Trust is the foundation of every relationship between leaders and teams, brands and customers, humans and technology. In a world where AI-generated content, restructures, and hybrid/virtual work challenge our sense of reliability, trust has become the currency of influence.
At PepTalk, we work with some of the most credible experts on what makes people and organisations trustworthy. Their talks explore how to earn confidence, maintain consistency, and rebuild trust when it falters.
Why trust matters now
- Deepfakes, misinformation, and AI outputs are eroding confidence in information. Teams need clear frameworks to identify and signal credibility.
- Internal change from layoffs to digital transformation tests leadership trust. Consistency, care, and transparency are what hold culture together.
- Customers reward trustworthy brands with loyalty and price tolerance. The link between transparency, empathy, and profit is stronger than ever.
- For sales kickoffs or IWD programs, "optimism with accountability" works only when trust converts motivation into action.
Three forms of trust
- Swift trust: temporary, action-based trust that helps new or virtual teams move quickly
- Affective trust: emotional trust built on empathy and care; key for culture and retention
- Cognitive trust: rational trust based on perceived reliability and competence; critical for decisions and risk
» Explore: Psychological safety experts
Top Speakers on Trust
Rachel Botsman
Often called "the queen of trust" by the PepTalk team, Rachel Botsman is a leading authority on trust in technology, work, and society. As a lecturer at Oxford's Saïd Business School, she teaches leaders and entrepreneurs how to navigate trust in complex systems. Her TED Talks have reached over five million viewers, and her newsletter Rethink with Rachel has more than 90,000 subscribers.
Learn more and book Rachel Botsman →
David Burkus
A bestselling author and Columbia faculty member, David Burkus helps organisations build high-performing teams through leadership development and workplace collaboration. Recognised by Thinkers50 as one of the world's top business thinkers, he's worked with clients including PepsiCo, Adobe, and NASA.
Learn more and book David Burkus →
Jefferson Fisher
A Texas trial lawyer turned communication coach, Jefferson Fisher teaches professionals how to handle difficult conversations with clarity and calm. His bestselling book The Next Conversation and podcast reach millions globally.
Learn more and book Jefferson Fisher →
Dr Simon Moore
Dr Simon Moore is a chartered psychologist and founder of InnovationBubble. With over 25 years studying consumer behaviour, he reveals the non-conscious factors that influence loyalty and brand credibility, drawing on work with clients like Pfizer, Microsoft, and Virgin Atlantic.
Learn more and book Dr Simon Moore →
Dr Amna Khan
Consumer behaviour expert and BBC commentator Dr Amna Khan brings academic insight and real-world context to the psychology of trust. A senior lecturer at Manchester Business School with a PhD on trust development in Chinese business relationships, she also became the first British-Pakistani Muslim powerlifting champion at 40, a story of perseverance and integrity that resonates with audiences.
Learn more and book Dr Amna Khan →
Kate Hardcastle MBE
Known as "The Customer Whisperer," Kate Hardcastle MBE is one of the UK's leading consumer experts. A frequent voice on BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, she explores how transparency and purpose build long-term loyalty. She's also the founder of the Buy Smarter, Buy Greener movement and donates 20% of profits to charity.
Learn more and book Kate Hardcastle MBE →
Robin Dreeke
Robin Dreeke is a former FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Bureau's Behavioral Analysis Program, where he studied how to build trust and rapport in high-stakes situations. Now a MasterClass instructor and bestselling author, he teaches leaders practical techniques for reading people, testing assumptions, and earning trust that holds under pressure.
Learn more and book Robin Dreeke →
Richard Shotton
Richard Shotton is a behavioural scientist and founder of Astroten, helping brands apply psychological principles to build trust and drive better decisions. A bestselling author and Marketing Week contributor, he's worked with Google, Mondelez, and Santander, and is an honorary fellow of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising.
Learn more and book Richard Shotton →Applying trust inside your organisation
- For internal change: Position trust as the enabler of transformation. Encourage "say-do" consistency in leadership.
- For customer strategy: Build transparency and predictable experiences; trust drives retention and advocacy.
- For teams: Combine cognitive (head) and affective (heart) trust to create sustainable collaboration.
Trust is not a soft skill. It is a measurable asset that defines credibility, shapes loyalty, and builds lasting influence.
💡 Would you like to bring trust, credibility, and consistency into your next event? Let us know, and we'll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Send us a message and we'll set up a free strategy call. Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!
