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.

By 2027, most Americans will have a younger boss, yet businesses remain fixated on youth. In this episode, Chip Conley—hospitality entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of the Modern Elder Academy—joins Jackie Cooper, Global Chief Brand Officer at Edelman, to challenge outdated perceptions of aging. They discuss the power of experience in leadership, why brands must recognize older consumers’ economic influence, and how shifting one’s mindset on aging can add seven years to life. From ‘age fluidity’ to becoming a midlife activist, Conley makes the case for valuing wisdom over youth—because it’s not about being youthful, it’s about being useful.



About Edelman’s Longevity Lab: 



https://www.edelman.com/expertise/longevity-lab



About Dove’s Beauty Never Gets Old campaign: 



https://adage.com/creativity/work/aging-has-never-looked-better-doves-ad-celebrating-67-years-its-beauty-bar/2573526

Kate Ryder, Founder and CEO of Maven, sits down with Justin Blake, Executive Director of the Edelman Trust Institute at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. Kate talks about her first experience at Davos this week, why she founded Maven Clinic, and how transparency and clarity in health care can build trust. “We have to work with the system, not against it, to create systemic change,” Kate says. 

Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999-2008, sits down with Kirsty Graham, Edelman’s U.S. CEO, at the 25th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. They discuss the on-the-ground reactions to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, how the Covid pandemic impacted trust in institutions and information, and what government leaders need to do to allay grievance throughout society. “To build trust, you have to ensure policies are inclusive, that there’s a stake for everyone in society, and that you’re not going to leave people behind,” Rt. Hon. Clark says.

Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, CEO Editor at Semafor, sits down with Justin Blake, Executive Director of the Edelman Trust Institute, at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Andrew, who has attended meetings since 2007, gives tips for navigating Davos and shares what’s top of mind for business leaders at this year’s meeting. “Companies are starting to think, ‘Maybe we can’t tune out all of our critics […] Are there areas where we can diffuse some of this anger?'” he says.  

Nora Denzel and David Kenny, former executives and current leaders of the boards of AMD and Best Buy, respectively, join Sat Dayal, Managing Director of Technology at Edelman, for a conversation on how boards can establish and develop tech oversight. The pair co-chaired the NACD’s 2024 Blue Ribbon Commission on the topic. Nora and David discuss instituting self-governance principles, thinking ahead on how tech can change the way businesses operate, and keeping an open mind in order to stay on the cutting edge. “With technology, you need to move from being a know-it-all to a learn-it-all,” David says. 



Read the full NACD report on technology leadership in the boardroom: https://www.nacdonline.org/all-governance/governance-resources/governance-research/blue-ribbon-commission-reports/BRC/2024/tech-leadership-in-the-boardroom/

David Simas, the Managing Director of Research and Impact at Emerson Collective, joins Justin Blake, Executive Director of the Edelman Trust Institute, to discuss takeaways from the U.S. presidential elections and other elections around the world for all brand, business, and media leaders. They cover the forces at play in this year’s elections, determining the best messenger for the message you are communicating, and the increasing importance of deeply understanding your audience. “In a fragmenting media ecosystem where people can select and sort their consumption in any way they want, the nuance that you need to bring in terms of audience determination is much more refined,” David says.