In this solo episode, host Richard Roman reintroduces himself and shares the story behind Trust Be Told. From his journey as a first-gen, queer policy leader to lessons learned from past guests across the first series, Richard reflects on what trust really means today and what’s ahead for the show.

Featuring reflections on: (1) Trust and leadership; (2) Higher ed and public institutions; (3) Personal identity and professional voice

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In this episode of Trust Be Told, host Richard Roman sits down with Jo Newell, leadership strategist, executive coach, and Founder of Monday Strategies and Drop The Mic, to unpack what it really takes to build and sustain trust as a leader. Jo shares powerful insights on executive presence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of communication in cultivating organizational culture.

From being the first Black woman to lead the Orlando Regional Chamber to launching two impactful companies, Jo brings over 15 years of leadership experience to the table. Together, we explore how trust is earned daily, why authenticity is a game-changer in professional spaces, and how underrepresented leaders can thrive, not just survive, in executive roles.

Whether you're a manager, aspiring leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers actionable strategies for leading with confidence, communicating with impact, and building lasting trust in any environment.

In this week's episode, host Richard Roman sits down with Kyle Hagge, Chief of Staff to the CEO at Morning Brew Inc., to explore what it really takes to build and sustain trust in modern media and digital communities. Kyle shares his journey from AmeriCorps and civic tech to leading community initiatives at Morning Brew and eventually stepping into his current role as Chief of Staff.

Together, they discuss:

• How Morning Brew earned the trust of 4+ million subscribers.
• The difference between building an audience and building a community
• How digital media companies can use transparency, consistency, and tone to strengthen credibility
• What AI means for the future of content creation and human connection
• Lessons in leadership, psychological safety, and impostor syndrome in fast-paced environments

Kyle also reflects on his work with Bridge the City, a civic engagement podca cofounded in Milwaukee, and why local journalism may be the key to restoring trust in American institutions.

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a brand, or navigating your career path, this episode is packed with insights on trust, leadership, and the future of media.