Episode 7

2.7 Trust is Currency! How to lead when trust is broken.

Published on: 14th April, 2026

Summary: In this powerful episode, Nick and Jeremy explore the foundational element of any successful organization: Trust. They dive into why a lack of trust acts as a total stop for progress and provide a blueprint for both establishing initial trust and restoring it once it has been broken. Drawing from the wisdom of Henry Cloud and Patrick Lencioni, they tackle real-world scenarios of theft, character failure, and the essential distinction between biblical forgiveness and organizational restoration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Foundation of Results: Using Lencioni’s pyramid to show that trust is the mandatory starting point for accountability and results.
  • The Five Essentials of Trust: A checklist to determine if a person—or a leader—should be trusted: Understanding, Motive, Ability, Character, and Track Record.
  • Forgiveness vs. Trust: Understanding that while we are called to forgive everyone, trust must be earned back through a season of changed patterns.
  • The "But" Rule: Why any excuse or blameshifting in an apology completely nullifies the owner's attempt at reconciliation.
  • New Rules for Safety: Just like the NFL, broken trust requires "new rules" and boundaries to prevent further injury and build a safe pathway forward.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Trust by Dr. Henry Cloud.
  • The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
  • The Assignment Manifesto.

The "First Strike" Challenge: Take full ownership of one violation of trust this week. Do it without excuses, without "but" statements, and with the humility to submit to the path of restoration determined by the person you hurt. Stop managing your reputation and start building your character.

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About the Podcast

Leading Forward
Leadership through the Lens of Faith
Nick Edwards & Jeremy Prather discuss life, leadership, and business through the lens of faith.

About your host

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Nick Edwards

Nick Edwards isn’t just an executive coach. He’s a mission-driven builder of people, purpose, and legacy. With two decades of leadership experience across business and ministry, he’s helped leaders untangle complexity, implement scalable systems, and return to the core of who they are.
Through My Leadership Coach, 410 Consulting Group, and his nonprofit IMPACT320, Nick is equipping this generation of leaders to lead with clarity, conviction, and courage.
Because the world doesn’t just need more companies.
It needs more aligned leaders building what matters.