Trust affects everything. How we lead. How we communicate. How we collaborate. How safe people feel to contribute. And ultimately, how organisations perform.

Yet despite its importance, most organisations still leave trust to chance.

In this first part of a special two-part conversation, I speak with Dr Dennis Reina and Dr Michelle Reina, pioneers in the field of workplace trust and authors of The Art Of Trust Building, to explore why trust has become one of the defining leadership challenges of our time.

Together, we unpack:

Why leaders are finally waking up to trust
The hidden erosion caused by small behaviours
The role of vulnerability and self-awareness
Why self-trust matters in the age of AI
How disruption changes human connection
And why trust must become an intentional daily discipline

This conversation is thoughtful, practical, deeply human and shows why trust is more relevant than ever.

And in Part 2, which follows, we move into the practical frameworks and behaviours that help leaders intentionally build and repair trust at work.

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Key Takeaways

Trust Is Earned, Not Assumed. Leadership titles and expertise may create credibility, but trust is built through consistent behaviour over time.
Small Behaviours Shape Trust. Most trust breakdowns happen gradually through repeated small moments rather than dramatic betrayals.
Self-Trust Matters More Than Ever. In a world shaped by disruption and AI, people need confidence in their own judgment and contribution.
Trust Requires Intentional Practice. Trust-building becomes sustainable when it turns into conscious, repeatable behavioural habits.

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Key Moments

The key moments in this episode are:

00:11 — Why Trust Shapes How We Live, Work And Connect
03:40 — Michelle Reina’s Story Of Service, Disruption And Human Connection
08:59 — Dennis Reina’s Early Lessons About Trust And Vulnerability
12:16 — Why Leaders Are Finally Paying Attention To Trust
16:10 — Self-Trust In The Age Of AI And Constant Change
18:07 — Defining Trust And Why It Must Be Earned Intentionally
20:00 — Why Expertise And Leadership Titles Don’t Automatically Create Trust
23:55 — Self-Discovery, Awareness And Intentional Behaviour
27:56 — Why Trust Is Felt Emotionally And Physically
29:42 — Capacity For Trust And How Early Experiences Shape Us
35:10 — How Trust Expands And Contracts Throughout Life
40:42 — Why Reflection And Vulnerability Strengthen Trust
44:02 — The Hidden Cost Of Leaving Trust To Chance

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Get the full transcript of the episode here