Episode 18: The Evolution of Trust with Richard Newsome & Judith Batchelar

In Episode 18 of the Daemon Drumbeat Podcast, hosts VT, Managing Consultant at Daemon, and Kyle, Daemon’s Chief Growth Officer, explore one of the most powerful - and often underestimated - forces in business and consulting: trust. It underpins every deal, every relationship, and ultimately, the success or failure of any venture.

But how is trust truly built? Is it just about delivering on promises, or is there something deeper? Together with our guests, we unpack the nuances of trust,  how it’s fostered through both emotional connection and proven competence, how to maintain it during challenging times, and what it means to act with integrity and positive intent even when things don’t go according to plan.

We’re joined by two exceptional leaders:

Richard Newsome, a seasoned technology and transformation executive, brings decades of experience from organisations such as Sainsbury’s, Cancer Research UK, Rolls-Royce, and Cadbury. Recognised as one of Computing’s Top 100 IT Leaders in 2022, Richard shares how he’s built high-performing teams and reshaped technology functions through agile, product-centric models.

Judith Batchelar, a biochemist and nutritionist, has spent over 40 years leading across the food, farming, and retail sectors—including senior roles at Mars, Marks & Spencer, and Director of Sainsbury’s Brand. Now holding multiple board and advisory roles in environmental and health-focused organisations, Judith brings a wealth of insight into purpose-driven leadership and building credibility across industries.

Together, we discuss the evolution of trust in relationships, the role of risk-taking, the idea of “winning anyway,” and why, in an age of declining societal trust, personal and professional connections matter more than ever.

Listen to the episode here or on any major podcast provider.