In an era where authenticity and consistency define credibility, trust has become the rarest and most valuable currency in human and business relationships.
So, we asked 80 professionals across diverse industries – from CEOs and founders to therapists, engineers, and educators – below powerful question:
“What single practice has most improved your ability to build trust in relationships? How do you consistently implement this practice in your interactions?”
Their insights reveal something timeless – trust isn’t built by charisma or clever words. It’s earned through small, repeated actions that show integrity, empathy, and reliability.
Below, the 80 responses are grouped into key themes that emerged from this global dialogue.
1. Consistency & Follow-Through
Nothing builds credibility faster than doing exactly what you say you’ll do. These leaders show that reliability – not grand gestures – is the foundation of trust.
Brandon Brown — CEO, Search Party
“The habit that’s most improved my ability to build trust is following through – always delivering what I say I will. During GRIN’s growth from 2 to 480 people, meeting commitments to creators and partners like the Dallas Mavericks proved our reliability. Even now at Search Party, I keep that same rhythm: set a promise, follow through, and let consistency earn the credibility words can’t.”
Austin Benton — CEO & Founder, SpeakerDrive
“The single biggest trust-builder for me has been doing small things exactly when and how I say I will. Most people think trust is built through grand gestures, but it’s actually the quiet reliability that compounds. I make it a rule: if I say ‘I’ll send it tomorrow,’ it goes out tomorrow, even if it’s midnight. Over time, people stop wondering if you’ll follow through, and that frees up space for honest conversations and faster decisions.”
Dr. Ishdeep Narang, MD — Founder, ACES Psychiatry
“The single most effective practice I’ve found for building trust is to meticulously close every loop, no matter how small. It means that if you say you’re going to do something, you follow up and confirm it’s been done. If you reference a future conversation, you make sure to initiate it. This practice works because it consistently demonstrates reliability. Most trust isn’t broken in huge, dramatic moments; it erodes slowly through small, missed follow-ups and forgotten promises.”
Eugene Musienko — CEO, Merehead.com
“For me, the single practice that’s done the most to build trust is keeping my word, even in small things. If I say I’ll send an update by Friday, I do it. If I can’t, I let the person know early. It sounds simple, but it’s rare – and people notice. Over time, this habit has shaped how clients and my team see me. They know I mean what I say.”
Lisa Martinez — Founder, TX Cash Home Buyers
“Following through on every commitment – no matter how small – has been the cornerstone of building trust in my real estate work. For example, after a seller once expressed worry about a closing timeline, I used my tracking system to update her daily until it was finalized ahead of schedule. That follow-through showed reliability in a way words can’t. I make it a routine to log every promise the same day I make it, so nothing ever slips through the cracks.”
Joel Miller — President, Miller Pest & Termite
“The biggest difference for me came from being intentional about follow-through. Early on, I realized that people don’t just remember what you promise – they remember whether you actually do it. Now, whenever I commit to something, even something small like sending a follow-up email, I make a note and ensure it gets done quickly.”
Amy Bos — Co-Founder & COO, Mediumchat Group
“The single practice that’s helped me build trust is doing what I say I’ll do. It sounds simple, but reliability is underrated. When I tell someone I’ll follow up, I do it – even if the update is that I’m still waiting. Over time, people stop guessing what’s going on and start believing they can count on me.”
Daniel Meursing — Founder/CEO/CFO, Event Staff
“The single practice that has most improved my ability to build trust is delivering consistent follow-through. I make it a point to do exactly what I say I will, every time, and to communicate quickly if something changes. Trust isn’t built through big promises—it’s built through small, repeated reliability.”
Eugene Leow Zhao Wei — Director, Marketing Agency Singapore
“The single most powerful practice for building trust is follow-through. I make it a point to do exactly what I say I will, even in small matters. It sounds simple, but consistency creates reliability, and reliability builds trust over time. I implement this by keeping a ‘commitment tracker’ — a quick daily note of promises I’ve made, from client deliverables to team check-ins.”
Wayne Lowry — CEO, Scale By SEO
“Radical consistency, the practice of doing what we say we are going to do, regardless of the situation, is the most powerful practice in our company, Scale by SEO, which has enhanced our capacity to build trust. It’s not big gestures, but credible repetition that convinces people we are as reliable as the information we provide.”
2. Radical Transparency
True trust flourishes in honesty – even when the truth is uncomfortable. These professionals show that vulnerability and openness often speak louder than perfection.
Max Shak — Founder/CEO, nerDigital
“If there’s one practice that’s fundamentally changed how I build trust – both in business and in life – it’s radical transparency. I don’t mean over-sharing every thought, but being intentionally open about the why behind decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable. When people understand your motives – not just your message – it builds a different kind of credibility.”
James Mitchell — CEO, Workshop Software
“The single practice that’s transformed my ability to build trust is radical transparency – telling clients the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. A recent system update caused a temporary delay for some users, and instead of waiting for complaints, we sent out a detailed breakdown of the issue, the fix, and what we learned. That level of honesty resulted in a 20% increase in client satisfaction and stronger loyalty, proving that openness beats perfection every time.”
Max Marchione — Co-Founder, Superpower
“What’s improved my ability to build trust the most is being radically honest about what our AI health tools can and can’t do. Early on, I learned that overpromising – even unintentionally – erodes credibility faster than anything.”
Neel Kamal Pandey — Content Writer, Appzoro Technologies Inc.
“For me, the single most effective way to build trust in any relationship is simple – be honest. I truly believe that trust and honesty go hand in hand. Whenever I interact with someone, I make it a point to speak the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
Runbo Li — CEO, Magic Hour
“The practice that’s done the most for building trust has been staying transparent about creative limits and timelines. I’ve lost count of the times openly sharing when a model needed more training helped collaborators feel included in the process rather than left in the dark.”
Dr. Tomer Avraham — Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Avraham Plastic Surgery
“As a plastic surgeon, the single practice that’s most improved my ability to build trust is maintaining complete transparency – especially about what’s achievable, what’s not, and why.”
Mark Spivak — Founder, Comprehensive Pet Therapy (CPT)
“For me, the biggest trust builder has been radical transparency about what’s possible in dog training. Honesty about limitations not only prevents disappointment but earns lasting respect.”
Ethan Heine — President and CEO, Suntrek Solar
“Trust begins with sharing what all companies want to hide. Every project gets a performance report after each phase, including data and photos. That transparency shows clients that openness isn’t optional – it’s our standard.”
3. Active Listening & Presence
Listening – truly listening – is one of the rarest leadership skills, and yet, it’s the one that instantly earns trust.
Tony Ragan — President, Absolute Pest Management
“Active listening has been the game-changer for building absolute trust. Once I started slowing down and letting people finish – even if I already knew the answer – the tone of my conversations completely changed.”
Nirmal Gyanwali — Website Designer, Nirmal Web Agency
“The single practice that’s most improved my ability to build trust is being fully present in every conversation. Whether I’m talking to a client or a team member, I remove distractions and give my full attention.”
Bernhard Schaus — Online Marketer, Beyond Chutney
“I used to think trust came from saying the right things, but I’ve learned it grows when you give someone your full attention without planning your response.”
Aja Chavez — Executive Director, Mission Prep Healthcare
“For me, the most effective practice in building trust is listening with full presence before offering any feedback. I practice this daily by taking a breath before responding, which keeps me grounded and shows I value their voice as much as my own.”
Amanda New — Founder, Cash For Houses Girl
“Learning to actively listen has made the biggest difference in my relationship-building skills. I make an effort to ask clarifying questions and restate points for clarity.”
Julia Pukhalskaia — CEO, Mermaid Way
“The practice of genuine listening has become the most transformative habit for me. I focus on hearing without any intention to solve problems or demonstrate expertise. Real connections start when we maintain presence.”
Wayne Lowry — Founder, Best DPC
“At Best DPC, we use what we call the pause-and-clarify technique. Our providers paraphrase what patients tell us to ensure full understanding. Listening, for us, is care.”
4. Setting Clear Expectations
Trust begins with clarity. When expectations are vague, assumptions take over. These leaders show that trust thrives when goals, limits, and deliverables are defined transparently.
Sreekrishnaa Srikanthan — Head of Growth, Finofo
“For me, setting realistic expectations upfront has been the single most effective way to build trust. At Finofo, I make it a habit to outline project constraints and likely trade-offs before we dive in, even if it means admitting we can’t do everything at once. Once teammates see that consistency between what’s promised and what’s delivered, trust becomes almost effortless to maintain.”
Igor Golovko — Developer & Founder, TwinCore
“My ability to establish trust with clients and engineers stems from my practice of revealing project boundaries and constraints. I present all project constraints including technical debt, schedule risks, and integration uncertainties at the beginning of each project with specific plans for addressing them. Delivering accurate statements creates trust because people see my words match reality.”
Brandi Simon — Owner, TX Home Buying Pros
“In real estate, trust dissolves fast when timelines shift without warning, so I’ve learned to over-communicate. I always explain upfront how each step in a deal might unfold and text updates whenever something moves ahead or stalls. Clients appreciate feeling informed – not just when things go right, but especially when there’s a delay.”
Ryan Dosenberry — CEO, Crushing REI
“In real estate, trust is built through transparent communication – especially when the news isn’t ideal. Whenever I walk a seller through a property, I’m upfront about timelines, market conditions, and potential hurdles before they have to ask. Setting clear expectations early turns our biggest trust barriers into non-issues down the line.”
Justin Carpenter — Founder, Jacksonville Maids
“In my experience running Jacksonville Maids, transparent pricing has built the strongest foundation of trust with our clients. I make sure every quote includes clear cost breakdowns – no hidden fees or vague add-ons. When customers see we mean what we say on paper, it sets the tone for honest communication everywhere else.”
Chris Lin — Founder, Summit Breeze Tea
“The single practice that’s had the biggest impact on building trust? Following through. Sounds simple, but showing up on time with what I promised – even if it’s just a recap – does more to build credibility than any pitch. I use a micro-commitment rule: if I say it, I log it, and it doesn’t leave my list until I’ve closed the loop.”
5. Empathy & Humanity Beyond Transactions
Trust deepens when relationships transcend roles. These leaders show that empathy – not efficiency – is what creates real loyalty.
Chris Lowe — CEO, Next Step House Buyers
“For me, trust starts with empathy – especially in foreclosure situations where emotions run high. I take time to understand a homeowner’s circumstances before talking numbers, sometimes offering flexible closing dates or relocation help. Showing genuine care beyond the transaction breaks down walls quickly.”
Karen Canham — Entrepreneur & Wellness Coach, Karen Ann Wellness
“The single practice that has most improved my ability to build trust is nervous system awareness – learning to regulate myself before I respond. Trust isn’t built through words alone; it’s built through how safe people feel in your presence.”
Peter Kim — Owner, Odigo Real Estate Club
“For me, the single practice that’s transformed my ability to build trust is investing real time beyond transactions. I make it a point to show up for clients in personal moments – attending a housewarming or checking in when they welcome a new family member. Real trust grows when people see you as part of their story, not just their deal.”
Justin Landis — Founder, The Justin Landis Group
“The single practice that’s most improved my ability to build trust is listening deeply before offering advice. Real estate is about people – how they live, what they dream about, and what keeps them up at night. I slow down and let clients tell their full story first. That habit builds trust naturally, because clients feel heard and understood.”
Alvin Poh — Chairman, CLDY.com Pte Ltd
“For me, the most effective practice has been investing in relationships beyond transactions. Early in my journey, I used to lose touch after deals closed, assuming results alone would sustain trust – it didn’t. Now, I send quarterly updates to past clients sharing market insights or helpful resources. Every follow-up adds value long after the contract ends.”
6. Proactive Communication
Silence breeds suspicion; proactive communication prevents it. These professionals prove that being the first to update – even when there’s nothing new – keeps relationships strong.
Tom Terronez — CEO, Medix Dental IT
“The single practice that’s strengthened trust for me is maintaining consistent check-ins with clients – not just when something goes wrong. Regular updates on cybersecurity improvements create transparency and reinforce partnership.”
Edward Piazza — President, Titan Funding
“The single practice that’s most improved my ability to build trust has been weekly check-ins with clients – whether or not there’s a pressing issue. Those consistent conversations helped me catch concerns before they turned into problems.”
Mike Wall — Founder/CEO, We Buy Gulf Coast Houses
“For me, trust comes from being proactive instead of reactive – so I always schedule weekly client calls, no matter the project stage. Checking in consistently means fewer surprises and more genuine connection.”
Lawrence Irby — President, Bay Area House Buyer
“In real estate, homeowners often come to me under stress, so my single trust-building habit is same-day responses. Whether it’s a text or update, I make sure no message sits overnight. It’s small, but it keeps confidence alive.”
Allen Kou — Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille
“The practice that’s most strengthened my relationships is proactive communication – sharing updates without being asked. At my restaurants, I send team members weekly progress notes and industry news so they always feel informed and included.”
Bennett Heyn — Founder, Backlinker AI
“Regular relationship maintenance has been my trust-building anchor. I hold recurring check-ins with clients and partners, even when we have no updates to share. Those small, predictable moments keep everyone informed and accountable.”
Samantha Stuart — Co-Founder, Magic City Pest Control
“The single practice that’s made the biggest difference in building trust – both with customers and my team – is following up when there’s nothing to sell. I make it a point to check in after a service or meeting to ask how things are going, not to pitch or upsell.”
7. Vulnerability & Authentic Leadership
Leadership without vulnerability builds walls, not trust. The leaders here show that openness invites honesty – and that’s where authentic relationships begin.
Amy Mosset – CEO, Interactive Counselling
“As a therapist and CEO, the single practice that’s shaped my ability to build trust is showing vulnerability while maintaining professionalism. I often share genuine insights about challenges I’ve faced, which helps clients and team members see the human side of our work.”
Will Melton — CEO, Xponent21
“I’ve found that being open about uncertainty during leadership moments builds the most trust. At Xponent21, I’ll often share a lesson from a risk that didn’t pan out as expected. Tension disappears once you show you’re human, not just the person making decisions from the top.”
Jonathan Carcone — Principal, 4 Brothers Buy Houses
“Vulnerability sharing has assisted me in developing trust at a much deeper level. Being real about my thoughts, feelings, and struggles allows people to see me as human, creating a stronger connection. When I’m wrong or don’t know something, I just tell them – that honesty fosters mutual respect.”
8. Reliability & Responsiveness
Reliability is the proof behind every promise. These professionals build trust by showing up – quickly, consistently, and with care.
Or Moshe — Founder & Developer, Tevello
“As a founder working closely with Shopify merchants, I’ve learned that trust starts with responsiveness. I made a simple rule: respond to every inquiry within 24 hours. Quick follow-ups turn anxiety into confidence.”
Lawrence Irby — President, Bay Area House Buyer
“Same-day responses have become my single trust-building habit. I block two short check-in slots daily to clear all messages before closing time.”
Sean Grabow — Owner, Central City Solutions
“Introducing clients to my network without expecting anything in return has done the most for building trust. Whether I connect a homeowner to a reliable contractor or an investor to another opportunity, it shows commitment to their success.”
Andrew Peluso — Founder, What Kind of Bug Is This
“The single most effective practice for me has been responding quickly – even if I don’t have a full answer yet. A short message like ‘Got it, I’m on it’ goes a long way in showing respect for people’s time.”
Ryan Nelson — Founder, RentalRealEstate
“Over the years, I found that trust with clients grows fastest when I take time for deep-dive discovery calls before suggesting any investment path. I ask about goals and challenges to personalize every follow-up.”
9. Generosity & Knowledge Sharing
Trust compounds when value is given freely – without agenda. These voices show that generosity is credibility in motion.
David Cornado — Partner, French Teachers Association of Hong Kong
“The single practice that’s most improved my ability to build trust is consistent knowledge sharing. Hosting educational webinars and publishing thoughtful insights naturally positions expertise without self-promotion.”
Sean Grabow — Owner, Central City Solutions
“Introducing clients to my network without expecting anything in return has done the most for building trust. Simple introductions have come back as strong referrals and lasting relationships.”
Yoan Amselem — Managing Director, German Cultural Association of Hong Kong
“The practice that’s shaped my leadership the most is holding open forums each month where every team member can question strategies and decisions. Consistent honesty turns hierarchy into shared responsibility.”
Carmen Jordan Fernandez — Academic Director, The Spanish Council of Singapore
“The practice that’s defined trust in my relationships is active, empathetic listening, especially in multicultural settings. Giving each teacher or partner full space to speak before I respond builds stronger collaboration.”
Bennett Maxwell — CEO, Franchise KI
“For me, following up franchise deals with quarterly in-person visits has had the biggest impact on building trust. Showing up on-site keeps me grounded in their realities, and those personal moments often lead to the most productive conversations.”
10. The Universal Truth — Trust Is Built in Micro-Moments
Across every story, a single truth echoes: trust is earned in the small things – consistency, transparency, and presence.
Brandon Thor — CEO, Thor Metals Group
“Trust isn’t built in boardrooms or contracts. It’s built in the small, consistent actions that show people they can count on you, every time.”
Wayne Lowry — CEO, Scale By SEO
“In the long run, consistency builds up to trust capital – the kind of reputation that transforms a first-time customer into a lifelong one.”
Max Shak — CEO, nerDigital
“Building trust isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about small, honest conversations repeated over time. Transparency isn’t the easiest route, but it’s the one that makes every relationship sustainable.”
Justin Herring — Founder and CEO, YEAH! Local
“For me, trust in relationships comes down to understanding people’s motivations before trying to solve their problems. That deeper context shows I’m invested in their goals, not just their rankings.”
Sreekrishnaa Srikanthan — Head of Growth, Finofo
“Setting realistic expectations upfront has been the single most effective way to build trust. Once people see that consistency between what’s promised and what’s delivered, trust becomes effortless.”
Final Reflection: The Architecture of Trust
After analyzing all 80 perspectives, one insight stands out:
Trust isn’t something you declare. It’s something you demonstrate.
Whether through consistent follow-ups, honest conversations, empathy, or small acts of care, trust grows not from perfection but from presence – from showing up, speaking truth, and keeping promises when no one’s watching.
These 80 professionals prove that the most powerful strategy isn’t complicated. It’s human.
