#358 When Trust Breaks — And How to Repair It - Dennis Reina & Michelle Reina
From The Being Human Podcast with Richard Atherton by Richard Atherton
February 20, 2026 · 1h 32m · Episode 358
About this episode
This episode discusses the fragility of trust in relationships and organizations, featuring insights from Dennis and Michelle Reina on rebuilding trust after betrayal.
▶️ Connect with Richard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardatherton-firsthuman/ What happens when trust breaks down in relationships, in leadership, in organisations? In this episode of Being Human, I speak with Dennis and Michelle Reina, founders of the Reina Trust Building® Institute and authors of Trust & Betrayal in the Workplace. Drawing on decades of research and lived experience, they explain why trust is far more fragile than most leaders realise, and why rebuilding it requires courage, accountability, and choice. We explore the three dimensions of trust, how victimhood traps us in blame, and why trust repair is not about forgetting but about responding differently. This is a deeply human conversation about conflict, repair, and responsibility, relevant to leaders, partners, and anyone navigating broken expectations. We discuss: Growing up with an alcoholic father Why trust is fragile The anatomy of betrayal Victimhood vs responsibility Practical steps to rebuild trust Links:Reina Trust Building
People in this episode
Host: Richard Atherton
Guests: Dennis Reina, Michelle Reina
Topics covered
- trust
- relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- accountability
- betrayal
Keywords
- trust
- betrayal
- leadership
- conflict
- responsibility
- victimhood
- repair
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Reina Trust Building® Institute
Books & works: Trust & Betrayal in the Workplace
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