This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by the brilliant Steve Ramona, host of Doing Business with a Servant’s Heart podcast.

Steve is all about the network – he describes himself as a “super connector” specialising in impactful partnerships through personalised introductions. That doesn’t really cover it though. He specialises in the energy industry and is involved in $5bn dollar worth of projects and $125 million in partner deals.

From his early days at his family’s health club in California, to mentoring founders and hosting more than 780 podcast episodes, Steve’s journey is a masterclass in building success through generosity, active listening and genuine human connection.

In this episode, Steve shares:
• Why you can’t do entrepreneurship alone.
• Why it’s vital for entrepreneurs to seek out mentors and guidance.
• His ASLA principle – Ask. Shut up. Listen. Ask
• Why ‘serving without expecting’ is the key to lasting impact.
• How his podcast became a business engine.
• How a moment of kindness at a grocery store changed his outlook on success forever.

It’s a conversation that will leave you feeling re-energised, re-focused, and ready to serve - because as Steve says, “When you bring value and uplift others, the universe always throws the ball back.”

Steve Ramona:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveramona/
Podcast: https://www.servinginbusinesspodcast.com/

Trevor:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormerriden/
Merriborn: https://merriborn.co.uk/
Email: trevor.merriden@merribornmedia.co.uk

This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m delighted to be joined by Charles Skinner – CEO of Restore plc.

I first met Charles 30 years ago and I have a lot to thank him for. He was the man who gave me my first job in journalism at Management Today magazine.

Charles’s own career and entrepreneur journey is as fascinating as it is varied. From an early career in investment banking and private equity, then magazine editor, then CEO of several quoted companies before returning to Restore as CEO in the last few years.

In this episode, he discusses the zigzags of his entrepreneurial life, the lessons learned when things go wrong and his very candid book - ‘Buy, Run, Build: A Guide to Entrepreneurship through Acquisition’ which is as humble, self-deprecating and funny as Charles is himself.

Key takeaways include:
• Failure teaches us far more than success.
• The importance of people-first leadership.
• How acquisitions can work for both small and large organisations.
• Don’t just rely on your advisors, do your own due diligence too.
• Why you must focus on secure revenues first – stability before scale.

This is a reflective and very human conversation about entrepreneurship, growth and humility in business.

Charles Skinner:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charles-skinner-43833a1b6
New Book: Buy, Run, Build - A guide to entrepreneurship through acquisition
Restore Plc: https://www.restoreplc.com/

Trevor:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormerriden/
Merriborn: https://merriborn.co.uk/
Email: trevor.merriden@merribornmedia.co.uk

This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by the fantastic Jenny Garrett OBE – an award-winning Author, Speaker, Thought Leader and Founder of Jenny Garrett Global.

Jenny’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t begin with a grand plan. It started cautiously, carving out one day a week to test her new coaching path. Now, it’s a thriving business that is 20 years strong.

Along the way, Jenny has become a leading voice in inclusive leadership and empowerment, helping women and underrepresented groups break through barriers.

In this episode, Jenny shares wisdom that every entrepreneur and leader can learn from, including:

• Starting small – Why began by coaching one day a week before taking the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.
• Building communities – Creating “jellies” (co-working meetups) to beat entrepreneurial loneliness and launching the UK’s first Diverse Executive Coach Directory.
• Inclusive leadership – How to go beyond the tick-box to create real, long-term impact in organisations
• Empowering the next generation – How and why she’s helped many young people make better choices and grow in confidence.
• AI as a mirror – Why the real danger is having our own biases reflected back at us and how AI can be harnessed for equity.
• Advice for entrepreneurs – Such as playing the long game, charging your worth, protecting your holidays, and not waiting too long to delegate.

Jenny’s story is one of courage, clarity, and commitment to making business a force for equity and empowerment.

Jenny Garrett:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennygarrettreflexion
Coach Directory: https://diverseexecutivecoaches.co.uk/
Podcast: https://aiforequity.world/
Rocking Ur Teens CIC: https://rockingurteens.com/
Website: jennygarrett.global
Email: info@jennygarrett.global

Trevor:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormerriden/
Merriborn: https://merriborn.co.uk/
Email: trevor.merriden@merribornmedia.co.uk