In this special bonus episode, I offer an apology. I trusted too swiftly and blindly someone who I brought into my company, and am just now seeing more of the ways it has affected you, as a listener or reader. Moreover, I share what I’ve learned about trusting ourselves and others in relationships. The warning signs of emotional unhealth, both ours and those we’re in relationships with. And I offer a path forward with these lessons I’ve learned and am learning:  1: Trusting people means we could get hurt 2: Don’t let that keep you from hoping in people you can trust 3: We have poorer decision making in trust when we feel weak 4: For female creative entrepreneurs, this can be in technology and finance. 5: We feel especially weak when exhausted; an area has been overwhelming us for awhile 6: We can notice warning signs of lack of trust to protect ourselves including: Do your homework, ask for references Invite other people you trust to speak up if they see something Don’t just accept words, be sure you see fruit and action Don’t settle for not understanding, and while you grow in your understanding bring in a third person you know does understand (therapist, family member, team member) Set boundaries in scenarios to help you get more clear facts/answers Be honest with yourself if you’re being disrespected If you’re afraid to speak up, take that as an even clearer sign you need to When defensiveness turns mean, take that as the loudest sign 7: Focus on ways TO build trust See the fruit. When they say they’ll do something, they do it. There is action, not just words. Humility. When they can’t or don’t know how, they say so, ask for help Lack of blame. When a ball is dropped or mistake made it’s own or there’s curiosity about how to fix it from happening again Respect. They show up, are on time, honor commitments, communicate clearly. To continue my apology we are offering two things for August: If you are an entrepreneur, you’ll receive a 4-part series each Monday via email with more BTS stories, lessons and resources that have helped me feel more empowered in Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Leadership. If you’re not a business owner, you’ll receive my 3 Steps to Simplified Style video series and daily style prompts calendar for September. Access both at HilaryRushford.com/podvip by electing if you want to hear about Entrepreneurship, Style or Both. Listening after August 5th? Access the complete entrepreneur series when it’s live at HilaryRushford.com/tech. Would love to hear your thoughts on today’s special conversation under my most recent post on Instagram @HilaryRushford, whenever you listen, as I read every one.