Episodes

  • Defending Dissent: Sarah McLaughlin on China, Academia, and the Price of Free Expression (MDE638)

    Defending Dissent: Sarah McLaughlin on China, Academia, and the Price of Free Expression (MDE638)
    Jan 18 2026
    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.
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    55 mins
  • Moats, Monopolies, and Meaning: Tom Perfrement on Building Resilient Investment Portfolios (MDE637)

    Moats, Monopolies, and Meaning: Tom Perfrement on Building Resilient Investment Portfolios (MDE637)
    Jan 11 2026
    In this episode, I sit down with Tom Perfrement, investor, tennis enthusiast, and co-founder of 5AM Capital. The conversation dives into Tom’s personal journey—growing up in Canberra, his passion for tennis, and his deep commitment to long-term investing. Together, they explore the contrasting worlds of short-term and long-term strategies in finance, highlighting the philosophical differences and pressures that shape decisions in investment banking and asset management. Tom shares insights into 5AM Capital’s unique philosophy, inspired by early-morning discipline and the company’s roots in Bondi, Sydney. They reflect on recent events impacting the Bondi community, the importance of purpose in business, and the values behind building a boutique investment firm. Throughout the episode, Tom draws parallels between tennis and investing, explaining how having diverse skills and sticking to a personal style can lead to success both on the court and in the market. Listeners will gain thought-provoking perspectives on risk, the power of monopolies and moats in business, and the psychological challenges of navigating volatile markets. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode offers actionable insights on building enduring value, staying purposeful, and playing the long game. N.B. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended to be financial advice.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Dancing Through Change: David Meerman Scott on Grateful Dead, Fandom, and Real Human Experience (MDE636)

    Dancing Through Change: David Meerman Scott on Grateful Dead, Fandom, and Real Human Experience (MDE636)
    Dec 14 2025
    In this special episode, host Minter Dial reconnects with celebrated marketing strategist and author David Meerman Scott for their third lively conversation together. As they reflect on their decade-long friendship, David Meerman Scott shares insights from the freshly updated edition of "Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead," co-authored with Brian Halligan, co-founder and former CEO of HubSpot. Together, they explore why the unconventional, fan-centric business lessons from the Grateful Dead are more relevant than ever in an age dominated by digital chaos and AI. David Meerman Scott unpacks the enduring legacy of the band, discussing the importance of human connection, fandom, and letting go—both in music and business. The discussion also dives into leadership transitions, from Jerry Garcia’s era to the bold addition of John Mayer, examining how the band’s openness to innovation has kept their music and message alive for new generations. Tune in for a conversation that covers everything from navigating change in business and life to the power of authentic experiences and the wisdom in embracing both risk and generosity. Whether you’re a marketer, a Deadhead, or simply curious about how to build lasting legacies, this episode is packed with stories and actionable insights you won’t want to miss.
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    48 mins
  • Compound Growth and Human Connection: Chris O'Neill on Brand, Purpose, and AI Transformation (MDE635)

    Compound Growth and Human Connection: Chris O'Neill on Brand, Purpose, and AI Transformation (MDE635)
    Dec 7 2025
    In this episode, host Minter Dial sits down with Chris O'Neill, a proud Canadian business leader with a rich and varied background that includes leadership roles at Google, Evernote, and multiple startups across Silicon Valley. Chris O'Neill opens up about his formative experiences working in retail, the value of hard work, and how these lessons shaped his approach to business and parenting. Their conversation dives deep into themes of resilience, team-building, and the importance of staying grounded—even while navigating the pressures of high-profile roles in tech and business. They explore the ways AI is impacting work and society, what it truly means to build strong company culture, and why purpose and authenticity make brands stand out in today’s crowded landscape. Whether you’re curious about leadership, the future of technology, or how personal values shape a career, this episode is packed with insights on playing the long game, fostering meaningful connections, and thriving through change. So grab your headphones and join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that’s equal parts practical advice and inspiration.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • From Chaos to Clarity: Jürgen Weigand's Approach to Strategic Leadership and Adaptability (MDE634)

    From Chaos to Clarity: Jürgen Weigand's Approach to Strategic Leadership and Adaptability (MDE634)
    Nov 30 2025
    In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Jürgen Weigand from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, one of Germany’s most prestigious business schools. We dig into Jurgen Weigand’s fascinating professional journey, from his start in academia and time abroad in the U.S., to his experience as a civil servant in the Netherlands and his influential role in shaping leadership programs at WHU. We chat about the true purpose of education, the importance of meaningful work—no matter what stage you’re at in your career—and the differences between American and German approaches to teaching. Jurgen Weigand also shares insights from his co-authored books, "Hope is Not a Strategy" and "From Chaos to Clarity," and explains why successful strategy is about ownership, humility, and navigating complexity rather than trying to master it. If you’ve ever wondered why so many transformation projects and strategies fail, or how cognitive diversity and strong communication can make all the difference in leadership, you’ll find practical takeaways and plenty of food for thought in our conversation.
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    58 mins
  • From Ice to Influence: Natasha Skolny's Journey Through Fear and Authenticity (MDE633)

    From Ice to Influence: Natasha Skolny's Journey Through Fear and Authenticity (MDE633)
    Nov 23 2025
    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.
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    55 mins
  • From Boundless to Autonomous: Salesforce Evangelist Vala Afshar and Henry King on AI-First Strategies and Digital Labour (MDE632)

    From Boundless to Autonomous: Salesforce Evangelist Vala Afshar and Henry King on AI-First Strategies and Digital Labour (MDE632)
    Nov 16 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Experiential Medicine: Dr. Jack Kreindler on Adventure as a Health Hack (MDE631)

    Experiential Medicine: Dr. Jack Kreindler on Adventure as a Health Hack (MDE631)
    Nov 9 2025
    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."
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    1 hr and 3 mins