The TrustMakers

Stephen Kehoe, EVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, PepsiCo, joins Justin Blake, Executive Director of the Edelman Trust Institute, at the World Economic Forum in Davos for a conversation on trust, leadership, and global responsibility. Drawing on findings from the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, they discuss why trust is increasingly earned locally, how multinational companies balance global scale with local credibility, and what it means for business to broker trust amid economic pressure, misinformation, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Emmy Award–winning storyteller, corporate CMO and The Longest Table movement co-founder Maryam Banikarim joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper to discuss why trust is increasingly built at the hyperlocal level. They explore how real-world connection, participation, and shared purpose are helping communities rebuild trust, what leaders can learn from grassroots movements, and why grace, vulnerability, and human connection matter more than control in today’s divided world.

Andrew Ng, founder of Coursera and Deeplearning.AI, joins Edelman CEO Richard Edelman to discuss what it will take to build trust in artificial intelligence at scale. They explore how AI is moving from experimentation to everyday use, why media narratives and sensational headlines have led to public fear and misunderstanding of AI, and how leaders can ensure AI innovation delivers real value for stakeholders. 

Digital creator Stewart Reynolds – aka “Brittlestar” – joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper to explore how creators build trust in an era of constant reinvention. They discuss why humor and authenticity outperform traditional advertising, how creators over the age of 50 are redefining influence, and what brands can learn from the deep audience trust that powers … Continue reading "Stewart “Brittlestar” Reynolds on Trust, Humor, and Staying Relevant "

World Economic Forum’s Daniel Dobrygowski joins Edelman’s Sat Dayal to discuss the global trust gaps highlighted in the new Edelman Trust Barometer Flash Poll on AI. They look at what past technology shifts can teach us about building trust in AI today, why cultural experiences shape enthusiasm and skepticism, and how leaders can help people … Continue reading "World Economic Forum’s Daniel Dobrygowski on What It Takes to Trust AI"

Benedict Evans, a renowned technology analyst and advisor, sheds light on the transformative impact of AI on work and trust. He discusses how AI's adoption varies globally, with surprising enthusiasm in countries like Brazil and China. Evans highlights the invisibility of transformative tech and its role in streamlining tasks such as translation and content creation. He warns companies to approach AI thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems while fostering trust among peers, akin to past debates over calculators.

Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation, joins Edelman’s Richard Edelman to discuss how one of the world’s most visited platforms has maintained trust in an era of misinformation, polarization, and AI-generated content. Drawing from his new book, “The Seven Rules of Trust,” Jimmy shares lessons on transparency, neutrality, and purpose.

Katie Williams, US Chief Marketing Officer at Haleon, joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper to explore how trust in health is evolving as consumers take more control of their well-being. Katie shares how Haleon is meeting people where they are – across social platforms, AI-enabled tools, and new health journeys like GLP-1 use – while staying rooted … Continue reading "Haleon US CMO Katie Williams on Making Health More Human"

Tom Wilson, Chair, President, and CEO of Allstate, shares insights on the evolving concept of trust, highlighting the shift from national institutions to local communities. He discusses how Allstate's initiatives foster neighborly connections and the significance of community engagement. Tom emphasizes that optimism drives trust and risk-taking, and addresses the impact of AI on jobs. He advocates for businesses to balance shareholder responsibilities with societal contributions, arguing for corporate leadership that prioritizes community improvement.

Zach Gottlieb, founder of Talk With Zach, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to explore how Gen Z is redefining conversations around mental health, social connection, and trust. Zach shares how his platform empowers young people to speak openly about emotions and challenges, and reflects on the opportunities and risks of seeking advice on social media and … Continue reading "Gen Z 2.0: Zach Gottlieb on Mental Health, AI, and Connection"