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The Merri-Cast
The Merri-Cast is for emerging leaders navigating the journey from self-doubt to self-belief.
Host Trevor Merriden - executive coach and author of The Confidence Shift - talks to leaders and entrepreneurs about the moments that tested their confidence and how they came through them. Honest, practical and deeply human conversations about what leadership really feels like.
Every episode explores one or more of the five themes at the heart of The Confidence Shift: curiosity, creativity, clarity, commitment and confidence. Whether you’re leading for the first time, struggling to believe in your own ability, or building something from scratch and wondering if you’re really ready - this podcast is for you.
The Merri-Cast
Jonathan Bowman-Perks: ON Leading Calmly Through Chaos
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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
