Guest: James Watson, Fractional VP of Sales

Ever wonder why some sales teams thrive while others barely survive? James Watson has cracked the code, helping companies grow from $600K to over $2 billion in sales.

In this episode, James reveals why the best sales managers aren't just "spreadsheet warriors" – they're people developers who get in the trenches with their teams. You'll discover:

The weekly ritual that transforms competitive sales teams into collaborative powerhouses Why promoting your top seller to manager often backfires (and what to do instead) The mentorship hack that cuts new rep ramp-up time in half How to reward the right behaviors before the sale even happens

The golden nugget: James shares how his hands-on approach got called out by the CEO at a national conference – and why other managers weren't exactly thrilled about it!

Whether you're leading a scrappy startup team or managing enterprise sales, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies to build authentic relationships that drive real results.

Because at the end of the day, all business is human to human.

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You can connect with James Watson here:

https://bookme.name/jwatson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfw-profile/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

In 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 strategy
• The critical difference between using AI as a tool versus a replacement for human connection
• Real stories of AI sales disasters and what they teach us about trust in B2B relationships
• How to leverage AI for the right tasks while preserving the authenticity that drives real results
• Why slowing down your sales process might actually speed up your growth

Doug shares fascinating insights from his ghostwriting company and reveals how even tech giants like Bank of America are rethinking their human-to-human connection strategies. Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating the balance between efficiency and authenticity, this conversation offers practical wisdom for building meaningful business relationships.

Key Takeaway: In a world racing toward automation, the companies that remember we're still fundamentally human-to-human will have the competitive edge.

Listen now to discover how to embrace AI without losing your humanity—and why your next big deal might depend on it.

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You can connect with Doug Crowe here:

https://authorityfusion.com

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Turn Relationships into Revenue Through Strategic Podcasting

What if your biggest marketing challenge could become your greatest competitive advantage? In this energizing conversation, relationship broker Greg Wasserman reveals why podcasting isn't just content creation—it's the ultimate relationship-building engine for modern businesses.

Why You'll Love This Episode:

The 5-Hour Game Changer Discover how Greg transforms the dreaded "prospecting block" into meaningful conversations that actually build trust (spoiler: it's the same time you're already spending, just way more effective!)

From Cold Calls to Warm Conversations Learn why "Hey, I'd love to have you on my podcast" gets responses while "Let's connect" gets deleted—and how this simple shift changes everything about business development.

The Anti-Vanity Metrics Approach Forget download numbers. Greg shares how focusing on human connection over statistics creates a network that turns into real revenue over time.

The Technical Reality Check Think podcasting is too time-consuming or complicated? Greg breaks down the real costs (hint: it's way less than you think) and shares practical outsourcing strategies that pay for themselves.

Perfect For:

• Solopreneurs tired of cold outreach that doesn't work
• B2B companies wanting to build authentic relationships
• Anyone who knows business is really H2H (Human to Human)
• Leaders ready to show up as real people, not corporate robots

The Bottom Line: In a world where it takes 32 touch points just to get someone on the phone, podcasting cuts through the noise by doing what humans do best—having genuine conversations that build lasting trust.

Ready to transform your relationship-building strategy? This episode will change how you think about business development forever.

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You can connect with Greg Wasserman here:

https://rss.com/?via=9f060f - promo code: RSSGETSTARTED for 1 month free podcast hosting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

What 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 answers
• How to turn your "weakness" in networking into your secret sales superpower
• Why AI might actually make us MORE human (not less)
• The leadership revolution happening right now—and how to ride the wave

Trevor shares real coaching stories about helping entrepreneurs find their authentic voice, including a fascinating case study of a former journalist who learned to listen their way to success.

Perfect for: Startup founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders navigating change, and anyone who's ever thought they weren't "entrepreneur material"

Remember: Whether your business is B2B or B2C, it's really H2H—Human to Human.

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You can connect with Trevor Merriden here:

Web site - https://merriborn.co.uk/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevormerriden/

The Merri-cast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3MjhN0W9pVGMbwJVHqvKSa

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

In 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" who got caught using bots to auto-like comments—and how it spectacularly backfired when the community called him out.

The Weird LinkedIn Revolution Discover the #WeirdLinkedIn movement that's shaking up professional networking by encouraging people to show up as their authentic, messy, human selves instead of polished corporate personas.

Employee Advocacy That Actually Works Why forcing employees to share corporate content kills trust, and how empowering them to speak their truth creates exponential reach and genuine credibility.

Key Takeaway:

In a world obsessed with scaling through automation, the companies that win are doubling down on human connection. Because at the end of the day, whether you're B2B or B2C, you're really H2H—human to human.

Perfect for business leaders, marketers, and anyone trying to build authentic relationships in the digital age.

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You can connect with Romina Massa here:

www.linkedin/com/in/rominamassa

https://www.rominamassa.com/book-a-strategy-call-with-romina

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Ever 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 this episode, you'll discover:

• Why "brand integrity" isn't just feel-good fluff - it's structural engineering for your business
• The hidden trap of founder-dependent brands (hint: you become the bottleneck)
• How to create a brand that your team can actually embody without you in the room
• Why your customers might think they're buying pineapples when you think you're selling ambient lighting

Whether you're a bootstrap startup founder clinging to control or a small business owner wondering why delegation feels impossible, this conversation will shift how you think about building something bigger than yourself.

Warning: May cause sudden urges to document your secret sauce and trust other humans with your baby.

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You can connect with Charlie Birch here:

Company Website:

humanizcollective.com

Newletter Landing Page:

humanizcollective.com/on-raising-brands-home

Charlie's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliebirch/

Brand IdQ™ Landing Page

https://brandidq.scoreapp.com/

The Inner Circle - Request an Invitation

https://www.humanizcollective.com/invitation-request

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Guest: Lewis Sayes - Self-taught digital and cross-cultural marketing specialist from Manchester, UK

Episode Description

Ever 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 sponsorship strategy to the stark differences between American "BUY NOW!" messaging and Britain's gentler "Why not try..." approach, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights.

What You'll Learn:

• Why speaking the same language doesn't mean sharing the same culture
• The biggest mistakes companies make when entering new markets
• How ad copy needs to completely change between the US and UK
• Why cold calling works in Japan but falls flat in Britain
• The secret to successful international expansion (hint: hire local experts!)

Whether you're a business owner eyeing global expansion or just curious about cultural psychology, this conversation will change how you think about marketing across borders. It's H2H at its finest!

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You can connect with Lewis Sayes here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-sayes-58a564223/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Guest: David Solomon, Fractional Chief Revenue Officer & McGill University Lecturer

Ever wonder why so many companies crash and burn when entering new markets? (Looking at you, Target Canada!)

In this episode, David Solomon reveals the shocking truth: most businesses fail because they forget there are actual humans on the other side of their expansion plans. Who knew? 🤷‍♂️

You'll discover:

• Why moving from California to New York is harder than you think (spoiler: it's not just the bagels)
• The three critical questions every company ignores before expanding
• Why surveys lie to you (and your customers don't mean to)
• How Jeff Immelt showed up CEOs everywhere by actually visiting customers
• Why cold emails are the business equivalent of shouting into the void

David drops truth bombs about why that "plug-and-play" market expansion strategy is setting you up for failure, and shares the surprisingly simple (but not easy) approach that actually works.

Bottom line: Whether you're B2B or B2C, business is really H2H - Human to Human. Stop treating new markets like a copy-paste operation and start treating them like the relationship-building adventure they actually are.

Perfect for founders, sales leaders, and anyone tired of watching their market expansion budgets disappear faster than free donuts in an office break room.

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You can connect with David Solomon here:

www.serogrowth.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsolomon13/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Guest: Justin Ware, Chief Revenue Officer at Camcorder AI

Ever wonder why some videos go viral while others fall flat? Emmy-winning content marketer Justin Ware reveals the secret: authenticity beats polish every time.

In this engaging conversation, Justin shares how he's been obsessed with video storytelling since middle school (yes, there's a Judge Wapner story involved!) and how that passion led him through TV news, nonprofit work, and now his fourth startup.

You'll discover:

• Why a "rough around the edges" student video got 50x more complete views than a polished chancellor's message
• The H2H (Human-to-Human) principle that drives all successful business relationships
• Practical tips for getting camera-shy executives comfortable on video
• How to turn conversations into compelling content without forcing "perfect soundbites"
• The role of AI in enhancing (not replacing) authentic storytelling

Whether you're a startup founder avoiding the camera or a marketer pushing for more video content, Justin's insights will change how you think about connecting with your audience. Because at the end of the day, it's not about the hex colors or perfect lighting—it's about the messenger and their realness.

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, marketers, content creators, and anyone who wants to build genuine human connections through video.

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You can connect with Justin Ware here:

https://get.camcorder.ai/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!

Guest: Steve Spiro - Master Connector, Author & Inspirational Speaker

Ever 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 selflessness is the secret sauce to authentic sales success.

What You'll Discover:

- Why "people do business with people they know, like, and trust" isn't just a cliché - The fireplace analogy that will change how you think about giving vs. getting - How understanding DISC personality styles can help you connect instantly - Why slowing down your sales process might actually speed up your results - The "first date to marriage" mistake that kills deals before they start

Perfect for: Sales professionals, business owners, marketers, and anyone who wants to build genuine relationships that drive results (without feeling sleazy about it!)

Steve proves that when you focus on truly understanding and helping others, success follows naturally. It's not just about closing deals - it's about opening doors to lasting partnerships.

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You can connect with Steve Spiro here:

Speaker website: https://spiro-global.com/

Personal Website: http://stevespiro.com/

Live Show website: http://MasterConnector.show

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-spiro-master-connector/

You can connect with Karl Pontau here:

www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kpontau

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with somebody you care about!