Leadership can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also be incredibly isolating.

In this episode of The H.I.T. Podcast, host Toby Kennedy sits down with Daniel Hallak, partner at the Sage Group and author of the upcoming book The Trust Circle, for a conversation about trust, leadership, feedback, and the often-overlooked isolation that comes with leading an organization.

Daniel shares how a 13-year exploration of leadership isolation ultimately inspired The Trust Circle—and why every leader needs a small group of trusted “relational investors” who can provide honest feedback, perspective, and support.

Daniel also shares the fascinating journey behind the book, from writing chapters on airplanes and during airport layovers to delivering a TEDx Talk that was ultimately featured by TED and caught the attention of a publisher.

⏱️ In this episode:

• Why leadership becomes more isolating as you move up
• How to build your own trusted circle of advisors
• Separating meaningful feedback from everyday noise
• Why leaders need people who aren't afraid to challenge them
• Navigating transparency, confidentiality, and competing expectations
• The story behind The Trust Circle
• How Daniel's TEDx Talk helped turn his idea into a book
• Creating trusted relationships both inside and outside your organization

There's so much to unpack that one episode wasn't enough. The conversation continues in Part 2 next week!