Built on Trust

The intentional character trait that fuels legacies

Built on Trust

Thoughts
Seyi Owolawi
a small studio
By 
November 29, 2023

Listen to article

Trust is nurtured and established over time, based on accumulating many small actions. The consistency of actions creates a baseline of synergy that elevates the output of any collaboration between parties. Trust needs to be recognized as not a trick or technique but more of a character trait with incredible influence.

"If you don't have trust inside your company, then you can't transfer it to your customers." -Roger Staubach

Imagine the collaboration of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, the iconic duo known as Daft Punk. They pioneered Nineties French house music with their disco-inspired, high-concept hits, setting the trend of producers dorning masks to encourage their audience to focus on nothing else but the music. Their Trust was carried through to their audience, who trusted them to influence Hip-Hop beautifully. Trust is a thread that weaves stories of growth, innovation, and influence, and we embrace it wholeheartedly at a small studio as an essential component of our relationships and partnerships.

Here are a few lenses through which we look at trust:

Trusted Systems

Trust is as fundamental to America's financial system as any other one globally. It is as critical as a foundation is to a skyscraper. The entire economic edifice, from the perceived value of currency to the reliance on banks, hinges on collective trust. In our creative pursuits, this principle translates into the faith our partners place in us, entrusting us with their projects, visions, and aspirations. We consider this Trust sacrosanct, ensuring that each project we undertake is more than just a business transaction; to us, it is a manifestation of a shared commitment to excellence. Our approach goes beyond delivering projects; we aim to build lasting relationships based on reliability, transparency, and mutual respect.

Trusted Processes

Our framework of Identity Architecture is a testament to the power of trust in processes. We have honed a workflow where trust is the linchpin at every stage - from conceptualization to the final execution. This begins with trusting our creative instincts to explore unconventional ideas while listening to our partners, and it extends to trusting in the meticulous planning and execution phases we operate. Our partners are integral to this process; their Trust in our approach transforms the creative journey into a shared adventure. This mutual trust streamlines decision-making, encourages transparent communication, and minimizes delays, ensuring that the creative process is as enjoyable as it is productive. The result is a body of work that meets and often exceeds expectations.

Trusted Leadership

A leadership style deeply rooted in trust is at the helm of a small studio. Our leadership and every team member embodies trust, not just in their words but in their actions too, fostering an environment where creative freedom and responsibility coexist harmoniously. They trust in each other's abilities, encouraging experimentation and learning from successes and setbacks. This leadership approach creates a ripple effect throughout the studio, instilling confidence and driving innovation. Leaders who trust their teams empower them to take ownership, leading to higher motivation and better outcomes. Our trust-based leadership is not about relinquishing responsibility, but guiding and supporting a team of skilled professionals to achieve their best work. It's about leading by example, demonstrating that when trust is given, it is returned manifold through loyalty, creativity, and excellence.

Trusted Relationships

The trust we share within our team and extend to our partners is critical. This trust is akin to the electric symphony on Daft Punk and Panda Bear's "Doin' it Right" track, where the rhythm is beautifully harmonious, not out of compulsion (of their egos), but from a place of mutual respect and confidence in each other's abilities. This trust nurtures open communication and cultivates a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered regardless of their role. It's an environment that encourages even the most junior member to confidently propose ideas and critique anyone else's work in ways that only strengthen team dynamics and solidify partner relationships. All our partners can tell a commitment to excellence unites us.

With us, trust is the essence that fuels our creativity. It allows us to experiment boldly, collaborate effectively, and deliver exceptional results. Trust is not incidental; it's meticulously cultivated through every interaction, every project, and every Identity we nurture or craft with our partners.

Everything starts with Identity, but it is "Built on Trust," which empowers the transformation of visions into reality, ideas into innovations, and partnerships into lasting legacies.

Until next Ding! Stay Creative

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Schedule a call with our Identity Architect and see if it makes sense to work together.