The Business of Trust

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjQgOXO50qMShow Notes:In this episode of The Business of Trust, I sit down with Lama Karma Chötso to explore a question that feels both simple and impossibly deep: What does it actually mean to trust life?I first met Lama years ago when she was leading the Open Awareness Buddhist Center Sangha in Miami. I remember asking her—very seriously—if she was enlightened. She laughed and said, “Oh my gosh, no. That takes like 10 lifetimes.” That mix of wisdom and humility is exactly what you’ll hear in this conversation.Lama began studying in the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in 1982 and later completed a traditional three-year, three-month meditation retreat in seclusion. But what makes this conversation powerful isn’t philosophy—it’s how practical her perspective becomes when applied to business, uncertainty, and the emotional reality of entrepreneurship.This episode felt personal for me. I share openly about a season of uncertainty I went through in December—when things felt like they were falling apart relationally and professionally. And instead of trying to fix it, Lama challenged me to look at uncertainty differently.What if groundlessness is liberating?What You’ll Learn:The difference between hope and trust—and why confusing the two creates anxietyWhy trust must come after examination, not blind beliefHow entrepreneurs get trapped manipulating outcomes instead of dancing with changeWhat resilience actually feels like when you stop resisting uncertaintyWhy uncertainty isn’t the same as sufferingHow to work with triggers by shifting into awareness instead of reactionThe difference between confusion and clarity—and how to move between them in real timeWhy creativity expands when you relax your grip on controlThis conversation is especially relevant for coaches and consultants navigating change—whether in your business, your identity, or your leadership.Because maybe the goal isn’t to eliminate uncertainty.Maybe the goal is to become steady in the middle of it.Connect with Lama Karma Chötso:Instagram: @LamaKCWebsite: LamaKC.comMusic: Search “Lama KC – No Hopes No Fears” on Spotify & YouTube

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa-SKjXNtiYShow Notes:In this episode of The Business of Trust, I sit down with Lyssa DeHart to explore a kind of trust we rarely talk about in business: self-trust—especially when there’s no clear plan.Lyssa is a master certified coach, former clinical social worker, and author who has worked with more than 10,000 coaches and leaders around the world. But her path into coaching didn’t come from certainty or a perfectly mapped strategy. It came from burnout, transition, and the courage to take the next right step without knowing where it would lead.We rewind to 2013, when Lyssa shut down her therapy practice after years of working in trauma and PTSD. It was only after stepping away that she realized how deeply exhausted she was—and how much space she needed to rethink not just her work, but her identity.In our conversation, we talk about:Why burnout often hides behind competence and successThe difference between helping people becomefunctionalversus helping themthriveWhat changes when you move from a fixing mindset to a partnering oneWhy you don’t need a full plan—just the willingness to take the next stepHow trust is built long before money ever changes handsThe pivotal moment when changes to the ICF credentialing exam reshaped her entire businessWhy every skill and experience you bring with you—even the unexpected ones—can become a real advantageWhat it means to stay relevant as a coach in a world where AI is rapidly evolvingThis episode is an honest look at what it really takes to grow a service-based business when certainty isn’t available—and why trusting yourself might be the most important strategy of all.Connect with Lyssa:Website:https://lyssadehart.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyssadehart/Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/2GOw0n3oNk7vkCCxK8dk8T

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIUFzYS3dB8Show NotesIn today’s episode, I sit down with David Suarez, founder of Interactive Training Solutions… this conversation is a masterclass on what real networking actually looks like.I met David at a DisruptHR event here in Miami. He was the MC, the organizer, and the final speaker—and he completely owned the room. Funny, sharp, relaxed, and deeply human. After watching him, I knew I had to bring him on the podcast.David has built a highly successful corporate training and executive coaching firm using improvisation as a core tool—but what really stood out to me wasn’t improv. It was his mindset around trust, relationships, and human connection.What You’ll Learn:How a business plan that started as an MBA assignment became the business of his lifeHow talking to one intern (while ignoring all the “important people”) led to his most successful clientWhat it really means to treat your network as sacredHow to build trust without pitching, forcing, or “working the room”Connect with David:Website:interactivetrainingsolutions.comLinkedIn:David Suarez, MBA

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVk9S5jajX4Show NotesIn this episode of The Business of Trust, I sit down with Brian Gorman—leadership and transformation coach, founder of TransformingLives.coach, host of the Conversations Podcast, and author of his new book "Leading into the Age of Wisdom."Brian has spent decades helping organizations navigate change, he brings a level of perspective that feels especially relevant right now. What stood out to me in this conversation is how clearly he names what many of us are sensing but haven’t fully articulated yet: intelligence is being commoditized—but wisdom is not.We talk about why this moment isn’t an evolutionary shift, but a revolutionary one—on the scale of the Industrial Revolution—and why coaches, consultants, and trusted advisors have a critical role to play if we’re willing to bring our whole selves to the workWhat You’ll Learn:The difference between intelligence, knowledge, and wisdom, and why that distinction matters more than everHow organizations are stuck in outdated Industrial Age rituals (like time-based work) that no longer serve usWhy engagement is so low in most organizations—and what happens when wisdom is captured from the frontline, not just the C-suiteThe role of energy, nervous system regulation, and belonging in creativity and leadershipHow coaches can use AI as a tool without outsourcing their responsibility or integrityConnect with Brian:Website: transforminglives.coachLinkedIn Profile

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3qtEQrs104Show NotesIn this episode of The Business Of Trust, I sit down with Maya Hu-Chan, a global leadership consultant, internationally recognized speaker, and bestselling author.Maya walks us through her journey from growing up in Taiwan and studying journalism, to moving to the U.S. for graduate school, to working directly with Marshall Goldsmith. You’ll hear how those experiences shaped the way she built her own firm and why her long-term success has everything to do with relationships, referrals, reputation, and staying relevant.We also dive deep into the core idea behind her book: “Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build Trust,” not as a cultural nicety, but as a practical, universal way to build relationships that last.What You’ll Learn:Maya’s origin story and how she found her nicheThe three pillars of a thriving consulting practiceWhat “saving face” really meansThe ‘relationship bank account’Navigating marketing with integrityHer advice for new coaches and consultantsConnect with Maya:Book: Saving Face: How to Preserve Dignity and Build TrustWebsite: mayahuchan.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/maipie88LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mayahuchanShe truly welcomes feedback — your likes, comments, and reactions mean a lot.

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwQ9I75IlQ0Show NotesIn this episode, I talk with Eve Simon — an international consultant and executive coach who blends German precision with California innovation. After nearly two decades working with Fortune 500 leaders, Eve has built her philosophy around regenerative leadership, a human-centered approach to growth that goes beyond hustle and hacks. Her journey from telecom executive in Germany to entrepreneur in Silicon Valley opened the door to conscious business, somatic intelligence, and a completely different way of thinking about leadership and impact.We dig into why your biggest clients don’t come from clever marketing but from relationships, referrals, and the “champions” who believe in your work. Eve shares how one introduction shifted the entire trajectory of her consulting career and why building something tangibly human matters more than ever in an AI-driven world. We also get into nervous system regulation, intuitive decision-making, and why the future of leadership is more collaborative, more grounded, and far more human than the traditional models many of us grew up with.What You’ll Learn:How Eve went from corporate leader to launching a conscious business in Silicon ValleyWhy her first clients came through dance, community, and curiosity — not marketing tacticsWhy referrals and relationships will always outperform clever marketingWhat conscious business actually means (beyond the buzzwords)Why the future of leadership is more human than everConnect with Eve:LinkedIn:Eve SimonWebsite:evesimon.comKeep an eye out for her upcoming book,The Future of Leadership in the Age of AI, and her next Future of Leadership Salon launching in San Francisco.

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcInzVm9rGMShow NotesWhat happens when you prioritize relationships over marketing tactics?Dr. Lise Lewis left a secure senior HR position to start Bluesky International with no marketing plan—just a network of people who genuinely wanted her to succeed. Twenty-five years later, she's coached executives at Pricewaterhouse, BBC, Sony, and Vodafone, all through relationships and referrals.In this conversation, Lise shares:The pivotal moment that sparked her fascination with relational dynamics in coachingWhy being "too hurried" or procrastinating kills feedback conversationsWhat makes someone a "relational hero" at workHer advice for starting a coaching business today: activate your network, get out and try new things, and write about what makes you genuinely uniqueIf you've been told you need a complex marketing plan to build a successful practice, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about business development.Connect with Dr. Lise LewisBlueskyinternational.comLiselewis.comLinkedIn

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Au7egHFvgShow NotesIn this episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur, Gayle Zalduondo. Gayle built a multimillion-dollar furniture design and manufacturing company with 85 employees; then she created a company that turns shipping containers into tiny homes and restaurants; and now she guides creators and founders back into alignment with who they really are.Gayle's work lives at the intersection of intuition, design, messaging, and identity. She helps people bring the inside out—whether through the spaces they inhabit, the brands they build, or the stories they tell.In our conversation we explore:What “alignment” actually means beyond the buzzwordWhy your values are strategicThe connection between resonance, client attraction, and trustThe difference between creating from your head vs. your heartIf you’re in a season where you’re trying to figure out your next step, or you’re creating content that feels right internally but isn’t resonating externally, this conversation will give you a lot to sit with.Connect with Gaylewww.gaylezalduondo.com

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljJI27dfBgAShow NotesIn this episode, I sit down with Patrick Donadio, a communication strategist, speaker, and executive coach who’s trained thousands of leaders across Fortune 100 companies. Patrick is the author of The IMPACT Process — a framework that helps leaders communicate with intention, clarity, and purpose.We talk about how to think before you speak, how to build systems that support authentic communication, and how clarity can completely transform your business relationships. Patrick also shares his own journey — how he left his job at 28 to start his firm, landed his first clients, and eventually built a thriving practice that serves some of the biggest corporations in the world.If you’ve ever felt like your message isn’t landing, or that your business depends on relationships but you’re not sure how to deepen them, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap.What You’ll Learn:How to think before you speak using Patrick’s proven IMPACT Process.Why intention is the most powerful starting point in any communication.How to build repeatable systems that make your business referable.Patrick's best advice to grow a successful firm.If you’re a coach or consultant navigating the noise of automation, this episode is a refreshing reminder that what people crave most is real connection.Connect with Patrick:Website:https://patrickdonadio.com/LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdonadio.Download the IMPACT©” Process Model:https://patrickdonadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Communicating-with-IMPACT-Wheel.pdf

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZYwfTXmTLsShow NotesIn this episode, I sit down with Marcia Reynolds — one of the most respected names in the coaching world. She’s coached leaders in 47 countries, listed among the Top 10 Global Coaches by Global Gurus, and has served as the fifth global president of the International Coaching Federation. Marcia’s the author of five books, including the international bestsellers “Coach the Person, Not the Problem” and “Breakthrough Coaching.”We talk about the early days of coaching (yes, 1995!), how she stumbled into the profession, and what it was like helping shape the foundation of the ICF. But what really stands out in this conversation is her wisdom on what actually creates trust — and why respect matters even more than compassion.Marcia shares how she broke into the “major leagues” of corporate coaching, why respect is the most critical aspect of trusted relationships, and why the future of coaching is all about presence.If you’re a coach or consultant navigating the noise of automation, this episode is a refreshing reminder that what people crave most is real connection.Connect with Marcia:https://covisioning.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciareynolds/

Watch Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjNrBxg2ikMShow NotesEver wonder how some consultants made it to the top of their game?In this episode, I get to chat with Damian Goldvarg… and honestly, calling him accomplished feels like an understatement. We're talking 30+ years in coaching and leadership development, a PhD in Organizational Psychology, Master Certified Coach credentials. Damian was the first Latino Global Chair of the International Coaching Federation. His firm has partnered with household names like Google, Shell, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and the UN. He's also just dropped his ninth book, “ Lead with a Coaching Mindset.”Throughout our conversation, Damian shares how his entire career unfolded not by chasing clients, but by contributing first and letting opportunities find him. Together we explore:What happens when you stop thinking "How do I get clients?" and start asking "How can I be helpful?"How volunteering became his secret weapon. How giving your time and expertise away actually builds the kind of trust that money can't buy.Trust and opportunity come from showing up consistently and being genuinely useful to others. And Damian's three-decade career is living proof.Connect with Damianhttps://goldvargconsulting.com/

Watch Video Version:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkU6AK8CJI0&feature=youtu.beShow NotesGrowing a successful professional services firm is, at its core, an act of leadership. No one tells us to do it — we decide to do it. And to make it work, we have to draw from our strengths, stay self-aware, and do it all in relationship with other people.That’s exactly what Mike Kublin has been doing for nearly three decades. Mike is the founder and president of PeopleTek, a leadership coaching and development firm that’s worked with clients like Merrill, United Airlines, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and American Express. He’s also the author of five books on leadership, including his latest, Leadership Lessons of Howard Stern.In this episode, Mike shares the story of how PeopleTek began — how a tough piece of feedback in his corporate career set him on a completely new path, and how trust and relationships became the foundation of everything he’s built since.We also get into:How his first client came from a relationship he’d built years beforeThe power of “champions” who carry your name into new roomsHis best advice for founders who want to grow a firm that lastsIf you’re a coach or consultant building a relationship-driven business, this episode is a masterclass in what it really takes to grow — not just through strategy or systems, but through self-awareness, trust, and authentic connection.Connect with Mikepeopletekcoaching.com

Watch Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmq5hpdJ5VEShow NotesMany coaches and consultants start their journey in corporate life. They build strong careers, collect decades of experience, and at some point feel the pull to do their own thing. That’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, Rosemary Ravinal.After decades leading communications for global media brands like Univision, AT&T, and the History Channel, Rosemary decided to step out of corporate and launch her own executive communications practice. But her story goes even deeper. She’s a Cuban immigrant who once struggled with a severe stutter — and went on to become a bilingual media professional and trusted voice in broadcast journalism.In this episode, Rosemary and I talk about what it takes to rebuild your identity when you move from corporate leader to independent consultant. She shares how she got her first clients, why relationships are the ultimate currency in business, and how generosity and trust helped her land major corporate contracts.We also get into:How to use your corporate credibility as a bridge into consultingWhy clarity and confidence are key when introducing your new business to your networkHow giving before you receive builds long-term trust and referralsIf you’re thinking about leaving corporate to start your own firm. Or if you want to grow your consulting practice through trust and relationships, this episode is for you.Connect with Rosemary:https://rosemaryravinal.com/

Watch Video Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mewFVYOGxCgShow NotesI couldn’t think of a better person to kick off The Business of Trust podcast than my friend and mentor, Achim Nowak.Achim has a client roster that will make your jaw drop—Takeda, Owens Corning, WinTrust, and more. He’s an executive coach, a two-time TEDx speaker, and the author of four books. But beyond all that, what really stands out about Achim is how he’s built his business: through deep relationships, authentic connection, and the champions who’ve carried his name into boardrooms across the world.In this episode, Achim and I talk about how he transitioned from being a theater director to running a leadership training company, and eventually into executive coaching. He shares the story of his first client, the ethical dilemma he faced with a non-compete, and how that relationship became the start of a career built on trust.We also dive into:How he landed his first clientThe power of champions who carry you through your entire careerWhy he refuses to chase strangers when his existing network keeps referring himHis simple exercise for anyone starting out: "Write down 20 people who believe in you..."If you’re a coach or consultant looking to grow your business, this conversation will remind you that your next best client will probably come from the relationships you’ve already built.Connect with Achimhttps://achimnowak.com/https://myfourthact.com/

Watch Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pqAVLRE5lEAbout This Podcast:The Business of Trust is a show about what really drives growth in today’s trust-starved world: relationships. Marketing has gotten noisy, salesy, and often manipulative. But in the world of high-value services, trust matters more than tactics. And trust isn’t built through funnels or cold emails, it’s built human to human.Hosted by Hugo Sanchez, this podcast explores how coaches, consultants, and business development pros actually win clients—by earning trust, building reputation, and forming meaningful connections.If your business grows through a few key, high-level relationships, this podcast is for you.