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.

Learn more at www.thehumanconnectionpodcast.com

Podcast Host

Squash and Stretch Productions

My heroic mission involves guiding teams to bring visionary Content Systems and strategies to life. By fostering a creative environment where complex ideas transform into compelling visual stories, I've helped clients achieve remarkable results. What drives me is connecting clients' missions with audiences through visually striking content that sparks action. By nurturing talent and overseeing seamless workflows, I ensure our work not only captivates but also delivers on strategic goals.

▶️Led Enovix’s team to clearly and concisely explain the value of their innovative battery tech - taking them from a 45 minute explanation to a 2 minute video – supporting their $1.13B SPAC event and their $250 million contract with the US Army. Optimized creative strategy and message to grab and hold viewer’s attention. Navigated around two major holidays and an unexpected scope change to deliver on time and under budget.

▶️Recruited and managed the team, budget, and timeline for a collaborative animation project that convinced the San Jose City Council to require life-saving firefighting tech in high-rises, catalyzed adoption in 18 other cities, and contributed to a $100M IP sale for my client. 

▶️Designed flexible content system for La Familia's anti-Fentanyl campaign, enabling rapid pivot when major challenge arose; directed production and content adaptation while production team saved two lives through Narcan administration during new on-site shoot; final campaign successfully deployed regionwide.

Freelance Art Director / Senior Digital Creative Producer

SAE Expression College

As a Brand Story Coach, I've helped entrepreneurs translate their knowledge into actionable ideas for their ideal consumer. Additionally, in the classroom, I've had the joy of shaping future creatives. Through developing curricula and adapting to diverse learning styles, I created supportive environments where innovation thrives and students discover their creative potential.

▶️Advised a local coach on connecting client challenges to his solutions, boosting referrals and sales through improved value communication.

▶️Mentored college students at SAE Expressions in advanced motion graphics, editing, and branding, guiding them through complex software challenges to enhance their technical proficiency and creative output. 

▶️Inspired young minds aged 9-17 at iD Tech Camps, fostering creativity and teamwork while leading students through courses including web design, animation, and robotics.

Storytelling Coach / Teacher / Mentor

GuideSpark

My leadership journey began as a production team member, where I discovered my passion for contributing toward a shared vision. I learned that great leadership creates harmony in both team dynamics and the final product. I also learned that my favorite projects are socially impactful and profitable. Each project laid the foundation for my skills in leading cross-functional teams, managing end-to-end production, and turning creative challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. 

▶️Fostered open communication between animators and VFX coordinators and ensured director feedback was thoughtfully implemented as Animation Coordinator for The Glass Butterfly.

▶️Created intricate 3D facial animations for a confidential project, honing my ability to deliver exceptional work on time and under budget while honoring client trust at FlickerLab.

▶️Collaborated with a remote team to explain organizational change strategies and processes that help companies be more agile at Fire Tribe, Inc. 

▶️Contributed to a local team that created 1,700+ accurate employee benefit animations in 3 months at GuideSpark.

▶️Championed i-GATE's vision for a thriving Tri-Valley startup community that now brings new tech from local labs to the marketplace.

Contract Motion Designer

Health/Med Tech companies and nonprofits have vital - yet difficult - stories to tell. 

So, they struggle to explain their value and attract their best clients.

What makes a story difficult?

Stories that…

😨Cover emotionally triggering subjects... (Cancer, Overdoses, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome)
😵Focus on complex or abstract ideas... (Battery tech, Air Tank Refill Systems)
😳Reveal deeply personal experiences... (Founder Stories, Mental Health, Loss)

...are all difficult to effectively tell.

But, I am uniquely equipped to solve these challenges because I:

💗 Show empathy and compassion for clients, team members, and audiences via active listening
🧠 Bring a deep understanding of human decision making and behavior to every project
🚀 Employ an entrepreneurial mindset honed from running my small production agency

I was inspired to focus on these skills after overcoming two malignant brain tumors when I was 15, and am forever grateful for my family, friends, and medical team for showing me what can be accomplished when people care for each other, clearly communicate, and work towards a common goal. 

Once you optimize your story, you’ll need to get it in front of your audience.

That takes a Content System.

These:

💡 Starts with a comprehensive Content Strategy
📚 Delivers a custom asset library for your brand
📲 Generates adaptive content for multiple platforms
💰 Results in greater cost savings and ROI over time

For example:

🎉 Led Enovix’s team to clearly and concisely explain the value of their innovative battery tech - taking them from a 45 minute explanation to a 2 minute video – supporting their $1.13B SPAC event and their $250 million contract with the US Army. Optimized creative strategy and message to grab and hold viewer’s attention. Navigated around two major holidays and an unexpected scope change to deliver on time and under budget.

🥂 Recruited and managed the team, budget, and timeline for a collaborative animation project that convinced the San Jose City Council to require life-saving firefighting tech in high-rises, catalyzed adoption in 18 other cities, and contributed to a $100M IP sale for my client.

If you are interested in discussing how I can add value to your team and accelerate your company's growth, please email me at kpontau@gmail.com or send a DM.

Let's talk!

(I’m open to contract or full time employment.)

Karl Pontau

Nancy Zare Ph.D.

Rapport Builderz

I show entrepreneurs and small business owners how to sell with confidence, and get hired.

Do you struggle to keep your calendar full of amazing, paying clients?

In my 25 years as a psychologist and  entrepreneur, I've figured out how to attract and serve a full roster of ideal clients. What it takes is simple: a good niche, knowing how to prospect, and creating systems for continued success. But it isn't easily mastered alone.

Even the most talented, service-minded people stumble on sales calls, either because they are unsure of how to sell effetively or by accepting "no" too quickly. I can teach you how to overcome these obstacles to make more money with confidence and ease with my AlikeAbility(TM) System. You learn how to understand and communicate like your buyers. As a result, you become a magent for your dream clients, gain confidence in selling, and become fully booked.

Want to learn more? Book a time on my calendar: https://nancyzare.youcanbook.me

To your sales success,
Nancy
Dr. Nancy Zare

Founder

Gratitude Builderz

Do you want to stand out from the crowd and keep in touch with prospects and customers? Let Gratitude Builderz send personalized cards and gifts on your behalf. They elevate your reputation, generate immediate, positive attention, and secure you more business!

Chief Appreciation Officer

wiseHer

The mission of WiseHer is to empower women to rise higher by providing access to world-class experts, education and resources. We also support women in business by providing funding: a portion of our proceeds will be allocated to grants for women business owners or corporate education for women (like you!) to start, build or grow your business or accelerate your career growth. I provide sales coaching, business mentoring, and content writing.

WiseHer Sales Expert

Wellness Wiz

Independent sales representative for water ionizer systems. Using the principles offered through Rapport Builderz I quadrupled sales in 90 days.

Owner

I served as Education Coordinator and I was on the Membership Committee. This group serves as the "HR" function for the organization. We screen applicants, evaluate members, uphold standards, and stimulate growth within the chapter. I'm using my communication skills and knowledge of human behavior to guide these activities.

Leadership Team

Business Network International

I identify and support business owners who are seeking to form a new chapter of BNI, Business Network International. If you see the value of growing your business through word-of-mouth referrals from other like-minded business owners, contact me to get started.

Launch Director

Global B.A.N.K. Academy

Sales Trainer and Coach with the B.A.N.K. Personality Sales Training System. Organized the first East Coast B.A.N.K. Code Breaker Summit. Featured Speaker at the B.A.N.K. Summit. Main Presenter at the Small Business Expo, 2013. Coach at the B.A.N.K. Certification Training, 2013.

International B.A.N.K.er

Springfield College

In a nontraditional, accelerated program for working adults, I designed and delivered courses for both undergraduate and master level students on Entrepreneurial Practice, Leadership, Organizational Development, Public Speaking, and Research Methods. Because the students took classes for 8 hours continously,  I incorporated interactive material to entertain and stimulate their learning. As a Master Teacher with this program,  I also taught abroad in the Masters track in Sweden modifying the curriculum for English as a second language adult students.

Associate Professor

Mount Auburn Hospital

As the only marketing agent, I tripled revenues and expanded the EAP so that it became a full service occupational health program. As Director I spoke to thousands of employees and hundreds of managers and executives on various topics concerned with workplace productivity through effective communication skills. I worked with manufacturing companies, bio-technology, high technology, and health care and human service organizations.

Director, Employee Assistance Program

Salem State University

Chaired Department for 2 years and taught courses in research, substance abuse, family violence, and community organization in an accredited Social Work Program. Was instrumental in developing masters program.

I never set out to be a sales advisor. In fact, I actively avoided sales—pursuing human services because I loved helping people communicate effectively. But after earning a doctorate and how to implement mental health programs in the workplace, I quickly learned something no one had taught me:

👉 I couldn’t deliver those services until I sold them.

That moment changed everything.

I began my journey not just to understand sales but to redefine it—on my own terms. 

I studied what made people say yes, discovered the Platinum Rule (treat others how they want to be treated), and developed the AlikeAbility™ System. This proven process helps values-driven solopreneurs sell ethically, confidently, and effectively.

I partner with brilliant, mission-driven professionals who cringe at traditional sales approaches. Together, we transform uncomfortable sales conversations into authentic connections without rigid formulas or manipulation—using approaches that reflect your authentic self.

✔️ You gain clarity on your ideal client
✔️ You learn to facilitate authentic sales conversations
✔️ You convert 50% (or more!) of your prospects
✔️ Best of all, you discover genuine assurance, clarity, and self-trust in your approach.

My clients call me The Sales Whisperer™ because I help them sell with integrity, intuition, and connection. 

When not writing and presenting, I'm a student of spirituality and volunteer with the Imerman Angels (people diagnosed with cancer) and The Farm Dog Rescue.

✨ If you're ready to align your sales with your values—and grow your business with ease—let’s connect.

To your sales success,
Nancy Zare, Ph.D.
The Sales Whisperer

Successful selling begins with knowing WHO you serve. Take the free quiz and find out. https://Bit.ly/QuizICP

taplio

The Battle

Karl Pontau

Nancy Zare Ph.D.

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