In this episode of the FWRD Podcast, Corey Smith sits down with Laurie Halter to discuss why authenticity and clear communication are essential to building trust, culture, and performance in automotive.

Laurie explains how brand promises only work when they are consistently delivered at every customer touchpoint. From sales and service conversations to leadership communication, she shares why customers and employees quickly lose trust when words and actions do not align.

The conversation explores how understanding emotional drivers helps teams communicate more effectively, improve loyalty, and strengthen internal culture. Corey and Laurie also discuss leadership language, personal brand alignment, and why authentic video and storytelling resonate more in today’s digital landscape.

They also touch on crisis communication and reputation management, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and follow-through. The episode closes with a reminder that honest, human leadership builds stronger relationships and long-term success.