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 in science and humanity. She also discusses generational differences when it comes to health care, and how to support consumers at different phases of their lives.

Tom Wilson, Chair, President and CEO of Allstate, joins Edelman’s Richard Edelman to look at how trust in America is shifting from national institutions to local communities. Drawing on Allstate’s report, The Trust Tipping Point, and the Edelman Trust Barometer, Tom explains why neighbors and local networks inspire greater confidence than national leaders, and shares his thoughts on how businesses can step up to serve not only shareholders but society at large.

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 from AI.

Rachel Janfaza, writer and founder of The Up and Up, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping politics, culture, and the workplace. Rachel describes her influential theory of “Gen Z 1.0 vs. Gen Z 2.0,” exploring how social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political upheaval created two distinct sub-generations. She explains why young people feel both empowered and powerless, and how Gen Z’s demand for safety, security, and economic stability is shaping public trust.

Kelsey Russell, media literacy influencer and host of Kronikled, joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller to discuss Gen Z’s news consumption habits, what she values in brand partnerships, and why many people believe journalists purposely mislead them. Kelsey argues that journalists can rebuild trust by pulling back the curtain on how stories are created and being transparent about their sources.

Dr. Parag Khanna, global strategist and founder of AlphaGeo, joins Edelman’s Sat Dayal to explore how climate change, migration, and emerging technologies are redrawing the global map, and reshaping public trust. Parag breaks down his concept of “programmable geography,” and shares how data, design, and local adaptation can build resilience in an age of disruption. 

Cultural commentator and Creator Blakely Thornton joins Edelman’s Brooks Miller from Cannes Lions for a no-filter conversation on the evolution of influence and why consistency, humor, and honesty are his non-negotiables. Known for his Met Gala interviews and sharp takes on brand campaigns, Blakely shares how he carved out a trusted voice in a crowded space by staying unapologetically himself.

 Microsoft Consumer CMO Yusuf Mehdi and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles join Edelman’s Smita Reddy from Cannes Lions to discuss how AI, authenticity, and Gen Z are reshaping brand trust. From product innovation to personal expression, they look at what it means to build influence around shared values and vibrant communities, and discuss differentiation at a time when attention is fragmented.

A.G. Sulzberger, Publisher of The New York Times, joins Richard Edelman at Cannes Lions for a conversation on the role of journalism in rebuilding trust. They discuss the global rise of misinformation, the decline of local news, and why independent reporting remains essential to democracy. A.G. reflects on how The Times is adapting to new formats while staying rooted in truth, empathy, and accountability, and shares what he feels is the most underexamined construct in modern media.

Louise McEwen, CMO of McLaren Racing, joins Edelman’s Jackie Cooper at Cannes Lions to discuss how her brand builds emotional connection with fans, drives cultural relevance, and balances heritage with innovation. She reflects on the importance of instilling trust through inclusive experiences and a fan-first mindset, while always honoring the brand’s racing legacy.

Doug Martin, CMO of General Mills, joins Edelman’s Amanda Edelman to discuss how brands can stay personal in a fragmented digital world. He shares how General Mills is shifting from mass messaging to individualized experiences and using data and empathy to meet consumers where they’re at, especially in everyday moments like dinnertime. Doug emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand’s role, staying curious, and delivering real joy without performative action. 

Marcela “Mele” Melero, Chief Growth Officer of Dove Personal Care North America and Dove Masterbrand, joins Edelman’s Smita Reddy to explore the ways brands can stay relevant in the modern age. Mele discusses how Dove is shifting power from the brand to the people by widening the definition of beauty and adapting to societal shifts, such as the rise of AI. She reflects on her own career journey, the importance of taking risks, and how consistency and cultural relevance can drive lasting trust. 

Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, joins Edelman’s Justin Blake to explore the urgent challenges facing independent journalism in today’s volatile information landscape. From the rise of autocracies to the flood of online misinformation and the rapid evolution of AI, Antonio discusses how media organizations can uphold integrity, adapt to disruption, and cut through the noise. “We’re living in a post-truth society,” he says, emphasizing the need for credibility in modern journalism. 

Karthik Ramanna, Professor of Business & Public Policy at University of Oxford Blavatnik School of Government, sits down with Edelman’s Satyen Dayal to talk about his latest book, ‘The Age of Outrage’, and how business leaders can build trust amid an era of global societal grievance.  “You build trust by actually being able to do what you say you’ll do,” Karthik says. 

Angela Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, joins Edelman’s Alex Heath for a conversation on how nonprofits can be successful in today’s environment and the power of partnerships. “Trust is key, partnership is currency,” says Angela.

Amy Webb, CEO of Future Today Strategy Group, sits down with Edelman’s Brooks Miller to talk about her work as a quantitative futurist, the biggest threats facing institutions today, and how businesses and brands can improve their strategic foresight. “We all have agency…The future is not pre-determined and that is a good thing because it means we have the ability to shape it,” Amy says. 

Live from SXSW, this special episode of The TrustMakers features Mindy Barry, Global Vice President, Marketing – Mars Pet Nutrition, SHEBA® Brand, on how the popular cat food brand is turning purpose into action. Just announced, the “Reef Builders” documentary, presented by SHEBA, spotlights the inspiring stories of the people behind the Sheba Hope Grows™ program – part of one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration programs. Mindy shares her playbook for building authentic brand purpose—rooted in accountability, partnerships, and long-term impact. She explains why brands that embrace progress over perfection, and act with humility, will be the ones to earn consumer trust in the future.

Edelman’s Smita Reddy is joined by Roxy Young, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Reddit for a conversation about what makes Reddit a trusted source of information for so many and how brands can effectively leverage the platform to reach their consumers. “Reddit is the most human place on the internet,” Roxy says. 

Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, hosts Jim VandeHei, CEO and C-Founder of Axios, and interviews him about his book, ‘Just the Good Stuff’ and how the media and business leaders can build trust. 



First aired in May 2024.