Insights from The Forged Leader: A Conversation with Jono Brake

Jonathan “Jono” Brake is a seasoned business leader, strategist, and coach with over 25 years of experience across six continents. From startups to multi-billion-dollar companies, Jono brings deep expertise in strategy, leadership, team communication, marketing, and customer experience.A Certified Predictive Index Practitioner and DISC expert, he helps leaders leverage people-focused tools to grow their teams and businesses. When he’s not coaching, Jono can be found traveling the globe, hiking, mountain biking, playing rugby, or exploring new cultures with his wife Rebecca and their children, Charlie and Hannah.Based in Western North Carolina, Jono shares practical leadership insights and real-world strategies designed to help business owners and leaders break through challenges, build thriving teams, and lead with confidence.Learn more at theforgedleader.comNorth Carolina–based singer-songwriter Jason Michael Merritt blends folk, Americana, and acoustic pop into warm, story-driven songs that feel both laid-back and deeply personal. His sound carries an easy, coastal-meets-mountain vibe — the kind you’d throw on for a late-night drive or a slow Sunday morning. His track Sailor Girl captures that feeling perfectly, pairing mellow melodies with heartfelt lyrics that stick with you.🎧 Check out more of his music and discover the full track at his website: jasonmichaelmerritt.com.You can reach out to your host at [email protected]