Trust isn’t tested in calm moments; it’s exposed when leaders face uncertainty, conflicting demands, and real human consequences. This episode traces that reality across multiple organizations and industries. We look at Boeing, where leaders underestimated the depth and duration of a crisis that reshaped global aviation trust. We examine Nokia’s Bochum layoffs, a case that shows how a single restructuring decision can destroy trust not only with employees but with governments and the public.

We also dive into Twiddy’s pandemic playbook, where open communication became a lifeline; Itochu’s long-term social commitments, which contrast sharply with Western quarterly pressures; and the Financial Times’ transparent approach to generative AI, setting a new benchmark for media trust.

Together, these cases reveal patterns: leaders often misjudge crises, overlook human impact, and underestimate how long it truly takes to repair trust, yet the organizations that get it right show that trust can be a real competitive advantage.