Stephen M.R. Covey: The Hidden Power That Makes or Breaks Every Leader

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey is joined by Stephen M.R. Covey; bestselling author of The Speed of Trust and one of today’s most respected thinkers on leadership and credibility. Together, they explore the one leadership trait that multiplies everything it touches; and the silent killer when it’s missing: trust.

Stephen reveals why trust isn’t just a soft skill, but the core of every high-performing team and thriving organization. He breaks down his legendary Four Cores of Credibility; integrity, intent, capabilities, and results; and shows how this framework can diagnose and transform relationships, leadership effectiveness, and organizational culture.

From elite sports to billion-dollar businesses to moments of parenting and personal growth, Stephen and Casey unpack how trust scales performance, attracts talent, and builds enduring influence. They also dive deep into stories from Stephen’s upbringing as the son of Stephen R. Covey; giving a behind-the-scenes look at the principles that shaped a global legacy.

If you lead, influence, or build; this conversation will challenge and elevate how you think about the most underestimated force in leadership.

00:00 – 00:45 | Introduction & Legacy Connection

00:45 – 02:30 | The Relevance of Principles in the AI Era

02:30 – 05:15 | The One Leadership Trait That Changes Everything

05:15 – 09:00 | The Four Cores of Credibility

09:00 – 13:08 | Character vs Competence in Trust

13:08 – 18:33 | Real-World Examples: Trust on the Field & in Business

18:33 – 23:40 | Strengths-Based Leadership & Avoiding Sinking Boats

23:40 – 29:48 | Systems That Break Trust

29:48 – 36:41 | The Cost of Mistrust in Organizations

36:41 – 41:56 | Teaching Principles Through Story & Experience

41:56 – 46:52 | Modeling Integrity with Small Decisions

46:52 – 52:11 | Parenting with Purpose & Prioritizing Values

52:11 – 58:30 | Saying No with Elegance & Clarity

58:30 – 01:07:36 | Lessons in Time, Presence & Emotional Bank Accounts

01:07:36 – 01:11:57 | Green & Clean: A Trust Lesson from Age 7

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