Monday Mindset: Building A Trust Mindset

As we step into a new year, we’re reflecting on what’s ahead for WEBB Squared and YOU – our entrepreneurs. From shifting political landscapes to the uncertainty many people are feeling, it’s clear that we live in times of great change. But, as we look forward to 2025, we know that the path to progress will require something fundamental: trust.

At WEBB Squared, we’ve made “trust” the focal point of our theme this year: “With Trust, We Bridge the Gap; With Equity, We Move Forward.” It’s a simple statement, but trust is not always as straightforward as it sounds. When it comes to building businesses, particularly for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, trust plays a pivotal role in overcoming systemic barriers — the kind that have been shaped by history, policy, and culture.

One of our guideposts for the work we do at WEBB, is the 2022 Chatham County Minority Entrepreneur and Small Business Needs Assessment Report, commissioned by the Chatham County Commissioners and conducted by the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. It’s a fascinating read and highlights some startling truths about the challenges that minority entrepreneurs face. One of the most telling findings? A significant racial divide in business ownership – and it turns out that a large part of the reason behind this gap is a deep-seated distrust of government and support organizations, especially in historically marginalized communities.  You can read the report HERE.

Stephanie and I have seen this firsthand in our work – and that’s why we are creating a new series of podcasts on trust and cultivating a trust mindset.  In our first episode – Stephanie shares a story of moving to Chatham County and navigating the local government small business systems and being met with skepticism as she worked the system to get proper licensing and permits for her catering business.  The whole process and experience left her feeling deflated and wondering “Is this what it’s like for other Black entrepreneurs here?”

Listen and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to hear additional podcasts. You can also listen wherever you get your podcasts. The WEBB Remedy Podcast.

This feeling of distrust isn’t just personal; it’s historical. Chatham County, like many other places in the U.S., carries a legacy of racial tension that goes back to the Jim Crow era. This history still affects the way Black and Brown communities engage with systems today, and it’s this very distrust that often stands in the way of opportunity. If we don’t acknowledge the weight of this history, we risk perpetuating it — keeping the unconscious forces at play that hinder progress.

So, we think about trust – and remind ourselves how powerful trust really is. In our work at WEBB Squared, we’re committed to building a “living ecosystem of support” for entrepreneurs of color, helping them bridge the gap between their businesses and the resources that could help them thrive. Trust is the foundation for this ecosystem. Without trust, these barriers remain, and opportunities are missed.

But here’s the thing — trust isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s not some elusive, soft concept. It’s a mindset. Trust can be built, restored, and grown. And when we do, we not only improve our relationships, but we also open the doors to collaboration, productivity, and innovation. We create spaces for new ideas, partnerships, and the sharing of resources.

Stephanie has often said that it’s the unseen forces that have the most power over us, and trust is one of those forces. If we don’t consciously build it, we’ll continue to feel its absence in the form of isolation, low morale, and missed opportunities. In our communities, distrust can prevent people from asking for help, delegating, or working together — all of which are essential for business success.

That’s why we’re focusing on cultivating a trust-centered mindset in everything we do. And we’re not just talking about trust as a vague concept. We’re diving into the practical, actionable steps you can take to build and restore trust, both in your business relationships and within your community.

If you’re feeling uncertain about the future, remember that trust is something you can create — not just for yourself, but for those around you. When we trust in each other, we open up pathways to growth, equity, and shared success.

Reflection questions to ponder:

1. How does the theme “With Trust, We Bridge the Gap; With Equity, We Move Forward” resonate with your personal or professional experiences?
2. In what ways have you observed or experienced the impact of historical distrust on minority entrepreneurship in your community?
3. What are some unconscious biases or beliefs you’ve recognized in yourself or others that might hinder trust-building in your personal or professional settings?
4. How has distrust manifested in your own business experiences or those you’ve observed? What were the consequences?

Need to talk about your business or any matters of mindset?

Stephanie’s calendar link:  Book a 30 Minute-Meeting | Book a 60 Minute-Meeting
Rinnie’s calendar link: Book a 30 Minute meeting | Book a 60 minute meeting