This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by Melitta Campbell, otherwise known as ‘The Value Whisperer’. She is a business and leadership coach, TEDx Speaker, best-selling author and an unapologetic introvert.

In this episode, Melitta shares how she went from being a shy child, who believed that no one wanted to hear her voice, to coaching female founders to sell themselves and their services with clarity and confidence. Her journey is impressive to say the least.

Key insights that Melitta shares include:
• How a bad job interview made her learn the importance of owning her value.
• How quiet leadership can be more compelling than loud self-promotion.
• The link between self-care and entrepreneurial success.
• How introverts can create their own networking rules – and thrive on their own terms.
• Debunking the myth that salespeople must be pushy.
• The importance of reflecting on how far you’ve come – not just focus on what’s next.

Melitta also shares what we can expect from her new book ‘The Art of Value Whispering’. It’s due for release later this year so keep your eyes peeled!

This conversation is inspiring for any start-up or scale-up entrepreneurs wresting with being an introvert, imposter syndrome or just uncomfortable with traditional notions of selling.

Melitta Campbell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melitta/
Website: https://www.melittacampbell.com/
Podcast: https://www.melittacampbell.com/podcast

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

This week on The Merri-Cast, we pick up where we left off with part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Zareen Roohi Ahmed.

In this episode, Zareen shares how she launched Gift Wellness without any business background, but with a powerful mission and drive.

In part 2 of our conversation, Zareen also discusses:
• Realising that period poverty wasn’t just abroad, but everywhere, including on her doorstep.
• Building eco-friendly products before "sustainable" was a trend.
• Facing resistance and breaking long-held taboos about period poverty.
• Learning the really hard way about how product distribution works.
… and much more!

💬 “Be prolific, not perfect.”
That’s one of Zareen’s mantras - and both this episode and Part 1 left a deep impression on us in this respect and many others.

Let us know what you think!

Dr. Zareen Roohi Ahmed:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zareen-roohi-ahmed-phd-3b51b219/
Gift Wellness: https://giftwellness.co.uk/
Halimah Trust: https://www.halimahtrust.org.uk/
Period Poverty: https://www.periodpoverty.uk/
Website: https://www.zareenroohi.com/

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

This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by Zareen Roohi, Founder & CEO of Gift Wellness, an inspiring voice in purpose-led entrepreneurship.

In the first of a powerful two-parter, Zareen shares her remarkable life and career journey – from growing up as the daughter of Pakistani immigrants in the West Midlands to navigating early life challenges, building a remarkable and diverse career and then, tragically, losing her daughter Halimah in 2007.

Out of this unimaginable loss came incredible resilience and purpose. Zareen built the Halimah Trust and later launched Gift Wellness – the latter born out of a sudden and powerful moment of clarity.

In part 1 of our conversation, Zareen shares:
• Navigating identity and racism in building her career.
• Her experience as CEO of the British Muslim Forum in the wake of the 7/7 bombings.
• Building a legacy through her daughter’s passions and values.
• The birth of Gift Wellness and its mission to restore dignity to women in crisis.

This conversation is raw and real - and offers real insight to entrepreneurs seeking purpose, as well as profit.

Stay tuned…because part 2 is coming soon where we dive deeper into Gift Wellness and Zareen’s brilliant advice for fledgling entrepreneurs.

Dr. Zareen Roohi Ahmed:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zareen-roohi-ahmed-phd-3b51b219/
Gift Wellness: https://giftwellness.co.uk/
Halimah Trust: https://www.halimahtrust.org.uk/
Period Poverty: https://www.periodpoverty.uk/
Website: https://www.zareenroohi.com/

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

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

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

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

Key insights that Karl shares in this episode include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…and much more!

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

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

Joining me on The Merri-Cast this week is the wonderful Katharine Plunkett.

I first met Katharine around 25 years ago when we both worked for Haymarket Media Group. She made a big impression on me then - and continues to do so in this episode.

Katharine is an entrepreneur and commercial business leader with extensive international experience in global business growth. And today, she runs two businesses plus an extensive network of founders in the travel industry.

In this episode, Katharine shares the story of her early employment before taking the plunge and becoming a business founder.

Key insights that Katharine shares in this episode include:
•Why hard work always pays off.
•The superpower of managing your calendar.
•Regularly changing your work environment.
•Going ‘bigger’ – be ambitious and don’t hold yourself back.
•Why travel is essential to both her personal and professional life.
•The importance of a strong network.
•Always being of service to her clients.

Katharine Plunkett:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katharineplunkett
Pablo and Paloma: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pablo-and-paloma-limited/
Luxe Travellers: https://www.linkedin.com/company/luxe-travellers/

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

Joining me this week is the fantastic Assim Ishaque.

He is the Founder & Director of Envirup and Simbrix Ltd as well as being a Business Coach, Speaker, Inventor, Investor and NED.

Assim’s career journey is truly fascinating. From early redundancies, dyslexia and industry barriers to building multiple, successful business ventures, his story is one of true resilience, adaptability and innovation.

He also highlights the importance of giving back. Throughout his career, Assim has provided opportunities to hundreds of interns so they can gain experience in their chosen field and launch successful careers.

His belief? Supporting others is just as important as personal success.

Other key takeaways Assim shares in this episode include:
•The power of innovation.
•Harnessing your creativity.
•Understanding who to trust.
•Giving business ideas time.
•The importance of quality and profitability in business.

…and much more!

Assim Ishaque:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/assimishaque
Envirup: https://www.envirup.com/
Simbrix Ltd: https://simbrix.com/

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