When Culture and Trust Erode

Just finished listening to Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams. It’s not just a story about Facebook—it’s a lesson on leadership, culture, and the loss of trust.

As leaders, we often talk about innovation, growth, and impact. But the core of any lasting organization is culture—and trust. Culture isn’t the slogans on the wall; it’s the lived experience of the people inside. Careless People is a reminder of what happens when trust fractures, when culture becomes misaligned, and when the pursuit of scale overtakes the discipline of stewardship.

This book (for me) isn’t about bashing anyone. It’s a call to attention. A chance for leaders to ask:

• Are we listening to our people?
• Are we building structures that reinforce integrity—or just performance?
• Are we as intentional about maintaining trust as we are about hitting targets?

Wynn-Williams writes with clarity and conviction—not from the outside looking in, but from the inside looking back. Her perspective is rare and valuable.

If you care about leadership, culture, or the responsibility that comes with building something big, this may be worth your time.

And for us as consumers of Facebook—and other social platforms—it’s worth remembering that these tools were designed to connect us, to unite us with friends and family, and to strengthen relationships. Leaders of these platforms should remember that too. That original intent still matters. The danger comes when these platforms are used to manipulate us—our thinking, our voting, our spending, and even our sense of reality. They’re meant to connect us—not confuse us.

As practical guidance on social media, I’m drawn to this Scripture: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Maybe that’s the filter we all need to return to. And it starts with boundaries—for consumers and leaders.

#LeadSmart #TrustMaters #SocialSafe