Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation for speed, clarity, and results.

Over the last eight weeks, we’ve made rapid progress on Reflekta. Two dozen people across engineering, voice, ethics, design, and partnerships—each contributing with purpose and precision. Momentum like this doesn’t just happen.

As Stephen M. R. Covey wrote in The Speed of Trust,
“When trust goes up, speed goes up and cost goes down.”

I’ve lived it. And I’ve led with it.

Trusting Yourself First

Before you can build trust with others, you have to start with yourself.

When you know what you’re good at—and trust that knowledge—you move differently. You act with less friction and more conviction. That’s how I’ve approached this project.

I trusted the vision. I trusted my instincts. I trusted my ability to bring the right people together and get out of their way.

Trust in the Team

The real magic happens when you trust the people around you.

We set a clear direction for Reflekta, then let each person run with their part. Writers wrote. Engineers built. Voice actors brought nuance. Designers brought warmth.

Trust means fewer check-ins and more breakthroughs. It means knowing someone will deliver—not because you’re watching, but because they care.

A Legacy of Trust

Five people on this team have worked with me for over 25 years.

We started with MoneyHunt, surfed through the wild dot-com era, and even paddled across Long Island Sound for charity.

When you’ve collaborated that long, you know not just what someone can do—but how they’ll do it. You trust their temperament, their timing, and their intent.

That’s a rare and beautiful thing.

Our Secret Weapon

Trust isn’t sentimental. It’s strategic.

It’s what lets a small team punch above its weight. It’s what makes quick pivots feel graceful instead of chaotic.

Trust is our engine. Our secret weapon.
And as Covey says, it multiplies everything else.

So if you’re building something—or rebuilding something—start with trust.

Then get to work.

FAQs: What the Speed of Trust Looks Like in Action

What is “The Speed of Trust”?
A leadership concept from Stephen M. R. Covey that shows how trust increases speed and reduces cost in organizations and relationships.

How do you know if a team has trust?
You feel it in the flow. Less second-guessing, fewer roadblocks, more autonomy and momentum.

What helps build trust in a team?
Clarity, consistency, and follow-through. Start small. Deliver. Repeat.

Is trust really faster than control?
Yes. Control takes time and energy. Trust lets people act faster—and smarter.

Can trust be rebuilt if lost?
Absolutely. It takes time, truth, and a few earned wins. But it’s worth the effort.

About the Author
Miles Spencer is a multi-exit founder, investor, and storyteller. He writes about legacy, leadership, and the quiet power of long-term trust.