Masters in Trust

Noelle Mykolenko

Trust isn’t a "soft skill" - it’s the ultimate strategic advantage for driving top-line growth. In Master’s in Trust, Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates, explores the mechanics of high-stakes relationship building and organizational excellence. Through deep-dive interviews with industry leaders, the show reveals how to transform customer-facing talent into indispensable partners by moving beyond the transaction. Discover the science of the Trust Equation, the power of authentic alignment, and the proven strategies required to exceed goals through the foundation of credibility and intimacy. It is time to stop pitching and start building what matters most.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    The Stock Market Mistakes for New Investors to Stop Chasing Quick Money with Bill Nygren

    In this episode of Masters in Trust: Building What Matters Most, host Noelle Mykolenko sits down with Bill Nygren, Investment Manager at Harris Associates, to explore how long-term relationships, transparency, and shared principles have shaped a successful investment philosophy. Bill shares his journey from studying accounting and securities analysis to building a more than 40-year career at Harris Associates, where he helped launch the Oakmark Funds and grow the firm to approximately $100 billion in assets under management. The conversation explores how trust is built through clear communication, aligned incentives, and staying committed to principles even during market uncertainty. Bill explains why attracting the right clients, maintaining a long-term perspective, and prioritizing what is best for investors have been central to Harris Associates’ longevity and success. Expect to Learn:How long-term relationships and transparency create lasting trust with investorsWhy aligning investment philosophy with client expectations is critical for successHow clear communication helps clients navigate market volatility and uncertaintyWhy staying true to principles matters more than chasing short-term performanceHow shared incentives build stronger relationships between investors and fund managersWhat businesses can learn from Harris Associates’ approach to trust and customer relationships Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:[00:00] – Introduction to Bill Nygren’s background and journey into investment management[01:05] – Building a 40-year career at Harris Associates and the power of compounding relationships[04:06] – Creating a brand around value investing and defining what Oakmark stands for[05:32] – Building trust through communication, education, and shared long-term perspectives[07:28] – Aligning incentives by investing alongside clients and sharing the same outcomes[10:13] – Attracting the right clients and managing relationships through market volatility[14:29] – How trust-based communication reduces friction and strengthens client relationships[22:42] – Staying committed to principles during market downturns and investment challenges[31:14] – Helping clients overcome fear of missing out and stay focused on long-term goals[40:28] – The principle of doing what is right for clients and letting the business follow[45:49] – Transparency, uncertainty, and maintaining trust during the AI-driven market shift[49:54] – Closing reflections on building trust through authenticity and long-term relationships Connect with Guest, Bill Nygren: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-nygren-173605208/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harris-associates/Company’s Website: https://harrisassoc.com/ Connect with the Host, Noelle Mykolenko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellemykolenko/ More From the Trusted Advisor Associates: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trusted-advisor-associates/Website: http://www.trustedadvisor.com/

    The Stock Market Mistakes for New Investors to Stop Chasing Quick Money with Bill Nygren
  2. May 20

    AI Hiring Overload for HR Leaders to Restore the Human Element and Trust with Jo-Ann Feely

    In this episode of Master In Trust: Building What Matters Most, Noelle Mykolenko is joined by Jo-Ann Feely, Chief Innovation Officer at AMS. With over 30 years of experience, Jo-Ann explores how AI and shifting skill demands are disrupting the talent acquisition landscape. The conversation delves into the evolving role of trust in recruitment, the impact of technology on hiring practices, and the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building lasting relationships. Jo-Ann offers valuable insights into navigating the complexities of modern hiring and the importance of maintaining human connection amidst the rise of AI. Key Takeaways:Speeds up processes like screening and scheduling, but can’t replace human connection in decision-making.AI-driven applications are weakening trust between candidates and employers, making it harder to identify quality talent.Openness and authenticity help create stronger, more meaningful recruitment relationships.Roles must evolve to balance automation with human skills to attract and retain top talent. Episode Timestamps:[01:38] Introduction to Jo-Ann Feely and the role of trust in talent acquisition[02:30] Jo-Ann’s background and her journey in talent acquisition at Alexander Mann Solutions[05:00] The evolution of talent acquisition and the growing role of AI[10:15] Impact of AI on candidate applications and managing high volumes[15:00] Balancing AI with the human element in hiring[22:00] The breakdown of the social contract between candidates and employers[28:00] The future of job design in an AI-driven landscape[33:00] Authenticity and vulnerability as key drivers of trust in recruitment[40:00] Practical advice for restoring trust in the hiring process[44:00] Final thoughts on rehumanizing recruitment and building trust Connect with Guest Jo-Ann Feely: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-ann-feely-3a0545/Company’s LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/weareams/Company’s Website: https://www.weareams.com/ Connect with the Host Noelle Mykolenko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellemykolenko/ More From the Trusted Advisor Associates: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trusted-advisor-associates/Website: http://www.trustedadvisor.com/

    AI Hiring Overload for HR Leaders to Restore the Human Element and Trust with Jo-Ann Feely
  3. May 13

    Trust-Building Skills for HR Consultants to Deepen Client Loyalty using Listening - Kathleen Dillon

    In this episode of Master In Trust: Building What Matters Most, host Noelle Mykolenko sits down with Kathleen Dillon to explore what trust really looks like in high-stakes consulting environments. The conversation challenges the common belief that trust is automatically present instead, Kathleen explains how it must be built intentionally through every interaction. Kathleen Dillon is the Managing Director at Herronpalmer, where she advises organizations on people strategy, HR benefits, and business performance. With a unique background that spans academia and HR technology, she brings deep expertise in consulting, client relationships, and navigating complex organizational challenges. Key Takeaways:Trust starts at zero and is built through consistent interactionsDeep listening helps uncover client needs beyond what is saidBeing honest builds more credibility than pretending to know everythingHuman judgment remains critical in complex and emotional situationsCuriosity and humility lead to better client outcomesA consistent and thoughtful process strengthens long term trust Episode Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to Kathleen Dillon[03:50] What Herron Palmer Does[05:58] Career Background and Journey into HR[07:34] The Human Side of Technology[08:59] AI vs Human Judgment[12:50] Defining Client Centricity[16:13] Building Trust with Clients[19:41] Career Lessons and Growth[21:55] Curiosity and Humility in Practice[24:11] Adaptability and Industry Change[28:15] Building a Trust Based Culture[31:28] Letting Go of Always Having the Answer[35:17] The Biggest Misconception About Trust Connect with the Guest Kathleen Dillon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dillonk/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/herronpalmerCompany’s Website: https://www.strategicnonmedicalsolutions.com/herronpalmer Connect with the Host Noelle Mykolenko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellemykolenko/ More From the Trusted Advisor Associates: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trusted-advisor-associates/Website: http://www.trustedadvisor.com/

    Trust-Building Skills for HR Consultants to Deepen Client Loyalty using Listening - Kathleen Dillon
  4. May 6

    Internal Trust for Customer Leaders to Drive Strategic Change with Charles Crowder

    In this episode of The Masters In Trust: Building What Matters Most Podcast, Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates, sits down with Charles Crowder, Head of Global Airline Partnerships, to unpack what trust really means in business, leadership, and client relationships. Charles brings over 35 years of experience across airlines, operations, and customer engagement, sharing hard-earned lessons on building trust from the inside out. The conversation goes beyond theory and dives into real leadership challenges, from inheriting long-standing teams to navigating major strategic shifts and handling difficult client conversations. Key Takeaways:Trust with clients starts from strong internal team alignment and leadership credibility.Great leaders listen first and act later to build a solid foundation.Clear communication of the “why” is essential to gain support and avoid resistance.Moving from execution to consultation elevates teams into strategic partners.Confidence and trust-both in yourself and your team-enable stronger relationships and smoother tough conversations. Episode Timestamps:[00:00] - Importance of trust in business and leadership [01:37] - Charles Crowder’s Background & Role at AR [04:02] - From Transactional to Consultative Strategy Shift [06:19] - Ownership and Accountability in Leadership [09:52] - The Importance of Explaining the “Why” [11:23] - Why Great Leaders Listen Before Acting [15:15] - Shifting Teams from Doers to Consultants [18:48] - Confidence Growth Through Trust-Based Leadership [20:02] - The Trust Spectrum in Long-Term Relationships [23:37] - The Power of Showing Up (Real-World Example) [27:28] - Closing Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Connect with Guest Charles Crowder: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-crowder-7287856/Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arc/ Connect with the Host Noelle Mykolenko: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellemykolenko/ More From the Trusted Advisor Associates: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/trusted-advisor-associates/ Website: http://www.trustedadvisor.com/

    Internal Trust for Customer Leaders to Drive Strategic Change with Charles Crowder

About

Trust isn’t a "soft skill" - it’s the ultimate strategic advantage for driving top-line growth. In Master’s in Trust, Noelle Mykolenko, CEO of Trusted Advisor Associates, explores the mechanics of high-stakes relationship building and organizational excellence. Through deep-dive interviews with industry leaders, the show reveals how to transform customer-facing talent into indispensable partners by moving beyond the transaction. Discover the science of the Trust Equation, the power of authentic alignment, and the proven strategies required to exceed goals through the foundation of credibility and intimacy. It is time to stop pitching and start building what matters most.