This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by the brilliant Karl Pontau – entrepreneur and host of The Human Connection Podcast.

Karl’s journey is nothing short of inspiring - from teenage brain tumour survivor to a purpose-driven entrepreneur, podcast host and soon-to-be author.

In this episode, Karl dives into the importance of having a network and forging real human connections, especially in a world increasingly obsessed by data, metrics and AI.

Key insights that Karl shares in this episode include:

• How his life-threatening experiences as a teenager shaped his attitude toward risk and entrepreneurship.
• How he discovered the power of storytelling through his passion for creativity.
• The power of intentional networking and the importance of giving rather than receiving.
• His passion for his Human Connection Podcast.

Karl Pontau:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau/
Podcast: The Human Connection

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

In this episode, I discuss a topic frequently misunderstood and undervalued: creativity. The everyday creativity that fuels problem-solving, drives innovation and unlocks confidence.

I explore three common barriers that hold people back in their creativity:

⏳ “I don’t have time to be creative” – Time constraints aren’t a barrier. It’s what can light your creativity in the first place.

🤔 “I’m not a creative person” – Despite popular belief, creativity isn’t a talent you’re born with; it’s a mindset anyone can develop with practice.

💪 Creativity and resilience – They’re not only connected, they’re intertwined.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business leader or stuck in a rut, this is episode is a reminder that your creative potential is already within you.

Plus, I share a 7-step guide to help you unlock creativity and give you more confidence (but you’ll need to tune in to hear those!).

Look out for cameo appearances in the episode from my previous podcast guests Marie-France Samba, a Branding and Leadership Coach extraordinaire and Cheryl Luzet, CEO of Wagada.

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

Joining me on The Merri-Cast this week is the fantastic Liz Sebag-Montefiore – co-founder of career and talent management consultancy 10Eighty.

Along with current CEO Michael Moran, the pair have steered the growth of the business for over 13 years now. And in June, Liz takes over as CEO, so it seemed like a great moment to talk to her about her entrepreneurial past, present and future.

In this episode Liz shares stories about her early employment including the two people who inspired her to find confidence and the courage to take risks.

Key insights that Liz shares in this episode include:
••Going with your gut
•Accepting that you will make mistakes
•The importance of delegation
•Being authentic to oneself
•Making sure the work you do is what you want to be known for

…and much more!

Liz Sebag-Montefiore:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizsebag/
10Eighty: https://10eighty.co.uk/
Email: liz.s-montefiore@10eighty.co.uk

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