Trust: How Credibility, Consistency, and Reputation Shape Influence

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

» READ MORE: 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.

‍PepTalk Fact: Rachel’s talks include Rethinking the New Rules of Trust & AI and Leading with Trust in Uncertain Times, ideal for executive audiences navigating change and digital ethics.

⮕ Learn more and book Rachel Botsman as a speaker.

Chris Bashinelli

Chris Bashinelli, a National Geographic Explorer and host of Bridge the Gap, helps organisations cultivate trust and empathy through authentic human connection. He has lived and worked in communities around the world, teaching audiences how to build bridges across culture and difference.

‍PepTalk Fact: His talk A Culture of Trust introduces the “Bridge of Trust” framework, a practical model built on courage, curiosity, and vulnerability.

⮕ Learn more and book Chris Bashinelli as a speaker.

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.‍

PepTalk Fact: Through The Jefferson Fisher School of Communication, he helps teams reduce workplace conflict and strengthen credibility with practical, repeatable tools.

⮕ Learn more and book Jefferson Fisher as a speaker.

Simon Moore

Simon Moore is a chartered psychologist and founder of InnovationBubble. With over 25 years studying consumer behavior, he reveals the non-conscious factors that influence loyalty and brand credibility, drawing on work with clients like Pfizer, Microsoft, and Virgin Atlantic.‍

PepTalk Fact: Simon’s talks explore how psychology, perception, and bias shape organisational trust and decision-making.

⮕ Learn more and book Simon Moore as a speaker.

Amna Khan

Consumer behavior expert and BBC commentator 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.‍

PepTalk Fact: Amna is known for connecting consumer insight with cultural trends, showing how trust drives brand and organisational engagement.

⮕ Learn more and book Amna Khan as a speaker.

Kate Hardcastle

Known as “The Customer Whisperer,” Kate Hardcastle 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.‍

PepTalk Fact: Kate’s sessions focus on sustainable growth, customer trust, and reputation — perfect for consumer-facing industries.

⮕ Learn more and book Kate Hardcastle as a speaker.

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.