The Trust We Crave Begins with Presence: Rethinking Leadership, Connection, and Curiosity

Let’s be real. We live in a world where people are constantly half-listening, half-scrolling, and half-showing up. But in this episode, Jonathan Cinelli flips the script on what it means to actually be present  and why presence isn’t just mindfulness fluff. It’s the key to connection, and connection is where trust is born.

And if you're leading people in any way at work, at home, in your community this episode is a must-listen.

Imagine walking down a busy New York street. You catch a glimpse of someone you haven’t seen in decades. That person is your best friend from back in the day. You lock eyes. Instantly, the connection ignites. You don’t have to earn trust or force a conversation. It happens naturally because you are present, fully in the moment, open to the connection.

That moment is what leadership looks like. Being fully available not distracted or checking your phone but listening wholeheartedly. Presence is not just mindfulness buzzword; it is the gateway to connection.

Without it, we lose the opportunity to build trust. Trust isn’t something you have to “earn” through complicated formulas. It grows organically when people feel seen and heard.

In my talk, I emphasized curiosity as the key to unlocking deeper conversations and understanding. When I ask, “What disappoints you?” or “If the roles were reversed, what would you do?” I invite honest reflection and open dialogue.

Leadership is less about having the answers and more about asking the right questions. Curiosity changes the game by opening doors that fear and assumptions keep shut.

One story I shared was about a butcher I met recently. What started as a simple grocery run turned into a heartfelt conversation where he shared his frustrations and doubts. By showing genuine curiosity, I gave him space to express what he really felt. This created trust and connection in a matter of minutes an everyday example of what true leadership can be.

Leadership is built in the small moments most people overlook. The smiles, the games, the brief conversations these micro interactions matter deeply. They build the foundation of connection that grows into trust.

This talk was filled with these moments from envisioning a New York City hello to embracing uncomfortable conversations with my own son. These stories reveal that leadership is less about grand gestures and more about showing up consistently and authentically.

I challenge you to try this: show up fully for one conversation today. Put away distractions. Listen without interrupting. Ask a question that opens the space instead of closing it down.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

Leadership is about holding space for others, making them feel valued, and co-creating solutions through curiosity and connection.

If you want to go deeper into how presence and curiosity can transform your leadership style, I invite you to listen to the full talk. It’s packed with stories and insights that will shift how you lead, communicate, and build trust.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.https://youtu.be/46q1pxWdYss