In every relationship, personal or professional, trust is the ground we stand on. Without it, even the best opportunities can slip away. But in an international business community, trust isn’t just important, it’s the very thing that makes long-term success possible.
In Accace Circle, trust is not a one-time achievement, but something we nurture every day. It grows in honest conversations, in the way we face challenges together, and in the moments when we show up for each other when it truly matters. Over time, these moments become the foundation of partnerships that don’t just cross borders – they turn them into bridges.
In this interview, we discuss with Alžbeta Košinár, Community Development Lead, what trust means to her and how she sees it in the everyday life of our business community.
How do you build and maintain trust across such a large and diverse group?
There’s no single action that creates trust. It’s a combination of many things: giving the best of yourself to others, supporting clients and partners with consistently high-quality services, being open and transparent and perhaps, most importantly, having a team of colleagues who care deeply about the company, the partners and the customers we serve.
For me, creating space to talk, to listen, and to truly understand is essential. It’s in these open conversations that trust grows – where perspectives are shared, ideas are exchanged and challenges can be addressed constructively. Transparency is a natural result of openness. The more open you are, the more likely you are to receive openness in return. That mutual exchange becomes the foundation for supporting clients better, tackling challenges head-on, and welcoming honest, constructive feedback.
What small things make the biggest difference in building trust?
Sometimes, the most powerful actions are also the simplest. One of them is giving people the time they need to build trust with you. Everyone moves at their own pace, has their own comfort zone, and their own way of getting to know you. Trying to rush that process can create distance rather than connection.
Respect and appreciation are equally important. Perfection doesn’t exist, but effort, expertise, and authenticity do, and they’re worth recognizing. When we value what each person or partner brings, we create room for learning, sharing and growing together.
Challenges will happen and that’s part of any meaningful collaboration. The key is to acknowledge them early and focus on finding solutions. This keeps the conversation open and the environment safe for honesty.
Above all, trust grows when we take the time to understand others. Stepping into a partner’s perspective and recognizing their situation shows that you see and respect them. And that’s where true trust begins.
Alžbeta Košinár
Community Development Lead at Accace Circle
How can trust grow between companies that could otherwise be competitors?
It starts with respecting who your partner is and appreciating the opportunity to exchange knowledge, rather than keeping everything behind closed doors. Of course, healthy boundaries are important, but within them lies the potential to create something bigger (and often more meaningful) together.
And trust can’t exist on words alone, it needs proof. That’s why, before any company officially joins Accace Circle, we begin by working together on real projects. This “trial by collaboration” allows both sides to see if our quality, values and ways of working align. When we do welcome a new member, it’s because we’ve already seen the partnership thrive. And that confidence changes everything.
What does trust mean in the context of a global business community?
For me, trust is both the soil and the fruit of our work. It’s what allows long-term relationships to take root: relationships where openness is encouraged, feedback is welcomed and everyone is committed to helping one another grow.
It also has a ripple effect. When our members trust each other, they’re better equipped to support their clients, gain new perspectives and seize opportunities for growth. Trust doesn’t just connect people. It multiplies impact.
Why is trust so important when working across borders?
Globalization has brought opportunities that our predecessors could only imagine. But with these opportunities comes a natural question: Who can I really rely on?
When you work across borders, you’re often placing your reputation, commitments and promises in the hands of someone thousands of kilometers away. You need to know, without doubt, that they will handle those responsibilities with the same care you would.
Building this kind of trust takes time. It grows steadily, not quickly. In Accace Circle, I know exactly who I can turn to, who will answer the call, and who will always do their best. That confidence allows us to say “yes” to opportunities that might otherwise feel too risky.
A final word
Trust isn’t built in a single meeting or project. It’s built in the rhythm of showing up, time after time, in both good and challenging moments. It’s proving, repeatedly, that we are here for each other.
