Trust Transparency Defined

November 7, 2017

Trust means different things to different people. When it is mentioned, it can automatically conjure images of a specific person, such as a parent or spouse. It can be applied equally to personal relationships and business transactions. Some people relate trust to honesty, while others relate it to reliability and certainty. Depending on the person or circumstance, trust can be any of those … or it can be all of those. That is because the trust we bestow on someone or something is personal and based on our experiences, expectations, and beliefs. There are many factors to take into consideration, including the role the person or entity plays in our lives.

Trust is often a vague concept, but since the moment we were born, it’s existent throughout our entire lives. I define trust as a belief that things are and will be as promised. Trust provides us with confidence in people, products, and services and reflects upon their integrity, effectiveness, and the level of assurance we have in them. Trust is our perception of the delivery of a promise, whether it’s a commitment from a loved one or an expectation between employer and employee.

Trust can be spoken or unspoken. It can be expressed in the form of a signature on a legal contract or in the transfer of money in exchange for a service. Past generations used a handshake as a signal of trust, signifying a binding agreement and promise to deliver. Trust wasn’t visible when the deal was sealed, but the relationship and agreement formed would have been impossible without it. It’s important to note that trust isn’t always visible. It’s an intangible element in our lives that, like running water, is taken for granted until the well runs dry. Unfortunately, by that time, the damage has been done, which is why I’m an advocate for making trust transparent and proactive, rather than reactive. Just like a car requires maintenance to avoid costly repairs that result from neglect, making trust a visible priority in personal and business relationships can prevent damage to a reputation or public perception that could be costly, if not insurmountable. As I stated earlier, in life and in business, at some point our very survival will rely solely on trust.

Like a handshake that seals a promise, transparency is the vehicle by which trust is communicated. In this sense, I do not mean that everything should be openly shared with everyone. For example, there is no benefit in telling someone that you really don’t like their new hairstyle or, worse, “yes, dear, those jeans do make you look fat.” For our purposes, transparency means to share as much as possible and do no harm. Transparency is the open disclosure of information that needs to be known in order to prevent a violation of trust.

Trust and transparency are two words that have been part of our vocabulary forever. But my goal is to introduce a new term and definition—trust transparency. Let’s remove the ampersand! Let’s delete the “and” entirely to create a new concept that will enrich all of our business interactions, communications, and relationships.

Why?

Because I’ve found that together, trust and transparency are exponentially larger than they are individually. The synergy of the two concepts combined into one thought process is incredibly advantageous to our professional and personal success.

Panera Bread recently published a “No No List” of ingredients as a commitment to making their food 100% clean. The list includes over 80 artificial ingredients, preservatives, sweeteners, flavors and colors they will not allow in their pantry or food. Panera is working hard to achieve an increased level of consumer trust through the use of transparency. More companies should follow their lead.

By taking trust and making it visible, we have the ability to improve our relationships, sales, consumer confidence, and, ultimately, the reputation that follows us wherever we go.

In good health,

Scott Steinford, Managing Partner, Trust Transparency

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Lori Diez

Lori Diez combines compassion and excellence to lead organizations to their next level. A small-town Texas childhood taught her the value of hard work and relationships, which she uses to foster teamwork that brings results that have transformed cultures and programs to their highest potential. Her successful career in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales leadership and event hosting has prepared her to deliver results as the COO of TrustTransparency, where she uses her industry knowledge to ensure that the company’s operations run smoothly as they support nutraceutical companies in their mission to help others. Lori’s passion for charity reflects her belief that individuals working together can change the world, no matter how small their contribution to the effort. This year, she looks forward to continuing over a decade of service at the Houston Livestock Show And Rodeo, where she will be the Chairman of the Livestock Committee.

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Glynnda Steinford

Glynnda Steinford, Trust Transparency Consulting’s Director of Customer Relations, brings over four decades of healthcare experience to her vital role in client engagement and relationship building. Her diverse background spans from administering medical groups to impactful stints in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sales, all underlined by her degree in Healthcare Administration.

At the heart of Glynnda’s work is her talent for nurturing long-term connections, a skill she leverages to enhance client experiences and partnerships within the consultancy. Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys life’s simple pleasures, whether it’s her love for cats and cooking or her ventures into golf, always prioritizing cherished moments with family and friends. Her personal interests echo the dedication and warmth she extends in her professional network, making her an invaluable asset to the team.

Caiti Dowden

Caiti Dowden stands as a crucial pillar at Trust Transparency Consulting, bringing invaluable insight and expertise to her role as Senior Executive Assistant’ since her start in 2018. With an academic background from Sam Houston University and a career shift from education to the nutraceutical sphere in 2010, Caiti has cultivated a sharp acumen for dissecting industry trends and bolstering strategic decision-making.

Her transition from Data Analyst reflects her growth and deep understanding of the business landscape. Caiti’s commitment goes beyond professional excellence; she thrives on balance, drawing from her rich life outside of work to enhance her organizational contributions. Whether it’s family time, volunteering, or rooting for Houston’s sports teams, she believes in embracing experiences to fuel her professional creativity and insight.

In her current role, Caiti’s dedication to dynamic business analysis and operational support proves her to be an irreplaceable asset to our team, embodying the synergy of personal enrichment and professional success.

Pam Hilpert

Pam Hilpert, Chief of Staff at Trust Transparency Consulting, has been instrumental in the firm since its inception, leveraging her 17 years of accounting experience, including a significant tenure in the nutrition sector. Her collaboration with Scott Steinford spans various successful ventures, emphasizing her integral role in the company’s financial and strategic initiatives.

An alumnus of Sam Houston State University, Pam holds degrees in both Business Administration and Accounting, as well as an MBA, adding academic heft to her practical industry insights. Beyond her professional prowess, Pam is passionate about family, enjoys live music, delves into quilting, and volunteers at her church, reflecting her well-rounded life.

Her multifaceted expertise and longstanding dedication make Pam a cornerstone of Trust Transparency Consulting’s operational strength and team unity.

Scott Steinford

Scott Steinford, a trailblazer in strategic leadership, boasts a certified M&A background, having navigated companies from their genesis to industry prominence. His brainchild, Trust Transparency Consulting, born in 2007, stands as a testament to his dedication to ethical business practices and strategic foresight, offering industry stakeholders invaluable guidance.

Beyond founding and steering companies, Scott has enriched the business landscape with his insightful keynotes and prolific written contributions, emphasizing his commitment to elevating industry standards. His executive tenure shines in roles as CEO or President of for-profits like ZMC-USA and Doctor’s Best, extending to significant contributions in non-profit sectors.

Notably, Scott’s influence is a driving force in the CoQ10 market, where his leadership has significantly bolstered the ingredient’s global presence. His roles in various capacities, including as a New Hope Ambassador, keep the community informed, providing in-depth industry reports and insights.

An active advocate within professional associations and an Editorial Advisor for leading industry publications, Scott’s expertise is both recognized and sought after. With academic roots in Pre-Law and a Master’s in Law, his journey transcends textbooks, embodying real-world business acumen and transformative leadership.

Scott Steinford merges visionary entrepreneurship with principled leadership, creating a legacy of innovation, growth, and unwavering commitment to industry excellence.