In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper (CEO, Acumen) and Brian Lunt (St. Louis Growth Catalyst, Acumen) discuss relational capital—what it is, how it’s built, and why it still matters in business.

As technology continues to increase speed and efficiency, relationships can become secondary. This conversation brings it back to the fundamentals: trust, consistency, and understanding people.

They break down what builds trust, what damages it, and the simple habits that keep relationships active over time. The discussion also touches on how leaders shift from building their own success to helping others grow and how that impacts the strength of their network.

If you lead a business or a team, this episode offers a practical look at how relationships still influence outcomes, even in a more automated world.