Lead with Trust

A Relationship-Based Approach to Building Happier, More Connected Workplaces

Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
284 Pages
Reviewed on 06/11/2026
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Author Biography

Bart began his professional journey as a Human Resources Executive, rising through the ranks by mastering the art of unlocking human potential. With over 25 years of experience, he has led transformative initiatives that have reshaped organizational cultures, elevated leadership capabilities, and built high-performing teams. His work spans nimble startups to global enterprises, with over 100 organizations across a wide range of industries, where he delivers data-driven strategies paired with bold, people-centered innovation.
But Bart’s influence wasn’t meant to stay within the walls of the corporate world. Drawing on his deep HR expertise and natural ability to connect, he stepped onto the global stage as a public speaker—bringing his insight, passion, and energy to audiences worldwide.
His background in acting, combined with an education in human sciences, adds a unique edge to every engagement, allowing him to command attention and deliver with impact. Whether speaking to a packed auditorium or leading a hands-on workshop, Bart fuses humor, science, and authenticity into every experience. The result? Audiences walk away not just informed, but inspired and ready to act.
Contact Bart at Info@bartspencespeaks.com or visit his website: www.bartspencespeaks.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite

Lead with Trust by Bart Spence is a well-written book containing principles for building trust and positivity that readers, particularly business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, will find effective for cultivating a positive work environment. Spence begins by introducing the 9 principles of trust drawn from real-life experiences as an HR professional and coach, beginning with the need for leaders to adopt open and honest communication. However, this first principle involves other elements, including moral courage, which starts with identifying your core values, leading by example, and practicing active listening. While exploring the second principle, Spence emphasizes the impact of keeping promises, no matter how small, while ensuring promises are aligned with organizational goals. Other principles discussed are personal accountability, respect, and empathy, among others.

I found this book to be a powerful tool for transformation because, as I read, I could identify essential traits I have to develop to become an effective leader, and also pick out solutions to most of the challenges in my work team. The principles shared can significantly impact personal relationships with spouses, friends, and others beyond just the workplace. I commend the author for sharing personal stories and interaction with clients, which made this book more inspiring and attested to the effectiveness of the principles discussed. I loved the quotes and the call to action as they gave me time to reflect whilst reading. The writing is well-paced, organized, and easy to comprehend. Themes featured include leadership, effective communication, empathy, positive culture in the workplace, and more. I recommend Lead with Trust by Bart Spence to all business managers, executives, and those desiring both personal and professional growth.

Lenore E. Jonestown

*Lead with Trust: A Relationship-Based Approach to Building Happier, More Connected Workplaces* by Bart Spence is an insightful and refreshing leadership book that reminds readers of one of the most overlooked truths in modern business: trust is not a soft skill, it is the foundation upon which great leadership, strong teams, and sustainable success are built.

Drawing from more than two decades of leadership and human resources experience, Bart Spence delivers a practical framework that moves beyond leadership theory and into real-world application. Through engaging storytelling, relatable examples, humor, and authentic lessons learned throughout his career, he demonstrates how meaningful relationships can transform workplace culture and elevate organizational performance.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its accessibility. Rather than relying on complicated management models or corporate jargon, Spence focuses on everyday actions that create trust over time. His emphasis on keeping promises, listening with intention, embracing vulnerability, and consistently showing up for others offers readers practical habits that can be immediately implemented in both professional and personal settings.

The introduction of the *9 Principles of Trust* provides a clear and memorable framework for leaders at every level. Equally valuable is the innovative *Trust Metric*, which gives readers a tangible way to evaluate and strengthen trust within their leadership approach. This combination of philosophy and practical measurement sets the book apart from many leadership titles that discuss trust without offering actionable tools for improvement.

Another standout feature is the author's understanding of human connection. The book effectively illustrates how trust contributes to employee engagement, retention, collaboration, psychological safety, and overall organizational health. In an era where many workplaces struggle with disengagement and burnout, Spence presents trust as a strategic advantage rather than simply a desirable leadership trait.

While the book offers a wealth of valuable insights, some readers may appreciate additional case studies from a broader range of industries and organizational sizes to further demonstrate how the principles can be adapted across different workplace environments. Additionally, a deeper exploration of trust-building in remote and hybrid work settings could provide even more relevance for today's evolving workforce.

Overall, *Lead with Trust* is a thoughtful, practical, and highly relevant leadership resource that provides a clear roadmap for building stronger relationships, healthier workplace cultures, and more effective teams. Bart Spence successfully demonstrates that trust is not merely an outcome of good leadership, it is the very mechanism that makes exceptional leadership possible.

This book is highly recommended for executives, managers, HR professionals, team leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to creating workplaces where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to do their best work.

**Author:** If you would like to discuss opportunities to expand the reach of your book and connect with a broader audience of leaders, organizations, HR professionals, and business readers, please feel free to contact me at **[lenoreejonestown@gmail.com](mailto:lenoreejonestown@gmail.com)**.