Welcome to another inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week. Today, we’re diving deep into the life and lessons of Minter Dial—a man who’s lived a full, vibrant life, transitioning from a top executive at L’Oréal to an advocate for empathy in AI. Minter’s journey offers profound insights into leadership, personal growth, and how embracing imperfection is the key to finding true meaning in life.

From the outset, Minter shares the wisdom passed down from his grandmother. She once told him, “Minter, you’re like a 75ml bottle of wine trying to fit into 125ml.” 🥂 Such a simple analogy, but it sets the tone for understanding how Minter’s life has been one of fullness—always striving to expand beyond the expected limits.

Embracing Imperfection

We all know that life isn’t perfect, but Minter emphasizes that this imperfection is part of the magic. He tells us how his journey of self-discovery really began when he was 37—late by many standards, but perfect in its own timing. “It takes more than a lifetime to get to know yourself,” he says, quoting Michelle Naveraz.

It’s easy to think that we should have everything figured out by a certain age, but Minter reminds us that the journey is iterative. It’s messy, imperfect, and beautifully human. The key, as he points out, is to embrace this imperfection. Whether in leadership, career, or life, allowing ourselves the grace to be flawed is the first step to truly leading ourselves.

Transition from Corporate to Creativity

Minter’s career at L’Oréal was nothing short of impressive. He climbed the corporate ladder, managing top brands like Redken and leading large teams across the globe. But then, as many of us do, he started to feel the weight of his responsibilities, questioning whether this was all there was to life. 9/11, a tragic moment that impacted many lives, became a turning point for him. It forced Minter to reflect on his values—was selling shampoo really what he wanted to do with his life?

This pivotal moment led him to embrace a more authentic version of himself. The “tie-wearing corporate executive” transitioned into a “tie-dye advocate” 🌈—a symbol of shedding societal expectations to embrace the fullness of who you are.

Lessons for Leaders

One of the most important takeaways from Minter’s story is the idea of leading with empathy and authenticity. In his book, You Lead, Minter discusses how crucial it is for leaders to first lead themselves. “Acknowledge when you’re having a bad day,” he says. “Don’t try to sweep it under the rug.”

Instead of pretending everything is fine, leaders should be honest with themselves and their teams about the challenges they face. This vulnerability creates a space for authenticity, and ultimately, more meaningful connections with others.

Minter’s journey reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions. 🌟