Creating a Culture of Truth and Trust

“How do we create spaces where people feel empowered to use their voice, rather than pressured to exit—or worse, to conform?”

Annalisa Unfiltered

Truth as an Act of Resistance & Renewal

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a deep discomfort about the state of things—our world, our country, our workplaces, even our conversations. I find myself wondering: When did we stop insisting on truth? On accountability? On showing up for ourselves and each other with intentionality? These questions are as much for me as for anyone else.

It seems we’re living in a time where power is consolidating, truth is becoming optional, and “going with the flow” feels like the default. Major tech companies sidestep fact-checking. Workplaces require conformity. Individuals wait for a different shoe to drop. And with every quiet compromise, we drift further from the values that truly sustain communities: accountability, authenticity, and intentionality.

When organizations face challenges—like declining morale or cultural shifts—people respond differently. Some stay and push for change; others leave and chart new paths. During my doctoral studies, I delved into Albert Hirschman’s Exit, Voice, and Loyalty, a powerful framework for understanding how people navigate tension between their values and environments. It’s a lens I can’t stop thinking about: How do we create spaces where people feel empowered to use their voice, rather than pressured to exit—or worse, to conform?

What would it look like if we chose a different path? If we led our businesses, communities, and lives with intentionality? If we became the kind of people who insist on truth—not as a weapon, but as an invitation for others to show up fully and honestly too?

Click here to learn how to engage truth not as a way to call out, but as a way to call in.

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On Our Playlist

Reflections on Building a Legacy

As we step into a new year, I’ve been reflecting on how respect and integrity can bridge even the deepest divides. A moment from Jimmy Carter’s funeral that stood out to me was hearing Gerald Ford’s son share his father’s eulogy for Carter. The two men, once fierce rivals, had agreed to speak at each other’s funerals. Their friendship began during a conversation on a flight where they discovered common ground and mutual respect. It’s a profound reminder of what statesmanship—and humanity—can look like when dignity leads the way.

In Our Toolkit

How to Build a Culture of Truth

Creating a culture where truth is welcomed and understood requires deliberate actions from everyone—not just leaders. Truth, honesty, and accountability thrive only when psychological safety is prioritized.

Whether you're leading a team or contributing as a member, here's how you can foster psychological safety and create a culture of truth.

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What I Wish I Knew

The Power of Naming Your Values

Ever felt that nagging sense that something at work just doesn’t sit right? Maybe you’ve chalked it up to stress or a tough project, but the discomfort lingers. That feeling might be your values trying to get your attention.

What I wish I’d known earlier is how powerful it is to name your values. Without that clarity, it’s easy to dismiss these moments as just part of the job. But in reality, they often point to a deeper misalignment. The unease you feel when decisions prioritize profit over people or when collaboration takes a backseat to competition isn’t random—it’s a signal.

Your values are the lens through which you see the world. They shape your priorities, your relationships, and your definition of success. Yet many of us haven’t taken the time to articulate them. Without that foundation, it’s easy to feel lost when something doesn’t align.

Start by naming your values. Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. If you’re unsure where to begin, I’ve created a simple resource on the Connection Collaborative website to guide you. Knowing your values makes it easier to identify when something feels wrong—and gives you the confidence to act in alignment with what you believe.

If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Pause. Reflect. Your values might be trying to tell you something—and listening could be the first step toward building a career (and life) that feels authentic and fulfilling.

Connection in Action

Dignity Index

At the heart of the Dignity Index lies a bold and vital mission: to elevate the national discourse and foster a culture of dignity in public dialogue. The Dignity Index is a powerful resource that evaluates the tone and impact of public rhetoric, working to replace division and contempt with understanding and respect.

We are honored to partner with Dignity Index in advancing this transformative work. Together, we’ve developed strategies that amplify their mission and build critical support for their efforts. From crafting their case for support to identifying and soliciting potential funders, we’ve worked closely to position Dignity Index for long-term sustainability and growth.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to support Dignity Index in its emerging priorities, including the groundbreaking Dignity AI project and initiatives to bring dignity-focused programming to K-12 schools.

Working with Dignity Index has been a privilege and an inspiration. Together, we are building a foundation for a more empathetic and unified future—one conversation, one connection, and one step toward dignity at a time.

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