with Dr. Simon Walter - investor, strategist and advisor at the intersection of startups, brand, and innovation.

📝 Summary

In this episode of The In-Between Trust Podcast, Eva Lihotzky is joined by investor and strategist Dr. Simon Walter to explore how trust operates at the core of early-stage investing, brand building, and technology adoption. Together, they reflect on what it takes to back founders when data is scarce, why integrity outlasts business plans, and how transparency, truth, and consistency shape credible brands. The conversation spans everything from free trials and first impressions to AI adoption and perception gaps across generations. At its heart lies the insight that trust is what bridges fast-moving realities and the long-term belief in progress.

🎧 Takeaways

• Trust is the most valuable currency in times of uncertainty

• Founders' integrity often matters more than any pitch deck

• Experience shapes gut instinct — but can also reinforce bias

• Branding is ultimately about building long-term trust

• Transparency in failure can strengthen brand relationships

• Startups build trust through free trials and early credibility

• Strong brands are perceived as safer, even without proof

• Generational loyalty varies — but shared values matter more

• Trust connects the gap between fast-moving reality and slower truths

• "Trust is a personal thing."

• "Transparency strengthens trust."

• "Perception is reality."

⏱ Chapters

00:00 – The Value of Trust in Uncertain Times
04:59 – Investing in Startups: Trust and Integrity
09:57 – Branding: Building Trust Through Transparency and Consistency
14:51 – Establishing Trust in New Technologies and Startups
19:31 – Generational Perspectives on Trust and Loyalty
24:48 – Truth vs. Reality: The Role of Perception in Trust
29:18 – Navigating Brand Communication in Times of Doubt

🔗 Links

Strategist's Notes // Dr. Simon Walter on Substack: https://drsimonwalter.substack.com

in-between trust on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inbetween_trust/