The Human Connection Podcast

Karl Pontau
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Human Connection Podcast

Is your business’s growth stalled? Employee churn eating into your profits? Struggling with customer retention? You need stronger connections. Every Tuesday, connect with an expert who’s sharing actionable advice for building stronger relationships with your customers, clients, and stakeholders. Hosted by Karl Pontau, a storytelling super-connector, content system strategist, and survivor of two childhood brain tumors, this podcast’s mission is to fix the underlying cause of workplace and societal dysfunction: the lack of human connection.

Episodes

  1. Why Business Leaders Need to Be Human with Amy Giddon

    4 DAYS AGO

    Why Business Leaders Need to Be Human with Amy Giddon

    Amy Giddon, founder of Daily Haloha, shares powerful insights about human connection in business. After running a successful app focused on fostering connection and empathy, Amy learned a surprising lesson when shutting it down - the importance of leaders stepping out from "behind the curtain" to forge genuine human bonds. She discusses why building authentic relationships with both employees and customers is crucial in today's increasingly disconnected world, especially as AI and contactless commerce become more prevalent. Amy offers practical wisdom on creating belonging, trust, and loyalty that can help businesses stand out and become more resilient in an age of constant disruption. This heartfelt conversation explores how companies can thoughtfully add the human touch back into business while maintaining efficiency. You can connect with Amy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygiddon/ 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!

    22 min
  2. The Real Cost of Ignoring Employee Perspectives with Andie Washington

    FEB 11

    The Real Cost of Ignoring Employee Perspectives with Andie Washington

    In 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 clear expectations, valuing diverse perspectives, and building trust through genuine listening. The ultimate wisdom? Slow down to speed up. Invest in your people, and watch your business thrive! You can connect with Andie here: http://linkedin.com/in/andiewashington http://ninon.co/about 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!

    23 min
  3. How Technology Makes Events More Human with Megan Martin

    FEB 4

    How Technology Makes Events More Human with Megan Martin

    In 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 those stacks of business cards might not be the measure of success you think they are! You can connect with Megan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmartincmp/ 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!

    18 min
  4. Marketing That Actually Matters with Gina Clementi

    JAN 28

    Marketing That Actually Matters with Gina Clementi

    In 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 apparel, healthcare, and beyond, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to inject more humanity into their marketing approach. You can connect with Gina here: https://itsagoodstory.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/gclementi/ 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!

    22 min
  5. Building Brand Through Human Connection with Jen White

    JAN 21

    Building Brand Through Human Connection with Jen White

    In 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. The conversation brings home a powerful message: while dashboards and KPIs are important, it's the human connections that truly future-proof your brand and drive sustainable growth. You can connect with Jen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenwwhite/ http://www.collectivememory.co 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!

    22 min
  6. Why You Should Listen - Trailer

    TRAILER

    Why You Should Listen - Trailer

    Being a business leader today is rough. The constant pressure and stress of keeping up with the rapid pace of the market is exhausting. You have an ambitious vision for your company. But, you’re missing a key ingredient to make your dream a reality. I’ll give you a hint. The key to accelerating your business’s growth and achieving your ambitions is not a flashy new AI-powered tool. It’s your ability to genuinely connect with your customers, employees, and stakeholders. And, guess what? They’re all human. Welcome to The Human Connection Podcast! I’m your host, Karl Pontau. Join me every Tuesday as I connect with an expert in Human Connection for marketing, sales, team building, leadership, and more. You’ll hear inspiring stories and get actionable advice that will accelerate your growth and lead to long term success. Subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and check out the latest show!

    1 min
  7. Why You Should Listen - Trailer

    TRAILER

    Why You Should Listen - Trailer

    Being a business leader today is rough. The constant pressure and stress of keeping up with the rapid pace of the market is exhausting. You have an ambitious vision for your company. But, you’re missing a key ingredient to make your dream a reality. I’ll give you a hint. The key to accelerating your business’s growth and achieving your ambitions is not a flashy new AI-powered tool. It’s your ability to genuinely connect with your customers, employees, and stakeholders. And, guess what? They’re all human. Welcome to The Human Connection Podcast! I’m your host, Karl Pontau. Join me every Tuesday as I connect with an expert in Human Connection for marketing, sales, team building, leadership, and more. You’ll hear inspiring stories and get actionable advice that will accelerate your growth and lead to long term success. Subscribe so you won’t miss an episode, and check out the latest show! If you want to see video versions of each episode, check out the show on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVV2basxlkOPcRdIBcYk0Ts9HWBv7PFnQ

    1 min
  8. Building Trust Through Curiosity with Connor Nelson

    JAN 14

    Building Trust Through Curiosity with Connor Nelson

    In 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 just chasing deals leads to greater success in enterprise sales – and a more fulfilling career. A must-listen for anyone looking to build stronger connections in their professional life. You can connect with Connor Nelson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connernelson1995/ 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!

    19 min
  9. The Truth Behind Business Decisions with Allyn Bailey

    JAN 11

    The Truth Behind Business Decisions with Allyn Bailey

    In this engaging episode, connect with Allyn Bailey, Senior Director at Smart Recruiters, to explore a crucial truth often overlooked in business: emotions drive decisions. Allyn reveals why companies fixate on data and analytics while missing the fundamental human element that influences buying behaviors. Through practical examples from her work in talent acquisition, she explains how understanding emotional triggers at each step of the customer journey leads to stronger relationships and better business outcomes. Discover why rushing to close deals can backfire, and learn actionable steps to map your customer's emotional journey. Whether you're in B2B or B2C, this conversation reminds us that all business decisions are driven by emotions. You can connect with Allyn Bailey here: https://www.linkedein.com/in/allynbailey 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! If you want to help those impacted by the LA Fires, please go here: https://abc7.com/post/socal-wildfires-how-can-help/15779040/

    25 min
  10. Breaking Through Hidden Biases with Judith Weigle

    JAN 11

    Breaking Through Hidden Biases with Judith Weigle

    Meet Judith Weigle - a renaissance woman whose fascinating career has spanned from being a circus dancing bear to becoming a respected divorce mediator. Judith shares her innovative idea for strengthening workplace culture through internal podcasts, helping companies create deeper human connections among employees. Drawing from her unique experiences, including heartwarming stories about connecting with circus roustabouts and surprising insights from her mediation practice, Judith reveals how getting to know people beyond surface-level assumptions can transform workplace relationships. She offers practical wisdom on breaking down hidden biases and building genuine connections that boost employee engagement, retention, and productivity. If you want to improve your workplace culture, this episode provides valuable lessons on creating a more connected and human workplace. You can connect with Judith Weigle here: www.JudithWeigle.com www.DivorceResourceInc.com www.TheAmicableDivorceExpert.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-weigle-divorce-expert/ 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! If you want to help those impacted by the LA Fires, please go here: https://abc7.com/post/socal-wildfires-how-can-help/15779040/

    21 min
  11. Slowing Down to Speed Up with Lia James

    JAN 11

    Slowing Down to Speed Up with Lia James

    Global connector and facilitator Lia James shares powerful insights on building authentic human connections in the workplace. Lia reveals how slowing down and being truly present can transform company culture and drive better business results. Through engaging stories and practical examples, she explains why leaders need to move beyond surface-level perks and really listen to their teams. Learn how one visionary CEO discovered that investing in genuine human connection was more valuable than any workplace amenity. Lia also shares a fascinating mindfulness technique called "A Slow Walk to Nowhere" that can help leaders develop deeper presence and awareness. Whether you're a business leader or team member, this episode offers valuable wisdom on creating meaningful workplace relationships in our fast-paced world. You can connect with Lia James here: www.andhuman.space www.togethertogather.org (This is an incredible ice-breaker card game for event attendees. We didn't get to talk about it during the show, but it's worth looking into!) https://www.linkedin.com/in/liajames/ Lia wanted to shout out Jessie Shternshus CEO @ The Improv Effect for teaching her the Slow Walk exercise. 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! If you want to help those impacted by the LA Fires, please go here: https://abc7.com/post/socal-wildfires-how-can-help/15779040/

    18 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Is your business’s growth stalled? Employee churn eating into your profits? Struggling with customer retention? You need stronger connections. Every Tuesday, connect with an expert who’s sharing actionable advice for building stronger relationships with your customers, clients, and stakeholders. Hosted by Karl Pontau, a storytelling super-connector, content system strategist, and survivor of two childhood brain tumors, this podcast’s mission is to fix the underlying cause of workplace and societal dysfunction: the lack of human connection.

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