In this episode of Revenue Insights, host Adam Roberts sits down with Greg Leos, Payments Division Leader at Weave, to examine the growing trust gap between employers and employees and why it’s become a business-critical challenge for leaders in today’s workplace. With employee engagement at a decade-low and corporate leadership facing unprecedented scrutiny, Greg draws on more than 20 years of global revenue leadership to unpack how authentic relationships, transparent communication, and trust-based cultures directly fuel revenue growth.

He dives into why traditional employee surveys fail to measure trust, how to balance high performance expectations with genuine respect, and the metrics that truly matter when building a culture people want to stay in. From creating environments where top performers thrive to aligning trust with business outcomes, Greg offers a pragmatic roadmap for leaders seeking to drive retention, accountability, and sustainable results.

Whether you’re a revenue leader navigating high turnover, an executive aiming to align culture with profitability, or an employee striving to build stronger workplace connections, this episode delivers actionable strategies for turning trust into a measurable growth driver in today’s competitive business landscape.

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[08:01] The Trust-Revenue Connection
Greg Leos reveals that with only 31% employee engagement globally, organizations face a critical challenge in retaining top talent and maintaining revenue growth. The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer shows a shocking 21% increase in worker distrust toward corporate leaders, exceeding even distrust in government and media. This breakdown in trust directly impacts revenue, as losing key performers (who often generate 80% of revenue) can devastate business outcomes. Leaders must prioritize building authentic relationships and creating environments where employees feel valued and heard. Building trust isn't just about perks or compensation - it requires consistent, respectful leadership that acknowledges both successes and failures appropriately.

[12:02] Building Real Culture Beyond Gimmicks
Leaders must move beyond superficial perks like free lunches and focus on creating genuine respect-based cultures. The modern workforce, especially Gen Z and millennials, demands flexibility, clear career paths, and meaningful work over traditional office perks. Effective leaders need to master the art of listening more than talking, truly understanding what their employees want and need. Creating psychological safety where employees can voice concerns and share feedback openly is essential for building lasting trust. Regular, authentic communication and demonstrated respect yield better results than flashy office amenities.

[25:44] Strategic Hiring for Trust
Employee engagement starts with the interview process, not day one of employment, making hiring practices crucial for building trust. Poor candidate experiences like ghosting and lengthy interview cycles immediately damage trust before employment begins. Leaders should streamline their hiring process with clear communication about expectations and role requirements. Creating transparency around what success looks like helps candidates understand if they're truly a fit for the organization. This approach ensures new hires start with trust and enthusiasm rather than skepticism.

[28:53] The Employee's Role in Trust Building
Employees must recognize that trust is a two-way street and take ownership of their "20 square feet" - their immediate sphere of influence. While demanding respect from leadership is valid, employees need to show up with less cynicism and more proactive engagement. Strong work ethic doesn't mean burnout, but rather taking initiative and demonstrating leadership through behavior regardless of position. The most successful employees understand they operate in a capitalist environment where results matter, while still maintaining healthy boundaries. Recognition of good leadership through direct feedback helps reinforce positive leadership behaviors and strengthens trust relationships.