Trust is under pressure across higher education, public policy, and emerging technology, and Katie Steen-James has spent her career working right in the middle of it. In this episode, Katie joins Richard Roman, Ph.D. to share what she’s learned from years of policy advocacy, student lobbying, and institutional strategy, and why so many organizations struggle to connect with the people they serve.

Katie reflects on how early experiences at the University of Missouri shaped her understanding of trust, why transparency matters more than polished messaging, and how personal stories can often move people more effectively than data alone.

The conversation also turns to her new role at the Open Source Initiative, where she’s helping shape the future of open source AI at a time when definitions, standards, and incentives are all in flux.

If you care about higher education, public trust, policy influence, or the future of AI, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build credibility in a divided world.

Most leadership advice focuses on charisma or titles, but the real secret to inspiring trust and authentic influence lies in simple, powerful habits you can start today. Erin Seheult, Ph.D. of WITH Leadership uncovers the four foundational habits of genuine leadership and how they enable you to lead with authenticity, confidence, and compassion, no matter your personality or position.

Discover the moment that transformed Erin's understanding of leadership at age eight, and how a small act of kindness shaped her lifelong approach. She shares her journey through transformational and authentic leadership theories, revealing that true influence isn’t about being the loudest or most charismatic, but about cultivating self-awareness, core values, relational transparency, and balanced decision-making. These habits, which anyone can develop, create leadership that is sustainable, trustworthy, and deeply impactful.

In this episode, you’ll learn practical strategies to:

Erin shares stories from her experience as a college RA, highlighting how embracing vulnerability and asking questions built trust and transformed teams. She challenges common misconceptions like leadership being reserved for extroverts or those with titles, emphasizing that leadership is a behavior, not a position.

Her insights reveal why authenticity is the highest frequency you can operate on and how it sustains your ability to meet high expectations without sacrificing integrity. Understanding leadership as a community-builder, Erin advocates for teaching young people about the power of genuine connection, especially in a culture obsessed with individual achievement.

Her perspective on trust, community, and authentic influence offers a refreshing, no-nonsense blueprint for anyone serious about becoming a more effective, compassionate leader.

Perfect for aspiring leaders, managers, educators, and anyone committed to leading with purpose and greater integrity. This episode is your roadmap to cultivating trust, authenticity, and resilience in every relationship.

Most policymakers and farmers misunderstand each other, yet trust is the foundation that can transform agriculture’s future. Rod Snyder is the founder of Junction Strategies. He shares how building genuine relationships with rural communities has reshaped climate and sustainability efforts over the last 20 years.

From a pioneering trip to the UN climate summit in Copenhagen to creating a new office dedicated to agriculture at the EPA, Rod reveals how authentic engagement and incremental progress are changing the game.You'll discover:

In a time when the politics of sustainability threaten to stall progress, understanding how trust is rebuilt (layer by layer) can accelerate meaningful change. For anyone navigating agriculture, climate policy, or rural development, this episode offers actionable insights to foster collaboration, bridge gaps, and push forward with confidence.

Rod Snyder is a leading advocate for sustainable agriculture and climate solutions, with two decades of experience working across government, nonprofits, and the private sector to cultivate trust and create impact.

Perfect for policymakers, farmers, climate advocates, and stakeholders committed to shaping a resilient, equitable future in agriculture. Don’t miss these lessons on leveraging trust as your most powerful tool for transformation.

Trust isn't just an abstract concept. It's grounded in vulnerability, dependability, and the stories that shape us.

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling cautious about trust, navigating change, or seeking to strengthen connections in a skeptical world. Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or someone working on personal growth, understanding trust from Sarah’s expert perspective offers a roadmap to resilience, vulnerability, and transformation.

Sarah Glenn is a results coach, executive coach, and leadership strategist known for helping over 4,700 individuals and 200 businesses rebuild confidence and redefine success. Her insights are grounded in her own journey of trust, resilience, and lifelong learning.

Tune in to learn how trust, once broken, can be restored, and how cultivating it can unlock new levels of influence, authenticity, and personal power. Because at the end of the day, trust isn’t just about others; it’s about trusting yourself first.

Ready to explore the real structure of trust and how to rebuild it? Hit play now and start your journey toward deeper connection and greater impact.

What does trust mean to you? Is it a feeling? A decision? Or something you only notice when it’s gone? Get an inside look at Trust Be Told, premiering March 20th! 

Hosted by Richard Roman, this show dives into the real stories behind trust in relationships, business, leadership, and society.

Subscribe now and join us on this journey. Because trust isn’t just an idea—it’s the foundation of everything that works.