In this episode of Trust Be Told, Sonia Baschez shares her career journey in marketing and brand strategy, highlighting the importance of storytelling and authentic communication in building long-term brand trust. She examines how marketing strategies have evolved, the role of culture in shaping consumer behavior, and why vulnerability is crucial for fostering genuine connections with audiences.

Sonia also examines the challenges of navigating marketing trends in the digital age, the rise of social media branding, and how startups can successfully engage consumers through empathy-driven approaches. By emphasizing authenticity and cultural relevance, Sonia makes the case for a more empathetic and transparent approach to marketing that resonates with today’s audiences. For more about Sonia and her work, visit Yapping As A Service (YAAS). 

Takeaways

Trust for Thought

"I'm good at convincing people to like do stuff."

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Keywords

marketing, storytelling in business, brand trust, consumer behavior, marketing culture, marketing trends, authentic communication, startup marketing, marketing strategies, vulnerability in leadership, empathy in marketing, social media branding

In this episode of Trust Be Told, Dr. Kevin McClure reflects on his unexpected journey into higher education leadership and the lessons learned from navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He discusses his book, The Caring University, and how COVID-19 has amplified workload pressures, faculty burnout, and staff stress, all the while accelerating the ongoing effects of the Great Resignation in academia.

Dr. McClure emphasizes the critical importance of trust, organizational care, and employee well-being in shaping a sustainable workplace culture. He also shares examples of colleges and universities that are successfully adopting caring practices, illustrating how prioritizing faculty and staff wellbeing directly supports student success. This conversation highlights the need to reassess organizational values, compensation, and culture for the future of higher education.

Episode Takeaways

Trust for Thought 

"We could be seeing a lot more of this."

Keywords

higher education, Dr. Kevin McClure, The Caring University, pandemic and higher education, great resignation in academia, trust in organizations, employee wellbeing, organizational care, faculty burnout, student success, workplace culture, higher education leadership

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, the conversation explores the vital role of trust in business and marketing, examining how it drives both relationships and long-term success. Richard Roman chats with Gal Borenstein to discuss the founding of The Borenstein Group, highlighting the innovative branding and marketing strategies that set it apart in the competitive digital marketplace.

They also address the challenges of adapting marketing approaches across industries, emphasizing the importance of understanding client culture and customer needs. The role of AI in marketing is explored, with insights on how artificial intelligence can enhance human decision-making rather than replace it. The discussion concludes with a focus on building authentic connections, transparency, and trust in the digital age, offering practical takeaways for business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

"We need to figure that out pretty quickly."

Keywords

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In this conversation, Richard Roman and Genevieve Pitturo connect to discuss her fascinating journey from a corporate executive to the founder of the Pajama Program, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and compassion in leadership. She discusses the challenges of stepping away from a successful career to pursue a mission that aligns with her heart's calling, the significance of building trust with donors and partners, and the impact of human connection in fostering a positive organizational culture. Genevieve also highlights the lessons learned from her experiences and the importance of leading with love and empathy.

Takeaways

Trust for Thought

Keywords

trust, leadership, self-discovery, nonprofit, Pajama Program, vulnerability, compassion, human connection, legacy, empowerment

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Alex Amorosi shares his transformative journey from yoga teacher to intuitive healer, exploring the intersection of healing, astrology, energy work, and emotional awareness. That authenticity has now grown into The Subtle Universe. Alex reflects on his experiences with sensitivity, self-trust, and personal transformation, offering insights into how spiritual practices can support growth and well-being.

The conversation highlights the importance of establishing trust with clients, the significance of energetic protection in clearing emotional baggage, and Alex’s transition from skepticism to embracing astrology as a powerful tool for self-discovery and navigating life's transitions. Through his story, Alex illustrates how intuitive coaching can guide individuals through change, providing deeper access to healing and inner wisdom. 

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

healing, intuition, astrology, energy work, emotional awareness, personal transformation, trust, self-trust, sensitivity, spiritual coaching, metaphysics, life transitions, intuitive healing, yoga and spirituality, self-discovery

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What is trust, really? Why does it feel like it’s slipping through our fingers? And can we rebuild it before it’s too late?

In this powerful solo episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman breaks down the meaning, history, and urgency of trust across three key dimensions: psychological, interpersonal, and institutional. Drawing on cutting-edge research, historical context, and current events (from AI deepfakes and campus protests to climate disasters and election mistrust), this episode explores why trust is not just a personal virtue but a public necessity.

Richard explores why trust is a form of accepted vulnerability, how trust in American institutions has fluctuated over the past 80 years, and why 2025 represents a critical turning point in the erosion (or restoration) of public trust.

Whether you're a policymaker, educator, organizational leader, or simply someone trying to make sense of this fractured moment, this episode offers a roadmap for restoring what’s been broken.

Join us on Substack.

Keywords: trust, democracy, institutional trust, public trust, government, AI and trust, misinformation crisis, civic engagement, higher education

What does trust really do?

Host Richard Roman unpacks three groundbreaking studies that explore how trust operates across political systems, workplace dynamics, and everyday human connections.

From the rise of political extremism to the success (or failure) of high-performing teams, and to the surprising power of a seven-minute conversation with a stranger, this episode explores how trust shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. You’ll learn why trust isn’t just a “soft skill,” but a strategic, measurable force that influences everything from democratic participation to collaboration and empathy.

Subscribe to Richard’s newsletter: https://rjoroman.substack.com

Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjoroman

Referenced Studies:

Dirks, K. T. (1999). The effects of interpersonal trust on work group performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 84(3), 445–455. 

Ghazi, S. H. (2025, March 24). Can we reduce political antagonism by promoting trust? Greater Good Magazine.

Broockman, D. E., & Kalla, J. L. (2016). Durably reducing transphobia: A field experiment on door-to-door canvassing. Science, 352(6282), 220–224. 

Why doesn’t trust in government rise when things improve? What if we've been measuring the wrong thing all along?

In this solo episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman unpacks a groundbreaking study from 2019 that reframes political trust, not as approval or confidence, but as a willingness to accept vulnerability.

If you're a researcher, public leader, or trust-focused changemaker, this episode provides a practical framework for understanding (and measuring) trust more precisely.

Read more and subscribe on Substack: https://rjoroman.substack.com.

In this episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman shares his personal journey and motivations behind launching the podcast, diving into the importance of trust in institutions, leadership, and community life. Richard reflects on key lessons from past guests, exploring how trust is built, broken, and repaired across organizations and society.

He emphasizes the role of authentic leadership, self-trust, and community engagement in rebuilding public confidence, while addressing the challenges leaders face in earning credibility. Richard also shares the future direction of the podcast, including more solo episodes and personal stories that highlight the everyday dynamics of trust.

Takeaways

Trust for Thought

Keywords 

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, Richard Roman speaks with Jo Newell, a leader and entrepreneur, about the multifaceted role of trust in leadership. Jo shares her journey, emphasizing the importance of building trust through consistent actions, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and authenticity.

The conversation examines the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly for women and underrepresented leaders, and underscores the importance of representation in leadership. Jo also discusses common misconceptions about trust, the importance of executive presence and public speaking in establishing credibility, and the need for ongoing commitment to building trust within organizations and communities. For more about Jo's work, visit Monday Strategies and Drop The Mic.

Takeaways

Trust For Thought

Keywords

Stay Connected

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