In a world that feels more uncertain every day, trust is what keeps people, communities, and societies working together. Rachel Botsman, renowned thought leader on trust and author of How to Trust and Be Trusted, joins us at The Conduit for an illuminating conversation moderated by Helen Barrett, Financial Times columnist and expert on workplace dynamics.

Together, Rachel and Helen will delve into why trust is so essential—how it changes behavior, shapes cultures, and fosters open communication to solve problems. Drawing on real-world examples, they will unpack the dynamics of trust: how it is built, broken, and repaired, and why it is a cornerstone of strong connections and meaningful progress.

Speakers:

Rachel Botsman is a leading expert on trust in the modern world. She is the author of two critically acclaimed books, What’s Mine is Yours and Who Can You Trust?, that have been translated into 14 languages. Her writings on trust have been widely published in the Guardian, Financial Times, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and Wired. Through her popular newsletter, Rethink with Rachel, she engages with a community of over 85,000 subscribers every week. On top of this, Rachel is an experienced broadcaster hosting the BBC series Money, Money, Money as well as her own podcast called Rethink Moments in which she challenges different cultural ideas and events with the help of experts in the specific field.

Helen Barrett is a London-based writer and editor specializing in art, design, architecture, fashion, and culture. A former Financial Times journalist and editor of the House & Home section, she now writes for the FT, The Telegraph, The Spectator, and more. Her work includes in-depth features on topics like London’s invented place names and Sydney Modern’s architects, as well as sharp reviews of books and music. An experienced interviewer, Helen has spoken with cultural figures such as Norman Foster, Es Devlin, and Peter Saville. She is also a director of the London Modern festival.