Episode 9- Be It Resolved: Trust is a zero-sum game

Published July 22, 2025
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Trust in business is no longer a soft skill—it’s a strategic imperative. In this episode of Be It Resolved, host Rahul Bhardwaj sits down with Bruce MacLellan, Founding President of the communications consultancy Proof Strategies, and Kathleen McGinn, co-founder of TrustLab. This discussion explores why trust is not just the foundation of strong relationships but the lifeblood of effective corporate governance, culture, and performance.

From the boardroom to the front lines, today’s leaders must understand what truly drives trust—and how to build it. Bruce and Kathleen unpack a working definition of trust grounded in vulnerability and introduce the ABI framework—Ability, Benevolence, and Integrity—as a practical lens for leadership.

Together, they examine why trust must be built from the inside out, how it can be measured, and what happens when it breaks down. Learn how trust reduces friction, strengthens collaboration, and enables better decision-making—because when trust is strong, organizations thrive. When it’s not, everything is at risk.

Be it resolved: Trust is a zero-sum game—when the pressure is on, which way will YOU vote?

For more information on Proof Strategies, please visit their website.

To learn more about Trustlab, please visit their website.

Podcast Transcript

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Host

Host

Rahul K. Bhardwaj

LL.B, ICD.D

President and Chief Executive Officer

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Guests

Guests

Bruce Maclellan

Founding President and Chair of Proof Strategies
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Guests

Kathleen McGinn

Chair of Rugby Canada and Co-Founder of Trustlab
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