch of humor—guaranteed to leave you inspired and ready to tackle your own business challenges.
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    55 mins
  • Crafting Significance: Zach Mercurio on Mattering, Leadership, and Building Human Energy at Work (MDE641)

    Crafting Significance: Zach Mercurio on Mattering, Leadership, and Building Human Energy at Work (MDE641)
    Feb 8 2026
    In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Zach Mercurio dives deep into the power of mattering—why feeling seen, heard, and needed is the foundation for real confidence, resilience, and effective leadership. He unpacks the roots of narcissism and entitlement, shares practical advice for leaders, and explains how meaningful connections at work and home drive personal and organizational flourishing. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that offers actionable insights for building a more empathetic, purpose-driven world.
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    55 mins
  • The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Marc Pitman on Leadership, Coaching, and Humility (MDE640)

    The Surprising Gift of Doubt: Marc Pitman on Leadership, Coaching, and Humility (MDE640)
    Feb 1 2026
    Welcome back to Minter Dialogue (in English), where we explore the deeper journeys of leadership, meaningfulness, and personal growth. In this episode, host Minter Dial sits down with Marc Pitman, a seasoned coach, author, and expert in nonprofit fundraising, for a lively and insightful conversation that spans decades of leadership experience. What does it truly mean to lead with authenticity, humility, and confidence—especially in a world that often equates doubt with weakness? Marc Pitman shares his unique perspective on the evolving landscape of coaching in America, diving into the essential qualities that make great leaders and coaches alike. Drawing from his own journey, Marc Pitman examines the interplay between doubt and action, the power of self-awareness, and the challenge of finding your own voice amidst societal pressures and business demands. Together, Minter Dial and Marc Pitman discuss everything from the stigma of coaching, the pitfalls of rigid leadership, and the importance of humility, to navigating succession and legacy in business and nonprofit organizations. With candid stories, practical analogies, and thoughtful debate, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking purpose, personal growth, and true leadership in their life and work. Tune in to discover how doubt can become your ally, why embracing your strengths and weaknesses matters, and how to carve a legacy that goes beyond mere success—courtesy of two voices passionate about elevating the conversation around leadership.
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    1 hr and 1 min