Shows
The Human Connection PodcastYour Team Isn't Quiet Quitting. They Just Don't Feel Safe. | Andy Proctor"If you reverse that — if you make it a psychologically safe situation where people feel like they belong, have a voice, and feel like their ideas matter — productivity can really skyrocket." — Andy ProcterWhat if the thing quietly destroying your team's performance isn't strategy, tooling, or headcount — it's loneliness? Andy Procter is a health psychology PhD student, certified Positive Psychology practitioner, and host of the More Happy Life podcast, whose research has been featured in The New York Times, ABC News, USA Today, and Teen Vogue. He studies one thing with rare precision: how social connection shapes our heal...
2026-02-2621 min
The Human Connection PodcastYou're Not Burned Out From Working Too Hard. You're Burned Out From Lying to Yourself | Adrian Jones"If you're not doing something that lights you up, why not? You've got one trip around this track called Life — and it might end at any moment." — Adrian JonesAdrian Jones has died twice. Not metaphorically. Two Widowmaker heart attacks forced a 25-year financial services executive to stop performing success and start actually living it. Now, as the founder of MORE and host of the Code Three: Life Reinvented podcast, AJ helps accomplished professionals strip away the masks, ditch the borrowed goalposts, and rediscover what they actually want from their one shot at this.This epis...
2026-02-2525 min
The Human Connection PodcastSmall Talk Isn't Wasting Time. It's Where Deals Actually Get Made | Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau"The reason why we spend time in small talk is not because we want to waste time — it's because that's where trust is being created." — Sylvia Rhode-LiebenauWhat happens when a delegation of very upset Russian officials shows up in your office? If you're Sylvia Rhode-Liebenau, you don't get defensive — you get human. With over 25 years of experience coaching senior executives and leading cross-cultural teams across Russia, Ukraine, the Balkans, Northern Africa, and beyond, Sylvia brings a rare blend of embodied leadership wisdom and hard-won diplomatic experience to this week's episode.Karl and Sylvia dig into w...
2026-02-2420 min
The Human Connection PodcastBeyond Automation: Using AI to Amplify Human Connection with Rick DeLisi"When AI is applied correctly, it allows your human beings, your frontline people, arguably the most important people in your company because they're the ones who are dealing directly with customers, to be more human."Join host Karl Pontau for an insightful conversation with Rick DeLisi, co-author of Digital Customer Service and The Effortless Experience, and creator of the Customer Effort Score metric. Rick shares how AI is revolutionizing contact centers—not by replacing humans, but by making them better at what they do best: connecting with customers.Discover how virtual assistants can handle routine ta...
2025-12-1722 min
The Human Connection PodcastBeyond Execution: What Real Leadership Actually Means with Greg Stewart"Every mission statement, purpose, destiny, vision, calling comes from our life experiences."Ever wake up "successful" but feeling like something's missing? You're not alone.This week, Karl sits down with Greg Stewart—telehealth counselor, executive coach, and author of the AI Cubed trilogy—to unpack why so many high-achievers feel empty despite crushing it on paper.Greg breaks down the difference between executives who just execute and leaders who actually lead (hint: it's all about the heart). He introduces the "Iron Man Core" concept—that inexhaustible energy source that protects you from life's shrapn...
2025-12-1620 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop the Story Toppers: A Guide to Real Conversations with Steve Fales"Everybody has a story. You just never know who needs that connection at that moment." - Steve FalesIn this heartwarming episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Steve Fales, founder of AD Services, Inc., to explore the art of building genuine friendships in the workplace. Steve shares his refreshingly simple philosophy: ask questions, actually listen to the answers, and avoid the dreaded "conversation poker" where people just try to one-up each other's stories.Discover why the barista at your local coffee shop isn't just "the barista," how a simple compliment can change someone's entire...
2025-12-0421 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Do You Pass Down a 30-Year Legacy Without Losing Everything? With Kevin Juza"How can you buy a company that's been around for 70 years, and you're selling one day and you're closing the door the next day? That means you're a business. You don't care about people."When a beloved 70-year-old Minnesota window company sold to a PE firm and shut down overnight—leaving customers with unfulfilled $50K contracts—it sparked an important conversation about what really matters in business.This week, Karl sits down with Kevin Juza, a succession planning consultant on a mission to help family businesses beat the 70% failure rate when passing the torch to the...
2025-12-0322 min
The Human Connection PodcastBusiness on Purpose, Not on Accident with Jake Wells"I want to ask all the questions that people are generally scared of asking. And it's not that scary, honestly, when people ask to step up and say the answer." - Jake WellsEver feel like you're running a business on accident instead of on purpose? Jake Wells, EOS implementer and serial entrepreneur, joins host Karl Pontau to shake up the victim mentality that's holding too many leaders back.In this episode, Jake shares how he helps leadership teams break free from the "foregone conclusion" mindset—that feeling that revenue, profit, and growth are just ha...
2025-12-0221 min
The Human Connection PodcastTransforming Chaos into Clarity: A Healthcare Operations Story with Sulay Thompson"It's the humans driving the process, not the processes driving the humans." - Sulay ThompsonJoin host Karl Pontau for an energizing conversation with healthcare operations expert Sulay Thompson, who brings nearly 20 years of experience transforming chaos into clarity in the healthcare industry.In this episode, Sulay shares her unique perspective on balancing efficiency with empathy—a challenge every growing company faces. She dives into why so many healthcare technologies fail (hint: they're not designed with the actual humans using them in mind!) and tells the fascinating story of how electronic medical records went from ex...
2025-11-2624 min
The Human Connection PodcastBreaking Down Walls: Leadership Through Adversity with Carl H Sharperson"Once you're in a position where you're not smart enough, you don't have enough money in the bank... you have to humble yourself and rely on others and realize that you need help to make it happen."Join host Karl Pontau for an inspiring conversation with Carl Sharperson, a leadership innovation strategist who transformed adversity into his superpower. As a two-time cancer survivor, former Marine Corps pilot, and leadership coach, Carl shares how humbling experiences—from battling stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to managing a union manufacturing plant—taught him the most powerful leadership lesson: we all need each...
2025-11-2021 min
The Human Connection PodcastBeyond FOMO: Building Brands Through Positive Connection with Kevin Perlmutter"People care about their own motivations, not what you have to sell, not what you want to say, not your brand's why." Kevin Perlmutter gets straight to the heart of why so much marketing today falls flat.In this episode, Kevin—chief strategist at Limbic Brand Evolution and author of Brand Desire—joins host Karl Pontau to explore why fear-based marketing is losing its grip and what actually builds lasting customer relationships. Spoiler: it's not about scarcity tactics or FOMO.Kevin reveals the shift from the old "persuasion era" to what he calls the shared emot...
2025-11-1921 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Secret to Content That Builds Loyalty (Hint: It's Human) with Brian Kurian"I've gotten to the point now where I can listen and understand what you explicitly have shared with me. But I've also gotten to a point where I can pick up on things that you didn't explicitly say." – Brian KurianIn this episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Brian Kurian, a premium ghostwriter who's mastered the rare intersection of sales and copywriting. Brian shares how he helps busy CEOs and founders tell their authentic stories without the sanitized, press-release feel that so often disconnects leaders from their audiences.Discover why the best ghostwriters are ex...
2025-11-1821 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhat Your Employees Are Trying to Tell You (If You'd Just Listen) with James Warren"The act of asking my team was an act of engagement, and I never thought of that before."This week, Karl sits down with James Warren, founder and CEO of Share More Stories, for a refreshingly honest conversation about the real power of storytelling in business. Spoiler alert: it's not about making your company look good—it's about making your people feel seen.James breaks down why employee engagement surveys keep telling leaders the same thing year after year (hint: they're asking the wrong questions), and shares how one health and wellness organization discovered their em...
2025-11-1320 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Private Jet Problem: What Authentic Leadership Really Costs with Brandon Edwards"Authenticity is increasingly the center of almost all trust. We talk about trust in organizations, but what we're really talking about is trust in the people that lead organizations." - Brandon EdwardsJoin host Karl Pontau for an engaging conversation with Brandon Edwards, a healthcare marketing veteran with 28 years of industry-shaping experience. In this episode, Brandon shares hard-won wisdom about what it really means to lead authentically in today's complex business landscape.Brandon doesn't hold back as he tackles the tension every leader faces: How do you set a bold vision and hold people accountable...
2025-11-1221 min
The Human Connection PodcastYour Team Doesn't Need Grand Gestures—They Need This with Nicholas Howe"It's those moments of reflection... once you can get to a space where you can capitalize on those moments that are happening, the ability to shift your mindset into something else is so significantly powerful." - Nicholas HoweWhat if the secret to business success isn't complex strategy—but simply paying attention to the small moments?In this episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Nicholas Howe, mental health care SaaS entrepreneur and creator of the Cups and Spoons app, to explore how tiny gestures create massive impact in our relationships. Nick shares his journey fr...
2025-11-1124 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Widgets to Humans: Restoring Empathy in Healthcare with Tracy Cobb"We're not building a widget. We're dealing with somebody's loved one, their family member. We're dealing with really hard topics, and I want to make sure that we never lose that empathy or that compassion of what's behind our healthcare product." — Tracy CobbIn this episode, Karl sits down with Tracy Cobb, Director of Client Success at Continuity Unlock Health, to explore how companies can rebuild human connection and trust in our increasingly digital world.Tracy shares powerful insights from her 20+ years in healthcare, revealing why that "simple" 10-minute check-in at the start of meetings is...
2025-11-0622 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Your Company's Ethics Are Your Best Marketing Tool with Ken Ziegler"We look at the original theory of sandbox ethics... it is literally the development of your ethical building in a controlled environment. So if we apply that on a corporate level, you can experiment a bit with your ethics so that you know what's right and what's wrong."Join host Karl Pontau for a thought-provoking conversation with Ken Ziegler, an ethical AI advocate who's spent over 20 years in customer-facing roles. In this episode, Ken shares why companies that lead with transparency and human-centered ethics create deeper customer connections—and why that matters more than ever in today's ma...
2025-11-0521 min
The Human Connection PodcastYour Customers Don't Want More AI—They Want to Be Understood with Donna Weber"Just throwing more AI at people doesn't solve anything. You really need to know what your customers really want and need and what is meaningful to them." — Donna WeberIn this insightful episode, host Karl Ponto sits down with Donna Weber, the world's leading expert in customer onboarding and value realization. Their conversation cuts through the AI hype to reveal a fundamental truth: successful businesses win by deeply understanding their customers, not by chasing the latest tech trends.Donna shares fascinating insights about the psychology behind why 70-80% of technical implementations fail—and it's not what...
2025-10-3022 min
The Human Connection PodcastBuild Stronger Customer Relationships Through Smarter Data with Borja Cuan"You can't manage what you can't measure."In this episode, Karl Pontau sits down with Borja Cuan, a performance marketing veteran with 26 years of experience helping companies turn data into deeper customer relationships. Borja shares how focusing on the fundamentals—proper tracking, optimized landing pages, and the right metrics—can transform a business's entire approach to customer acquisition.Discover why vanity metrics are holding you back, how a $100 million commercial cleaning company was attracting the wrong clients (and how they fixed it), and why the most successful businesses never stop testing. Whether you're B2B or B...
2025-10-2920 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Sounding Like a Robot: Authentic Leadership Communication with Helen Jonsen"A stat is like a hot dog. Pretty plain, pretty straightforward. But when you take that stat and put a little sauce and stuff on top, there you have a meal. Now you have something that's memorable." - Helen JonsenJoin host Karl Pontau for an engaging conversation with communications strategist and media executive Helen Jonsen about the art of authentic storytelling in business.Helen shares why leaders need to ditch the robotic "prepared remarks" mindset and instead develop "signature remarks" - those carefully crafted stories and introductions that feel fresh every time you share...
2025-10-2821 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Replacing Humans, Start Augmenting Teams with Samantha Anderson"This idea of melding both AI and humans together is really where I think we're starting to settle out and we're starting to see this promise of augmented teams really come to fruition." — Samantha AndersonReady to stop the AI hype train and start using it the right way? 🚀In this episode, Karl sits down with Samantha Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Origin 63, to talk about the sweet spot between automation and authentic human connection. After a decade of HubSpot expertise and helping 550+ teams transform their customer experience, Sam knows what works (and what definitely doesn...
2025-10-2322 min
The Human Connection PodcastSafe Wins the Meeting, Creative Risk Wins the Audience with Tim Bradley"Safe wins the meeting. Creative risk wins the audience." – Tim BradleyIn this episode, Karl Pontau sits down with Tim Bradley, co-founder of Tenant Video, to explore why so much B2B video content falls flat—and what to do about it.Tim shares how companies can break free from the "sanitized corporate speak" trap that happens when videos get filtered through too many approval layers. The secret? Leading with a video-first mentality and having the courage to take calculated creative risks that actually resonate with your audience.You'll discover Tim's "Video Marketing Trif...
2025-10-1620 min
The Human Connection PodcastQuality Over Quantity: Why 10 Right Views Beat a Million Wrong Ones with Jake Isham"Not all views are created equal. If you had a million views but none of them are going to ever become clients, what's the point? But if you have ten views and all ten of those people are going to buy from you—that's where the magic happens." — Jake IshamReady to cut through the noise and create content that actually converts?This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Jake Isham, a filmmaker-turned-brand strategist who's helped over 150 entrepreneurs generate more than 1 billion views online. Jake shares why chasing vanity metrics is a losing game and...
2025-10-1419 min
The Human Connection PodcastConnectors Get Paid: Turning Relationships Into Revenue with Joe MindakWhat if every employee in your company could become a revenue generator—without making a single cold call?In this energizing episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with serial entrepreneur Joe Mindak to explore the untapped goldmine hiding in your organization: your employees' networks. Joe shares why traditional referral programs fall flat and reveals how companies can transform their entire workforce into passionate brand ambassadors.Discover how the accountant who went to college with a Fortune 500 CMO, or the operations manager whose cousin runs procurement at a major client, can become your most valuable sales as...
2025-10-0920 min
The Human Connection PodcastBuilding Global Teams That Actually Work with Adam O’ConnorJoin host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Adam O'Connor, Chief Commercial Officer at Gear Inc., for a refreshingly honest conversation about what it really takes to build successful international teams.What You'll Discover:The "outcomes over people" management philosophy that's helped Adam scale teams across North America, Europe, and Asia PacificWhy that cringe-worthy story about his team member doing a terrible English accent taught him everything about servant leadershipThe AI reality check: Why those flashy sales automation tools are failing (and what actually works)How to give your global team members the autonomy they...
2025-10-0222 min
The Human Connection PodcastHuman Stupidity vs. Human Ingenuity: Guess Which One Hackers Exploit with Natalie BertheGuest: Natalie Berthe - Business Growth Strategist & Cybersecurity ExpertThink cybersecurity is too complicated and expensive for your growing business? Think again! Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with cybersecurity maven Natalie Berthe, who's here to shatter the myth that digital security is rocket science. Spoiler alert: 90% of all data breaches happen because of human error - not fancy hacking techniques.In this eye-opening episode, you'll discover:Why your business size doesn't matter to hackers (hint: they're not picky!)The scary-but-true stories behind major breaches at Uber, LastPass, and even...
2025-10-0121 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Enron Effect: How Values Became Corporate Theater with Nicole EisdorferEver wonder why some companies inspire fierce loyalty while others struggle with quiet quitting and constant turnover? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer, founder of Truer Words consulting, for a brutally honest conversation about the trust crisis plaguing modern workplaces.What You'll Discover:The Enron Effect: How well-intentioned mission statements became corporate theater (spoiler: having "integrity" on your wall doesn't make you trustworthy!)The Burnout Paradox: Why physicians—who test at nearly double the resilience of regular folks—are still burning out faster than anyone else (hint: it's not abou...
2025-09-3021 min
The Human Connection PodcastCulture Over Skills - Building Teams That Actually Work Together with Laura LorenzEver feel like you're chasing every shiny object instead of growing your business? You're not alone!Join host Karl Pontau for an inspiring chat with Laura Lorenz, a trusted small business advisor with 35 years of entrepreneurial wisdom. Laura reveals the game-changing habits that transform scattered solopreneurs into focused, thriving business owners.What You'll Discover:Why having a crystal-clear vision is your secret weapon against "squirrel syndrome"The power of the "3 things rule" that helps clients double their incomeHow to hire for culture fit (not just skills) to build unstoppable teamsWhy quarterly roadmaps beat yearly...
2025-09-2520 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow a College Student's Costume Hobby Became a Disney Career with Cupid HayesReady to fall in love with your business again? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Cupid Hayes, the "Guardian Angel of Brand," who's spent 30+ years transforming how businesses connect authentically with their audiences.Why you'll love this episode:Discover why branding is the "steak, not the sizzle" in our Instagram-obsessed worldLearn the inspiring story of how one college student's tabby cat costume hobby became a Disney careerMaster Cupid's "Aim for Authenticity" process: Brand + Story + ImpactFind out why your employees are your secret weapon for brand successGet practical tips for finding your "why" and connecting...
2025-09-2420 min
The Human Connection PodcastBuilding Authentic Relationships Through Strategic Networking with Robert ButwinReady to transform your networking game? Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Robert Butwin, MLM Hall of Fame inductee and master networker who's been building meaningful connections for over 35 years!What You'll Discover:The "ME to WE" mindset shift - Why flipping your focus from what you need to what others need changes everythingThe REACH framework - Robert's powerful acronym for building lasting professional relationships (Reputation, Experience, Authenticity, Clarity, Helpfulness)Virtual networking mastery - How COVID-19 accelerated networking opportunities and why online connections can be just as...
2025-09-1821 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Stepping on the Same Leadership Rake with Brady YoungJoin host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Brady Young, a visionary leader and catalyst for organizational transformation who's cracked the code on developing effective managers at scale.What You'll Discover: Why most leaders aren't malicious—they're just missing the skills (and how to fix that)The "Peter Principle" trap: Why your best performers often become your worst managersFrom risk aversion to acceleration: How leadership development becomes a business flywheel, not just damage controlThe magic of peer accountability: Why small cohorts over time beat expensive one-day wo...
2025-09-1720 min
The Human Connection PodcastBeyond Skills: Hiring for Values That Drive Long-Term Success with Lou CarterReady to transform your hiring game? 🎯This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with organizational psychologist and culture guru Lou Carter to decode the secret of building workplaces people actually want to stay in. Lou breaks down the difference between "no-brainer hires" and "no-way hires" – and trust us, you'll want to be the former!What You'll Discover:Why hiring for skills alone is a recipe for disasterThe powerful shift from "me vs. you" to "we" in the workplaceHow AI is bringing us full circle back to making each other's lives betterWhy you must earn your...
2025-09-1621 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Blending In: The Art of Authentic Business Storytelling with Victoria Carrington ChavezReady to make your business unforgettable?This week, Karl sits down with storytelling powerhouse Victoria Carrington Chavez to uncover why your unique story might be the most underutilized tool in your business arsenal. From her brand The Story Saloon, Victoria reveals how to transform scattered messaging into a cohesive narrative that actually connects with your audience.You'll discover:Why your brain remembers stories 10x better than facts (and what this means for your marketing)The simple question that helped one nonprofit clarify their message after working with SIX different agenciesHow to find the golden...
2025-09-1020 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Nanny to Fortune 500: The Power of Leading with Purpose with Kellee JohnsonGuest: Kellee Johnson - Advisor, Investor, Mentor & Founder of The Balance GroupEver wonder how helping others can actually accelerate your own career goals? This week, Karl sits down with the incredible Kellee Johnson, who shares the heartwarming story of how volunteering to nanny for a family dealing with breast cancer led to landing her dream job at Tropicana (PepsiCo) fresh out of college.What You'll Discover:The Power of Leading with Your Heart - How one act of kindness opened doors Kellee never expectedGrowing Into Your Goals by Empowering...
2025-09-0821 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe $9 FedEx Secret That Beats Million-Dollar Marketing with Vance MorrisEver wonder why some businesses have customers who stick around forever while others struggle with constant churn? This week, Karl sits down with Vance Morris, a former Disney cast member turned successful entrepreneur, to uncover the secrets of turning one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.Vance shares his fascinating journey from birth control factory security guard to Disney employee to bankrupt executive to carpet cleaning company owner—and how each stop taught him something valuable about human connection in business.What You'll Learn:Why it's YOUR job to remind customers you exist (not theirs to re...
2025-09-0522 min
The Human Connection PodcastWork Should NOT Suck: How to Break Free from Soul-Crushing Workplace Culture with Ryan SteilEver catch yourself frowning during your morning commute? You're not alone! 😤This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Ryan Steil, the refreshingly honest founder of Rhodium Digital who's made it his mission to prove that work doesn't have to be miserable. From drilling rigs to boardrooms, Ryan's unconventional journey has taught him one crucial truth: most of us are spending way too much time working around our work instead of actually doing what we love.What you'll discover:Why that endless parade of meetings is killing your team's passion (and productivity)The "duct tap...
2025-09-0421 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Your Customers Don't Want to Be Hunted (And What to Do Instead)Ready to ditch the "pitch slap" and start building relationships that actually grow your business? In this episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Nora DiNuzzo, co-founder and CSO of Blood, Sweat and Tears, who's generated over $50 million in revenue by mastering the art of human-to-human connection in business.What You'll Discover:Why "growth is not six minute abs" (and what that really means for your business timeline)The game-changing difference between hunter vs. farmer sales approachesHow to escape the dreaded quota mentality that turns customers into preyWhy patience and trust-building are your secret...
2025-09-0321 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Manipulating, Start Persuading: The Ethical Influence Framework with Christopher PhelpsEver wonder why consumers don't trust businesses anymore? It might be because too many companies have crossed the line from persuasion into manipulation – and people can feel the difference.In this eye-opening episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Dr. Christopher Phelps, entrepreneur, dentist, and Amazon bestselling author, to explore the powerful distinction between ethical influence and sneaky manipulation tactics.What You'll Discover:The "Cat and Mice" principle – why forced compliance backfires the moment you're not watchingThe 3-question ethics test that instantly reveals whether your persuasion tactics are building trust or destroying itA shocking real...
2025-08-2920 min
The Human Connection PodcastPeople Are Power: Why Human Energy Can't Be Automated with Jim MorrisIn this energizing episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Jim Morris to explore why "people are power" and how authentic human connection is the secret sauce for business success in 2025.What You'll Discover:The Power of Human Energy Jim breaks down what he means by "power" - that authentic electricity that can't be replicated by AI or automation, and why charging ourselves through genuine relationships is the ultimate competitive advantage.The Great Social Media Reset Hear about Jim's eye-opening 30-day social media sabbatical and practical strategies for reducing screen time without killing...
2025-08-2723 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Anthony Bourdain Approach to Building Global Teams with Peter SchawackerWhat happens when you put a cybersecurity expert from Tel Aviv and another from Gaza on the same remote team? In this fascinating episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Peter Walker, CEO of Near Shore Cyber, who shares the remarkable story of how professional focus and shared purpose can transcend even the deepest cultural and political divides.Peter reveals his unique approach to building international cybersecurity teams across Mexico, the Philippines, Greece, and South Africa. From navigating time zones to fostering respect between team members from conflicting regions, he demonstrates how "doing good work" can become...
2025-08-2622 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Only Person Who Finds Your Story Boring Is You with Steven HeumannGet ready to fall in love with your own story!This week, Karl sits down with Steven Heumann, a former TV writer turned ghostwriter who left Hollywood to help business leaders share their most powerful asset—their authentic stories. With six kids at home and nine sci-fi novels under his belt, Steven knows a thing or two about taking bold leaps!You'll discover:Why your "boring" story is actually fascinating to everyone elseHow sharing your why (not your what) creates instant connectionThe magic moment when shame transforms into your superpowerWhy failure isn't a brand—it's...
2025-08-2521 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Your Next Big Deal Won't Be Closed by a Robot with Doug CroweIn this engaging episode of The Human Connection Podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Doug Crowe, a personal brand specialist and publisher who's helped launch over 500 books to Amazon bestseller status. With clients ranging from Apple to the NFL, Doug brings a unique perspective on navigating business relationships in our increasingly automated world.What You'll Discover:Why the human brain hasn't evolved much in thousands of years—and why that matters for your business strategyThe critical difference between using AI as a tool versus a replacement for human connectionReal stories of AI sales disasters and wh...
2025-08-2121 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Swashbuckler to Strategist: Redefining Entrepreneurial Leadership with Trevor MerridenWhat if the secret to entrepreneurial success isn't being the loudest person in the room?This week, Karl sits down with Trevor Merriden, founder of Melbourne and executive coach, who's flipping the script on what it means to be a confident entrepreneur. Spoiler alert: you don't need to be a swashbuckling extrovert to build a thriving business!What You'll Discover:Why introverted entrepreneurs often outshine their extroverted counterparts (and how they do it)The game-changing power of asking better questions instead of having all the answersHow to turn your "weakness" in networking into your...
2025-08-1923 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy AI Can't Replace the Weird Humans on LinkedIn with Romina MassaIn this episode of The Human Connection Podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Romina Massa, a neurodivergent AI marketing strategist and digital consultant, for an eye-opening conversation about maintaining authentic human connections while scaling business operations.What You'll Discover:AI as Your Assistant, Not Replacement Learn why the most successful companies use AI tools to amplify human creativity rather than eliminate the human element entirely. Romina shares how she creates 10x more content while keeping every piece authentically human.The Automation Trap Hear the hilarious (and cautionary) tale of a LinkedIn "influencer"...
2025-08-1820 min
The Human Connection PodcastBeyond the Figurehead - Creating Brands Your Team Can Actually Embody with Charlie BirchEver wonder why some companies feel like they're held together with duct tape and good intentions? Brand strategist Charlie Birch joins host Karl Pontau to talk about the messy reality of growing a business without losing what made it special in the first place.Charlie brings her unique blend of psychology and choreography to help founders do something that sounds impossible: surgically separate their personal identity from their brand. Think of it as helping your business grow up and move out of the house - painful at first, but absolutely necessary for everyone's sanity.In...
2025-08-1521 min
The Human Connection PodcastCulture Beats Language: The Real Rules of Global Marketing with Lewis SayesGuest: Lewis Sayes - Self-taught digital and cross-cultural marketing specialist from Manchester, UKEpisode DescriptionEver wonder why some brands nail it when they expand internationally while others crash and burn? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Lewis Sayes to unpack the fascinating world of cross-cultural marketing - and trust us, it's more complex than just translating your website!Lewis brings some spicy takes to the table, using unexpected examples like Meghan Markle and James Corden to illustrate how even celebrities can struggle with cultural adaptation. From Sharp's brilliant Manchester United...
2025-08-1422 min
The Human Connection PodcastBreaking Barriers: How an Introvert Became a Sales Superstar with Steve SpiroGuest: Steve Spiro - Master Connector, Author & Inspirational SpeakerEver feel like sales has gotten a bad rap? You're not alone! This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Steve Spiro, a former introvert turned "Master Connector" with over 30,000 LinkedIn connections, to flip the script on what great selling really looks like.From his unexpected journey from art school to advertising to becoming a top sales performer, Steve shares how martial arts discipline and a heart-centered approach transformed his career. Forget the pushy, "pitch-slapping" tactics that make everyone cringe - Steve reveals why leading with...
2025-08-1120 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Perfect People Are Forgettable (And What to Do Instead) with Paige Arnof-FennGuest: Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO of Mavens and MogulsIn a world where AI can generate generic content in seconds, how do you make sure you don't get lost in the noise? Marketing expert Paige Arnof-Fenn shares why everyone—from entrepreneurs to employees—needs to think of themselves as a brand.What You'll Discover:Why your online presence is make-or-break (spoiler: if you're not Googleable, you don't exist!)The power of vulnerability in building authentic connectionsHow COVID changed the game for personal branding foreverReal stories that sell vs. robotic AI-generated contentThe brilliant rebranding that turn...
2025-08-0824 min
The Human Connection PodcastCut Through the Noise: Why Your Business Needs a Unique Genius with Camille MillerGuest: Camille Miller - Three-time bestselling author, transformational business strategist, and pioneer of the soul professional movementIn a world drowning in AI-generated noise, how do you make your brand truly stand out? 🎯Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Camille Miller to explore the art of authentic differentiation. Camille shares her powerful approach to helping entrepreneurs discover their "unique genius" - that special something that makes them irreplaceable in their field.What You'll Discover:Why having the same credentials as everyone else isn't enough anymoreThe surprising reason people pay for...
2025-08-0721 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Poopy Pipelines to Perfect Prospects with Lindsay RiosEver wonder why your sales pipeline feels like it's full of... well, let's just say "less than ideal" prospects? 😅This week, Karl sits down with Lindsay Rios, who's made it her mission to save companies "one pipeline, one company at a time" with her exceptional GTM plumbing skills. And yes, she really does talk about avoiding "poopy pipelines" – a catchphrase born from late-night diaper changes that became a decade-long crusade for pipeline excellence!What You'll Discover:Why most companies are essentially throwing darts blindfolded when it comes to customer targetingThe simple (but eye-opening) two-question inter...
2025-08-0621 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhen Everything Goes Sideways: Leading Through Life's Messy Moments with Jenn AlvinJoin host Karl Pontau for an inspiring conversation with author and creative coach Jenn Alvin about the power of authentic leadership and human connection in the workplace.What You'll Discover:🎨 The Art of Authentic LeadershipWhy showing your "cracks and rough edges" builds stronger team connectionsHow vulnerability is actually a sign of strength, not weaknessThe cost of over-polished, sanitized professionalism💫 Breaking Through the Perfect PersonaReal stories about asking for help during life's sideways momentsWhy people connect with struggle, not perfectionHow to distinguish yourself in business by being genuinely human📚 From Chaos to...
2025-08-0521 min
The Human Connection PodcastTrust Issues: Why Healthcare's Least Trusted Experience Stays Broken with Matthew ZacharyWhen $26 billion in pharmaceutical ads fails to help a single patient, something's broken.Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Matthew Zachary, dubbed "The People's Voice in Healthcare" by People Magazine. Matthew turned his brain cancer diagnosis at 21 into a global movement for patient empowerment as founder of Stupid Cancer and host of the groundbreaking "Out of Patients" podcast.In this eye-opening conversation, Matthew pulls no punches about healthcare's biggest problems:Why patients have become powerless in their own careThe shocking waste of pharmaceutical advertising (spoiler: it doesn't work)How compliance culture...
2025-08-0121 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Secret to Making Complex Tech Feel Human with Rachel AllardEver wondered how to make cutting-edge medical technology actually connect with people? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Rachel Allard, VP of Marketing at Resonant Link Medical, who's mastered the art of translating brilliant engineering into language that matters.Rachel shares her journey from marketing everything from groceries to real estate software to now revolutionizing wireless power for life-saving medical devices. Think pacemakers that never need surgical battery replacements and pain management devices that adapt to your unique body – all powered by technology most patients will hopefully never think about (because it just works)....
2025-07-2822 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Pixels to People: Creating Authentic Video Connections with Robert WeissReady to transform your business relationships through the magic of video? 🎬In this episode, Karl sits down with video marketing expert Robert Weiss to explore how authentic video content creates genuine human connections in our digital-first world. Whether you're pitching to VCs, explaining complex products, or building trust with prospects, video might just be your secret weapon.What You'll Discover:Why "imperfect" videos actually build MORE trust than polished productionsHow one startup used a 1-minute video to secure $480K in fundingThe biggest mistakes companies make with video (and how to avoid them)Smart strategies for...
2025-07-2520 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Real Reason Your Teams Keep Clashing (It's Not What You Think) with Brandon GanoEver wonder why some teams just click while others constantly clash? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with serial entrepreneur Brandon Gano, CEO of Human Up, to unpack the secret sauce behind thriving workplace relationships.What You'll Discover:Why being "authentic" isn't a license to be a jerk (and how to find that sweet spot)The game-changing 70-30-0 rule that'll transform how you delegate and leadHow traditional personality tests might be boxing you in—and what to do insteadBrandon's raw take on how human connection made or broke his multiple businessesThe Golden Nu...
2025-07-2321 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Art of Living Beyond Work with Siobhan DaukesEver feel like you're drowning in the startup hustle? This episode is your life raft! Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Siobhan Daukes, the ultimate "momentum maker" who's mastered the art of living a full life while crushing it professionally. With over 20 years of experience working with CEOs and founders, Siobhan shares her refreshing approach to work-life integration (spoiler: she doesn't believe in work-life balance).What You'll Discover:Why trying to separate "work you" from "real you" is exhausting and counterproductiveThe simple trick to creating deeper connections in virtual meetings (hint...
2025-07-2120 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Chasing Magic Bullets and Start Building Real Relationships with Carly OlsonTired of getting pitch-slapped in your DMs? This episode is for you!Join host Karl Pontau as he connects with brand strategist Carly Olson, who shares why entrepreneurs keep falling for "magic bullet" marketing tactics that actually sabotage their success. From automated LinkedIn messages that reference jobs from 7 years ago (yes, this really happened to Carly!) to the danger of listening to too many business coaches at once, this conversation gets real about what's broken in modern marketing.You'll discover:Why having too much input is killing your brand clarityThe subtle art of building...
2025-07-1720 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow to Turn 8,400 LinkedIn Connections Into Real Relationships with Deanna DammersEver feel like entrepreneurship is a lonely road? You're not alone! This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with Deanna Dammers, a self-proclaimed "Chief Connection Officer" who's turned relationship-building into an art form—and a superpower for startups.What You'll Discover:The Magic of Real Listening: Why looking someone in the eye at a networking event beats scrolling through your phoneThe $Million Introduction: How Deanna connected three separate startups tackling addiction recovery and created something incredible togetherFrom German to 4th of July: The heartwarming story of helping international founders na...
2025-07-1520 min
The Human Connection PodcastAre You Basing Your Identity on What Others Think? With Markus NeukomEver feel like you're hitting an invisible barrier just when you're about to reach your biggest goals? You're not alone, and you're not broken – you might just be experiencing what legacy alchemist Markus Neukom calls "the glass ceiling above your head."In this eye-opening episode, Karl sits down with Markus, a strategic force multiplier who's spent over two decades helping founders and CEOs break through their biggest bottlenecks. Spoiler alert: it's usually not what you think!What You'll Discover:Why that uncomfortable feeling when you're stretching beyond your comfort zone is actually a compliment fr...
2025-07-0823 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Networking Like Everyone Else (And Start Building Real Relationships) with Mark E. SackettReady to transform how you network? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with the incredibly dynamic Mark E Sackett—a creative powerhouse who owns 13 businesses, lives between San Francisco and seat 3E on United Airlines, and has completely revolutionized networking through his "Art of Active Networking" events.Mark shares the game-changing philosophy behind his global networking movement that spans 17 cities and 5 countries. Forget the dreaded "What do you do?" conversation starter—Mark reveals why asking "What are you struggling with and how can I help?" creates deeper, more meaningful connections that actually lead to business.Wh...
2025-07-0323 min
The Human Connection PodcastMaster the Art of Power Partner Coffee Meetings with Sharyn AbbottReady to transform your business relationships and boost your success rate? Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with business development expert Sharyn Abbott, who shares her battle-tested strategies that helped over 2,500 clients achieve 25-50% growth in their first year!What You'll Discover:- The Power Partner Coffee Method - Turn networking into a 1-in-5 client conversion rate (vs. 1-in-20 at traditional events!)- Speaking Your Way to Success - How one payroll company grew from 25 to 1,200 clients in just one year through strategic speaking- The Authority Advantage...
2025-07-0120 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Selling, Start Solving: The Human-to-Human Sales Revolution with Sebastian PistrittoReady to transform your sales process? Join host Karl Pontau as he sits down with four-time CMO Sebastian Pistritto, who reveals the simple mindset shift that cut his client's sales cycle in half and boosted their average order value from $28K to $150K.What You'll Discover:Why "one-size-fits-all" customer approaches are killing your dealsThe magic of the "Why" question technique that turns prospects into partnersHow to speak different "dialects" within the same industry (hint: your CEO and front-line workers care about totally different things!)The psychology behind...
2025-06-2620 min
The Human Connection PodcastFrom Emotionally Constipated to Connected Leader with Erin ThorpEver feel like you're terrible at reading the room or connecting with your team? You're not alone! This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with empathy coach Erin Thorpe to explore why so many leaders struggle with emotional connection—and how to fix it.Erin breaks down the "emotionally constipated" leader phenomenon (yes, that's a real thing!) and shares practical tools to start flexing your empathy muscle. From the simple "1% more vulnerable" rule to using feelings wheels and walking meditations, she offers actionable steps that won't make you want to run screaming from the room.Wh...
2025-06-2421 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Psychology of Belonging with Chelsea BurnsJoin host Karl Pontau for an eye-opening conversation with Chelsea Burns, CEO of The Marketing Psychologist, as she reveals why belonging isn't just "fluffy" business talk—it's actually as essential to human health as food itself!What You'll Discover:Why 95% of buying decisions happen in the subconscious (and how to tap into that!)The surprising connection between belonging and physical healthChelsea's brand-new BELONG Framework for building deeper customer connectionsHow to stop treating customers like "leads" and start seeing them as humansThe village mentality that's ha...
2025-06-1720 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow to Turn Business Contacts into Money-Making Allies with Josh TappEver feel like your business relationships are either too shallow or too complicated? Josh Tapp, founder of The Pantheon, joins host Karl Pontau to flip the script on how we think about professional connections.In this candid conversation, Josh reveals why the loneliest entrepreneurs aren't actually alone – they're just surrounded by the wrong kind of relationships. He shares the counterintuitive truth that the best business friendships are built on a foundation of transactions (yes, really!) and explains how just five solid alliance relationships can generate 50-100 qualified leads per month.You'll discover:Why "pi...
2025-06-1220 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Entrepreneur's Guide to Building Million-Dollar Relationships with Rob BedellFeeling buried under daily tasks and struggling to connect with customers? You're not alone! This week, Karl sits down with Rob Bedell, who specializes in liberating entrepreneurs from the burden of doing everything themselves.What You'll Discover:The $10 Test: A simple way to identify which tasks are eating up your valuable timeThe Magic 3 Questions: What to ask your best clients to unlock explosive growth (one insurance company went from regional to national with 400% growth!)Why "sales" isn't a dirty word when you focus on relationships over transactionsThe 15...
2025-06-1020 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Successful Leaders Feel Empty with Chris KennyWhat if the secret to building a thriving business culture starts with asking yourself three simple questions? This week, host Karl Pontau sits down with executive coach Chris Kenny to explore how authentic leadership begins from within.Chris, a "recovering lawyer" turned leadership guide with 35+ years of experience, shares the three profound questions that changed everything for his high-achieving clients: Am I living authentically? Am I cultivating meaningful relationships? Am I making the world a little better?You'll discover:Why successful leaders often feel like frauds (and what to do about it)
2025-06-0520 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy B2B Companies Think They Don't Need Branding (They're Wrong) with Kyle KostesichEver wonder why so many promising startups struggle to get noticed by investors or customers? This week on The Human Connection, host Karl Pontau sits down with Kyle Kostesich, an executive creative director who's spent 20 years helping everyone from Ritz-Carlton to Pfizer nail their brand strategy.Kyle drops some serious truth bombs about why early-stage companies think branding is just "nice to have" – spoiler alert: they're dead wrong! From life sciences companies that went from garage startups to public offerings, to the grocery store psychology behind your toothpaste choice, this conversation reveals how branding is actually the se...
2025-06-0321 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Your Business Needs Community, Not Just Customers with Todd NilsonJoin host Karl Pontau as he sits down with Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors, to explore why your business needs genuine community—not just another social media following.What You'll Discover:The Community vs. Audience Game-Changer: Why treating customers like passive observers is leaving money on the table, and how real engagement transforms one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.The Resilience Factor: How online communities act as your early warning system for market disruptions and create an "unfair advantage" over competitors who are still stuck in broadcast mode.Beyond the Platform: To...
2025-05-2721 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Teams Can Prevent Stress Before It Happens with Todd AttridgeIn this eye-opening episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Todd Attridge, founder of The Studio, a team-based app that helps predict and reduce workplace stress before it happens. Todd reveals that a whopping 92% of workplace stress comes from the people we work with, not the work itself!Discover why miscommunication, different perspectives, and feeling unvalued create friction points between colleagues, and learn practical strategies to prevent stress rather than just manage it after it strikes. Todd shares his philosophy that emotional fitness is just as important as physical fitness, and explains how teams can beat stress by...
2025-05-2219 min
The Human Connection PodcastBreaking Free from Transactional Marketing with Ashley FausIn this episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Ashley Faus, a marketer, writer, and speaker whose work has been featured in Time, Forbes, and more. Ashley shares insights from her upcoming book on human-centered marketing, challenging businesses to move beyond spreadsheets and dashboards to focus on authentic human relationships.Discover why the "learn more" CTA needs to die, how explicit communication builds trust, and why viewing your audience journey as a playground rather than a linear funnel leads to more meaningful connections. Ashley explains why companies need to stop seeing customers as mere transactions and start embracing...
2025-05-2022 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhen You're Part of the Problem with Desmond LomaxIn this eye-opening conversation, host Karl Pontau connects with Desmond Lomax, a senior consultant with the Harbinger Institute and licensed clinical therapist specializing in humanizing the workplace. With 20 years of experience in public safety, Desmond reveals how self-deception prevents us from building effective workplace relationships.Discover how we often justify treating others as objects rather than humans, focusing only on evidence that confirms our biases. Desmond shares powerful stories of transformation—from the mother who realized she wasn't parenting as she wanted, to colleagues healing long-standing workplace conflicts. Learn why shifting from victim mentality to personal agency cr...
2025-05-1521 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Positive Reminiscence Transforms Relationships with Jason LevinAre you trapped in your own personal "Bermuda Keep-in-Touch Triangle"? In this heartwarming episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Jason Levin, founder of Ready Set Launch and author of "Relationships to Infinity."Jason reveals why we're so bad at maintaining relationships (hint: guilt, fear, and worry are the culprits) and shares practical strategies for breaking free from these emotional barriers. Discover the power of "positive reminiscence" and learn how just 10-15 minutes of intentional connection time can transform your personal and professional relationships.From the undervalued impact we have on others to intergenerational communication differences...
2025-05-1319 min
The Human Connection PodcastImprov's Impact on Team Success with Jessie ShternshusIn this delightful episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Jesse Shternshus, an improv and storytelling expert who helps organizations transform their cultures through the power of "yes, and" thinking. Jesse shares how improv techniques create inclusive environments where everyone's voice matters—from boardrooms to hospital rooms!Learn how Mayo Clinic uses improv principles to improve patient care, discover fun listening exercises like "Last Letter Conversation" that strengthen team communication, and hear about the card game "Together Together" that's helping combat loneliness by creating meaningful connections through storytelling.Jesse's impressive client roster includes the United Nations, Ma...
2025-05-0822 min
The Human Connection PodcastBreaking Through Male Emotional Barriers in Leadership with Andy GrantIn this eye-opening episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Andy Grant, bestselling author, transformational coach, and host of the award-winning podcast "Real Men Feel." Known as the "King of Authenticity," Andy shares powerful insights on why so many men struggle with emotional expression and the surprising costs of emotional suppression in business leadership.Andy reveals how vulnerability creates psychological safety, fosters innovation, and ultimately leads to better business outcomes. Through simple yet profound exercises (like clenching your fists for 30 seconds), listeners experience firsthand the difference between emotional constriction and freedom.Discover why choosing joy over...
2025-05-0620 min
The Human Connection PodcastA Heart-First Approach to Marketing with Jay KallmanIn this engaging episode, Karl Pontau connects with Jay Kallman, founder of Loving Marketing, who brings a refreshingly human approach to franchise marketing. Jay shares her philosophy that when businesses reconnect with the humanity behind their marketing, incredible things happen.She challenges the misconception that B2B marketing lacks emotional depth, arguing instead that understanding customer pain points and building genuine relationships leads to better outcomes. Whether you're selling B2B or B2C, Jay reminds us it's really H2H—Human to Human.Jay offers practical advice on how businesses can bring more humanity to...
2025-05-0120 min
The Human Connection PodcastHealthcare Marketing That Actually Works with Suzy EngwallIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau connects with healthcare innovation leader Suzy Engwall, CEO and founder of Health Tech Strategies. Suzy shares invaluable insights about one of the biggest challenges medtech startups face: transitioning their storytelling from investor-focused pitches to customer-centered marketing.Through compelling real-world examples—like a company reducing hospital alarm fatigue and another creating innovative 3D-printed waterproof casts—Suzy illustrates how successful healthcare companies connect on a human level rather than getting lost in technical jargon. She emphasizes that whether selling to hospitals, physicians, or patients, the key is communicating how your product improves live...
2025-04-2920 min
The Human Connection PodcastPurpose as a Renewable Energy Source with Leslie PagelIn this energizing episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Leslie Pagel, a trusted consultant and thought leader dedicated to helping organizations design customer experience strategies that provide a competitive edge. Leslie shares powerful insights on how purpose serves as a renewable source of energy for both individuals and companies.Discover why purpose isn't just a statement to hang on the wall but a daily practice that must be embedded into habits and rituals. Learn how successful leaders integrate shared values into everyday conversations and use them for employee development. Leslie and Karl explore the importance of aligning...
2025-04-2419 min
The Human Connection PodcastHumans, Machines, and the Future of Work with Marvin DejeanIn this illuminating episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Marvin Dejean, a leading business futurist and transformational strategist with over 25 years of experience helping organizations adapt to changing environments.Marvin shares powerful insights about the massive mindset shift leaders need to make for success in the 21st century business landscape. He explains why traditional hierarchical models are failing and introduces the concept of "intelligent organizations" where technology moves from the periphery to become a central driving force.The conversation explores why all transformations "begin and end with people," how leaders can guide their teams through...
2025-04-2221 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Secret Weapon for Team Leadership with Carla FowlerIn this insightful episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau speaks with Dr. Carla Fowler, an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach who has been a "secret weapon" for numerous CEOs and senior leaders. Dr. Fowler shares how performance science can transform not just individual achievement but team dynamics and organizational success.Dr. Fowler breaks down performance science into four key buckets: strategy, execution, mindset, and physiology. Through engaging stories from her coaching experience, she illustrates how clarity in leadership goals creates a ripple effect of motivation and alignment throughout teams. When leaders share their...
2025-04-1719 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Truth About Building Real Community with Dan BergerIn this episode, host Karl Pontau sits down with Israeli-American entrepreneur Dan Berger Dennison to explore the concept of belonging in the workplace and beyond. Dan shares insights from his new book, "The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging," and challenges common corporate approaches to building community.Dan explains his five-step framework for creating genuine belonging, including the importance of creating a culture of hospitality, safety, engagement, commitment, and reinforcement. He also introduces the concept of the "belonging fuel tank" and reveals why the popular corporate phrase "everybody belongs here" often achieves the opposite effect.
2025-04-1519 min
The Human Connection PodcastSimplicity, Authenticity, and the Dad Bod Revolution with Adam BelmontIn this engaging episode of The Human Connection Podcast, host Karl Pontau connects with seasoned PR executive Adam Belmont to discuss how brands can create authentic "aha moments" that resonate with consumers. Adam shares his 15+ years of experience working with global consumer brands and reveals how simplicity and authenticity are key to crafting messages that truly connect.The conversation features a fascinating case study of Planet Fitness's successful "dad bod" campaign, which brilliantly positioned the gym chain as an inclusive alternative to competitors focused on "washboard abs." Adam explains how this multi-year campaign leveraged consumer research to...
2025-04-1020 min
The Human Connection PodcastLeadership That Makes Work Awesome with Pam RossIn this insightful episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Pam Ross, a workplace transformation expert who quit her corporate HR job with a mission to improve work life. Pam shares her philosophy that work shouldn't just be "happy" - it should be truly awesome!Pam reveals how her first "real job" traveling around Canada opening restaurants shaped her understanding of what makes work fulfilling: autonomy, accountability, collaboration, and trust. She discusses why forcing employees back to the office full-time is a mistake and challenges managers to stop micromanaging and instead focus on outcomes.The conversation...
2025-04-0821 min
The Human Connection PodcastEight Steps to Guarantee Repeat Business with Richard ShapiroIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Richard Shapiro, founder of TCF KR and author of "The Endangered Customer" and "The Welcome Edge." Richard shares powerful insights from his journey from working in his father's clothing store as a child to becoming a customer experience expert who helped grow ADP from $400 million to over $4 billion.Discover the transformative phrase "I can help you with that" and how it dramatically changed one law firm's business. Richard breaks down his four customer service personality types (Welcomers, Robots, Indifferents, and Hostiles) and reveals his eight essential steps to...
2025-04-0323 min
The Human Connection PodcastCreating Human Connections That Convert with Linda MeloneIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Linda Melone, founder of The Copy Works and host of the High Conversion Health Marketer podcast. With over 15 years of experience in health, wellness, and fitness copywriting, Linda shares invaluable insights on how businesses can sharpen their messaging to stand out from competitors.Linda reveals the biggest mistake companies make—not having a clear, memorable value proposition that differentiates them from the competition. Through real-world examples, including how she helped a family-run SaaS company achieve a 44% lift in conversions by highlighting their unique familial approach, Linda demonstrates the po...
2025-04-0121 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Secret Formula for Effective Communication with Deb PorterIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Deb Porter, founder of "Hearing Out Life Drama" and an expert in active listening with over 25 years of experience. Deb reveals why active listening—connecting with both content and emotion—is the foundation of all business relationships.Discover why the number one desire of employees is good communication, and learn practical techniques to become a better listener in your professional and personal life. Deb shares a remarkable success story of how one saleswoman transformed her results by simply mirroring her customers' emotions, and explains why being calm is esse...
2025-03-2720 min
The Human Connection PodcastWhy Stories Outperform Features Every Time with Renee Lynn FrojoIn this episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau chats with René Frojo, a brand storytelling specialist and strategist who helps purpose-led founders craft authentic narratives that connect and convert. René shares how she transformed Off the Grid's marketing approach by shifting from "food porn" content to telling the rich stories of their immigrant and family-owned food vendors, resulting in remarkable engagement improvements in just six months.She reveals her practical method for finding powerful stories within any organization: first interviewing customer support teams to understand frontline experiences, then sales teams, and only after that ta...
2025-03-2520 min
The Human Connection PodcastTransforming Teams Through Authentic Narratives with Mark TweddleIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau welcomes Mark Tweddle, co-founder of You Tell Yours, to discuss how storytelling creates authentic human connections. Mark shares insights from his journey through engineering, business, and eventually finding his passion in narrative coaching.The conversation explores how storytelling differs from mere social media "connections," with Mark emphasizing the power of sharing personal experiences rather than opinions. He reveals fascinating insights from his work coaching former cult members and corporate teams, demonstrating how simple storytelling exercises can transform workplace dynamics, build trust, and reveal hidden communication issues.Karl and...
2025-03-2023 min
The Human Connection PodcastTransforming Business Through Human Connection with Genevieve PiturroIn this captivating episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Genevieve Piturro, founder of Pajama Program, which has delivered over 8 million pajamas and books to children in need. Genevieve shares her incredible journey from TV executive to nonprofit founder after a life-changing moment when a child asked her, "What are pajamas?"Discover how Genevieve's "heart voice" led her to transform her life and create meaningful impact. She reveals the four pillars of becoming "a voice that moves the world" and explains the crucial difference between being a boss and being a leader. Learn why collaboration is essential, why...
2025-03-1820 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Poor Communication Creates Company Chaos with Ashley Amber SavaIn this eye-opening episode, host Karl Pontau connects with Ashley Amber Sava, a senior writer at ManyChat with a background in journalism and content marketing. Ashley shares her wild experiences working at a 15,000-employee company with virtually no internal communication channels.Learn how Ashley discovered layoffs and leadership changes only when people mysteriously "vanished" from Teams, pushing employees to anonymous platforms like Fishbowl to vent frustrations and share information. She colorfully describes navigating absurd corporate politics—including a heated argument about using an emoji in a LinkedIn post—and the business consequences of micromanagement and restricted communication.
2025-03-1322 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Personal Touch Creates Extraordinary Teams with Dean HankeyIn this uplifting episode, host Karl Ponto connects with the charismatic Dean Hankey to explore the power of genuine human relationships in business success. Dean shares his VIP approach—add Value that generates Impact before Profit—and explains why truly knowing your team members is essential for organizational growth.Discover the simple yet transformative practice of creating "My Favorite Things" profiles for employees, allowing leaders to celebrate team members in meaningful, personalized ways. Dean illustrates this with his own example of preferring peanuts over generic gift cards, demonstrating how personal touches build trust and loyalty.The...
2025-03-1121 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe ROI of Humanizing Your Team with Courtney MadeiraIn this engaging episode, host Karl Pontau connects with marketing expert Courtney Madeira to explore how humanizing your business builds stronger communities and naturally increases sales. Courtney shares her successful strategy of creating employee spotlights that go beyond job descriptions to highlight personal interests and stories. Learn how this simple approach helped increase personal training sales by $20,000 in one year, reduced employee turnover at hotels, and created organic marketing as employees' friends and family shared their spotlights. Courtney offers practical advice for getting started, emphasizing that imperfect action beats perfectionism. Discover how making your employees feel seen and appreciated...
2025-03-0622 min
The Human Connection PodcastCreating Copy That Builds Customer Loyalty with Sweha HazariIn this episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Sweha Hazari, an experienced copywriter with over nine years in the industry. Sweha shares actionable insights on creating copy that builds genuine human connections in today's noisy marketplace.Discover why Sweha's father has remained loyal to a local clothing brand for over three decades (despite average quality and pricing), and learn practical techniques to make your writing stand out:How to leverage "voice of customer" research to match your audience's vocabularyWhy even B2B marketing needs emotional connection
2025-03-0422 min
The Human Connection PodcastStop Typing, Start Talking with Ethan BeuteIn this engaging episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Ethan Beute, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and chief evangelist at Follow Up Boss. They dive into how asynchronous video messaging can bridge the gap between faceless digital communication and genuine human connection in our hybrid work world. Ethan shares practical tips for using video messages to build trust, convey emotion, and explain complex ideas—all while being your authentic self (bad hair days and all!). Plus, discover his brilliant "Thank You Thursday" habit that can transform your team's culture with just a few mi...
2025-02-2719 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow to Be More Persuasive with Edoardo SaviWhat’s the secret to building trust and influence? It’s not just about logic or authority—it’s about connection. In this episode of The Human Connection Podcast, host Karl Pontau chats with business coach Edoardo Savi about the art of persuasion, the power of asking the right questions, and why “Tell me more” might be the most important phrase in leadership. From Aristotle’s timeless wisdom to practical tips for consultants and leaders, this conversation is packed with insights to help you build stronger relationships and drive real impact.You can connect with Edoardo here:https://w...
2025-02-2520 min
The Human Connection PodcastThe Real Cost of Ignoring Employee Perspectives with Andie WashingtonIn this eye-opening episode of the Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Andie Washington, a community and culture strategist, to unpack the concept of "cultural debt" - the misalignment between a company's stated values and its actual actions.Key Takeaways: Cultural debt happens when a company's mission and values don't match its day-to-day practices. Ignoring employee feedback and psychological safety can lead to massive team turnover. Building genuine human connections is the secret sauce to business success.The episode offers practical advice for leaders, managers, and employees on creating transparent communication, setting...
2025-02-1122 min
The Human Connection PodcastHow Technology Makes Events More Human with Megan MartinIn this engaging episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Megan Martin, a hospitality industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in creating meaningful connections through events. Megan shares brilliant insights on transforming large-scale events from overwhelming networking marathons into spaces that foster genuine human connections. She reveals innovative strategies like using AI matchmaking, creating "neighborhood" spaces, and leveraging pre-event digital engagement to help introverts and extroverts alike build meaningful relationships. Whether you're planning events or attending them, you'll learn practical tips for making authentic connections in our increasingly digital world. Plus, discover why...
2025-02-0418 min
The Human Connection PodcastMarketing That Actually Matters with Gina ClementiIn this inspiring episode of the Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Gina Clementi, brand strategist and founder of Good Story, to explore the power of authentic human connection in marketing. Drawing from her experiences at Nike and Providence Healthcare, Gina shares how brands can move beyond algorithms and generic content to create meaningful relationships with their audiences.Learn how understanding your customers goes far deeper than surveys, why vulnerability matters in branding, and how building genuine community can transform casual consumers into passionate brand advocates. Packed with insights from the worlds of athletic...
2025-01-2822 min
The Human Connection PodcastBuilding Brand Through Human Connection with Jen WhiteIn this engaging episode of the Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Jen White, founder of Boston-based Collective Memory consultancy. They dive into a fascinating discussion about the often-overlooked human side of business success. Jennifer shares a compelling case study of how she helped transform a high-performing company by simply taking the time to listen to employees at all levels – from the C-suite to the manufacturing floor. Through her unique approach of understanding people's needs for acknowledgment and validation, she helped the company build stronger internal relationships that ultimately contributed to their successful acquisition by Campbell's. Th...
2025-01-2121 min
The Human Connection PodcastBuilding Trust Through Curiosity with Connor NelsonIn this engaging episode of The Human Connection podcast, host Karl Pontau sits down with Connor Nelson, an enterprise account executive who has mastered the art of honest selling through genuine human connection. Connor shares valuable insights about how curiosity forms the bedrock of meaningful business relationships. He offers practical tips like showing up early to calls for small talk, keeping video on to build rapport, and going the extra mile (like researching local family events for a client disappointed about canceled weekend plans). Through personal stories and examples, Connor illustrates how investing time in authentic relationships rather than...
2025-01-1419 min