This week on The Merri-Cast, I’m joined by Chris Mole - founder of FounderON and former Founder & CEO of Molzi by Brainlabs.

Chris started his first business days after finishing his A-levels. What followed was a journey fuelled by curiosity, commercial instinct and what he calls the superpower of naivety.

After building and selling his Amazon agency Molzi, Chris found himself facing a challenge many entrepreneurs never talk about: what happens after the exit?

In this candid and honest conversation, we explore the highs, the pivots and the unexpected emotional shifts that come with building and selling a business.

In this episode, Chris shares:
•Why overthinking kills more businesses than bad ideas
•The bold decision to cut half his revenue to chase a bigger opportunity
•Why every founder should know their “exit number” before they build
•How naivety helped him scale fast
•The strange psychology of selling your business and suddenly having “nothing to do”

We also discuss redefining success, resisting the pressure to build a unicorn and why a “quite successful” business that gives you freedom may be smarter than chasing a large valuation.

🎧 If you’re launching your first business, scaling your second, or wondering what success actually looks like for you - this one will resonate.

Chris Mole:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismole/
FounderON: https://www.founderon.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 fantastic Alison Jones — entrepreneur, publisher, author and coach.

Alison built her career in senior roles at Oxford University Press and Palgrave Macmillan before stepping away from corporate life to create Practical Inspiration Publishing – a business that deliberately broke the traditional publishing rulebook.

In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, we explore what it really means to go it alone – from those 3am doubts and cash-flow fears to building a sustainable, values-led and genuinely impactful business.

In this episode, Alison shares:
• Why writing is one of the most powerful thinking tools entrepreneurs can use
• How her definition of success has changed - and why clarity matters more than ambition
• Why most entrepreneurs underestimate the emotional side of starting a business
• How to turn expertise into a feasible and scalable enterprise
• The realities of cash flow and taking risks

We also discuss entrepreneurship in a world of AI disruption, why books and deep thinking still matter, and how resourcefulness is what really carries founders through.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, already in the thick of it, or questioning what success looks like for you, this episode is well worth a listen.

Alison Jones:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-alison-jones/
Practical Inspiration Publishing: https://practicalinspiration.com/
Podcast: https://extraordinarybusinessbooks.com/podcast-episodes/

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 kicking off 2026 with an inspiring and forward-looking conversation with Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE – leadership coach, former British Army Officer, author and host of the Inspiring Leadership podcast.

Jonathan’s career spans 20 years in the British Army, senior roles at PwC, IBM and Penna, and decades working with CEOs and leadership teams at the very top of global organisations.

In this episode, we explore Jonathan’s journey – from early lessons in humility and resilience to commanding under pressure, navigating major career transitions and ultimately finding his purpose as a coach, author and podcaster.

In this thought-provoking episode, Jonathan shares:
⚡ Why leadership in 2026 will demand adaptability, emotional intelligence and the ability to let go.
🎖️ How his time in the British Army shaped his leadership philosophy
🧭 Why great leaders don’t pretend to have all the answers
🚪 How career setbacks, restructures and closed doors pushed him towards entrepreneurship
📚 The story behind “The CEO’s Compass” and how leaders can navigate teams through turbulent times

Jonathan also reflects on his MBE, the mentors who shaped him and why inspiring leadership has never been more important in an age of uncertainty, AI disruption and global change.

Jonathan Bowman-Perks MBE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanperks/
Website: https://jonathanperks.com/
Inspiring Leadership podcast: https://jonathanperks.com/podcasts/

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