Fault Lines

Richard Roman
  • 4.7 (9)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by Richard Roman, a PhD candidate in organizational leadership and trust strategist, the show translates research into actionable playbooks for senior leaders, consultants, and anyone navigating broken trust. Each episode features researchers, executives, and practitioners unpacking what actually works: workplace culture, team dynamics, institutional credibility, and civic trust. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe and start building trust where it matters most.

  1. From Burnout to Breakthrough

    6D AGO

    From Burnout to Breakthrough

    What happens when a successful career starts to feel hollow, and you actually do something about it? Jeremy Hannah spent 20 years in talent management and leadership development, advising Fortune 500 companies on culture transformation, talent strategy, and building people-centered organizations. Then burnout caught up with him. Instead of pushing through, he and his wife, Valerie, made an unconventional choice: they sold almost everything they owned and spent a year traveling to over 20 countries. That sabbatical became the foundation for Viante Talent Solutions, the executive coaching and consulting firm Jeremy now runs from Perth, Australia, the most remote major city on Earth. In this episode, we explore: The slow-burn warning signs of burnout (and why losing your curiosity is a red flag) What it takes to trust yourself enough to step away from a stable career How coaches build trust with skeptical executives in early sessions The difference between making someone uncomfortable vs. making them unsafe Why the "light switch moment" in coaching is the most rewarding—and hardest to manufacture Whether you're a senior leader rethinking your next chapter, an HR professional navigating talent strategy, or someone quietly wondering if a career break is worth the risk, this conversation offers a practical, honest look at what reinvention actually requires. Guest: Jeremy Hannah, ACC | Co-Founder, Viante Talent Solutions | viantetalent.com Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn @jeremybhannah | Instagram @jeremybhannah

    51 min

  2. MAR 31

    Why Knowing Better Doesn't Make Us Do Better

    Why do leaders invest in training and change nothing on Monday morning? The knowing-doing gap (the distance between what leaders know about good leadership and what they actually practice) is one of the most persistent problems in organizational life. In this solo deep-dive, Richard argues the gap isn't a training problem. It's a trust problem. Building on last week's Season 3 premiere with leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman, this episode pulls in peer-reviewed research on psychological safety, emotionally intelligent leadership, and organizational culture to explore why even the best leadership development programs fail to produce lasting change and what practitioners can do about it. The Big Idea: Organizations spend over $360 billion annually on leadership development, and 75% rate their own programs as not very effective. The research suggests the problem isn't what people learn; instead, it's whether their environment makes it safe enough to act on what they know. Fear-based cultures erode both interpersonal trust and self-trust, creating a feedback loop that no amount of training can break. Three Things You'll Learn: Why the knowing-doing gap is a trust and culture problem, not a knowledge problem, and what a 27,000-person study on psychological safety reveals about why it persists How leaders confuse positional authority with relational trust, and why that confusion starves teams of the safety they need to experiment and grow Four research-grounded principles practitioners can use to start closing the gap: treating the gap as diagnostic, reframing failure as data, auditing the distance between stated values and actual systems, and earning relational trust before expecting behavioral change. Trust for Thought: Think about the last time you knew the right move at work but didn't make it. Was the obstacle really knowledge, or was it something about your environment that made the cost of trying feel too high? Research and sources discussed: Jeffrey Pfeffer & Robert Sutton (The Knowing-Doing Gap), Amy Edmondson (psychological safety), Edmondson & Kerrissey (2024), Adam Grant (Think Again), Marcy Levy Shankman & Scott Allen (emotionally intelligent leadership), Gallup, Edelman Trust Barometer 2025.

    21 min
  3. Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence

    MAR 24

    Season 3 Premiere: The Trust Gap Between Authority and Influence

    Why do managers struggle to lead change even when they have authority? In this episode, leadership consultant Marcy Levy Shankman explains the critical difference between positional power and relational trust, and why confusing the two is the most common mistake new leaders make. You'll learn the confidence-comfort framework for closing the knowing-doing gap, how to build trust with remote teams, and how to recognize the warning signs of a fear-based organizational culture. Whether you're a new manager, senior leader, or HR professional, this conversation offers practical tools for building the kind of trust that turns compliance into commitment. Topics covered: leadership trust, authority vs. influence, emotional intelligence, organizational culture, team management, the knowing-doing gap, virtual team trust, psychological safety, fear-based culture, change management Key Takeaways Why positional authority doesn't equal leadership influence The confidence-comfort framework for team performance How to diagnose a fear-based workplace culture Two questions every manager should ask in one-on-ones Trust For Thought Ask someone on your team who's stuck: What would make you more confident that you could try this and recover if it doesn't work? What would make you more comfortable experimenting here? Resources Mentioned Emotionally Intelligent Leadership by Marcy Levy Shankman & Scott Allen Think Again by Adam Grant 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer (report) Connect Newsletter: Trust Be Told on Substack New episodes: Every Tuesday LinkedIn: Richard Roman

    56 min

  4. 12/04/2025

    Season 2 Finale: Trust, Change, and the People Who Hold Us Together

    In the Season Two finale, host Richard Roman looks back across the conversations that (on the surface) spanned wildly different worlds: medieval literature, organizational change, intuitive coaching, higher education, trauma-informed yoga, entrepreneurship, branding, and investigative journalism. But beneath these differences, one theme kept emerging: What do we do when the systems meant to help us are the ones causing harm? What is our role within those systems? Drawing from each guest’s story, Richard presents a narrative about trust, power, institutional design, self-leadership, and the courage required to “stay with the trouble,” borrowing Donna Haraway’s invitation to remain present with complexity rather than flee toward false hope or collapse into despair. The episode closes with three questions for listeners to carry into the new year: Which system in your life is “working as designed," but not designed for you? Who are your "oddkin," the people who help you stay with the trouble? What is one small relational action you can take this week to build trust where you are? Season Two ends with gratitude to the guests who trusted Richard with their stories and to the listeners who have journeyed through another season of this inquiry into trust. Season Three arrives in early 2026. Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper: 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack. ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel. 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod. 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!

    21 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    Inside the Admissions Committee: What Colleges Really Look For (Cross-Promoted)

    In this cross-published episode from You’ll Thank Us Later, Christine Wilson sits down with Richard for an open, clear-eyed conversation about the college application process, mainly what influences decisions, what applicants should prioritize, and how to navigate a system that often feels opaque or anxiety-inducing. Richard shares practical insights from his experience in admissions and his ongoing doctoral research on trust in higher education. Together, they explore: Why Early Decision is often misunderstood How admissions officers actually read applications and evaluate essays Which extracurriculars signal authentic engagement, and which ones don’t matter nearly as much as people think How institutional priorities shape outcomes more than “perfect” student profiles Why families should stop comparing their student to everyone else How public and private universities differ in mission, incentives, and evaluation What financial aid offices are really doing behind the scenes For parents, students, counselors, or anyone curious about how admissions decisions get made, this episode offers clarity, calm, and a more trustworthy pathway through a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. Note: This episode was originally recorded in June 2025.  Keywords college admissions, higher education, trust, financial aid, application strategy, essays, public vs. private universities, student success, education policy, parental guidance Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper: 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack. ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel. 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod. 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!

    57 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Where Identity Meets Strategy: Chris Endersby & Mickey Wilson, Co-Founders at Firestarter

    Richard sits down with Chris Endersby and Mickey Wilson of Firestarter Collective to explore how identity, differentiation, and trust come together to build meaningful brands and empowered entrepreneurs. Chris and Mickey share the story of how their contrasting professional backgrounds, from social work, academia, and leadership (Chris), to early entrepreneurship, design, and creative direction (Mickey), merged into the Firestarter approach. Their work blends commercial strategy, psychology, deep coaching techniques, and creative expression to help founders uncover what makes their business truly original. They discuss their signature DARE Formula (Differentiation, Authenticity, Resonance, Expression), why trust is always the invisible thread tying brand and behavior together, and how vulnerability, intuition, and clarity shape the strongest brands in B2B spaces. The conversation highlights the tension between creativity and structure, the value of disagreement, how to navigate trust deficits, and what happens when entrepreneurs stop trusting themselves.

    47 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Resilient Leadership: Balancing Skills in Times of Change | Reem Borrows, Dreem Coaching

    In this episode of Trust Be Told, Reem Borrows shares her journey from corporate leadership to executive coaching, where she founded Dreem Coaching and Consulting. She emphasizes the importance of heart-centered leadership, resilience, ethical growth, and self-awareness in shaping strong and trustworthy leaders. Reem reflects on her personal experiences as a Palestinian immigrant and how they influenced her identity, leadership style, and resilience. She highlights the dangers of stagnation in leadership, the value of balancing hard and soft skills, and the necessity of nurturing trust in organizations. The conversation also explores the power of storytelling to humanize leadership and freedom, concluding with insights from Unfollow the Leader (2026) and the responsibility of individuals to create meaningful change.  Takeaways Reem transitioned from corporate leadership to focus on heart-centered leadership. Values-driven strategies are key to fostering ethical growth. Personal experiences play a decisive role in shaping identity and resilience. Stagnation in leadership can limit innovation and growth. Self-awareness is essential for effective leadership and personal growth. Balancing hard and soft skills is critical to long-term leadership success. Human performance can often be optimized without additional resources. Trust in leadership is fragile and must be consistently nurtured and maintained. Storytelling can shift perspectives and resolve conflict. The responsibility for positive change rests with every individual leader. Trust For Thought  "I wanted to focus more on people." "Trust is incredibly fragile." "What is my responsibility?" Keywords leadership, heart-centered leadership, resilience, identity, executive coaching, ethical growth, self-awareness, human performance, organizational trust, diversity in leadership, storytelling in leadership, personal growth Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper: 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack. ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel. 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod. 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!

    49 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Why Higher Education Needs Student-Centered Reform | Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab

    In this episode of Trust Be Told, Sara Goldrick-Rab and Richard tackle the pressing issues of inequality and affordability in higher education. Sara shares her personal journey and insights into how public trust in education has shifted over time, raising questions about accessibility and equity across colleges and universities. The conversation highlights the vital role of community colleges, the importance of flexibility in education, and the need to prioritize student voices in shaping more equitable systems. Goldrick-Rab also advocates for a reimagined approach to higher education, one that emphasizes accessibility, lifelong learning, and student-centered reform. Takeaways Higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of background. Affordability is a central issue that directly impacts student success. Public trust in higher education is declining and must be rebuilt. Community colleges provide essential access and opportunities for diverse learners. The traditional college model is not representative of today’s student realities. Lifelong learning should be normalized and integrated into education policy. Listening to student voices is critical for understanding real challenges. Colleges must adapt to the changing landscape of work and technology. Increased funding and support are needed for community colleges and alternative pathways. Too often, institutions prioritize research funding over the needs of their students. Trust For Thought "This does not have to exist." "We can make college free." "We need to listen to students." Keywords higher education, affordability, inequality in education, community colleges, trust in education, public perception, lifelong learning, education policy, student support, higher education reform, accessibility in education, student success Stay Connected If this episode resonated with you, here are a few ways to stay connected and go deeper: 📩 Substack – Read essays and reflections that expand on each episode at Trust Be Told on Substack. ▶️ YouTube – Watch clips, shorts, and full conversations on the Trust Be Told YouTube channel. 📲 Instagram – Join the conversation and see behind-the-scenes stories at @trustedpod. 🌐 Website – Explore resources and download The Trust Toolkit at Trusted Arc Labs. And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen. Thank you for your support!

    58 min
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4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Fault Lines explores why trust breaks and how to rebuild it in organizations, leadership, communities, and public institutions. Hosted by Richard Roman, a PhD candidate in organizational leadership and trust strategist, the show translates research into actionable playbooks for senior leaders, consultants, and anyone navigating broken trust. Each episode features researchers, executives, and practitioners unpacking what actually works: workplace culture, team dynamics, institutional credibility, and civic trust. New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe and start building trust where it matters most.

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Roman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Fault Lines