#27 Edward & Tricia: The Gen X Way to Build Trust That Lasts

Edward J. van Luinen, Ed.D. and Tricia Cerrone didn’t build a personal brand around collaboration—they lived one. In this first of a two-part series, they reflect on the working relationship that began at Disney and slowly evolved into a business, a book, and a model for how Gen X builds enduring trust. Forget quick team-building hacks and shallow LinkedIn takes—this is collaboration done the Gen X way: built slowly, refined over time, and grounded in shared values. If you’re tired of performative partnerships and want to know what staying power really looks like, this is your episode.>>The Relationship That Didn’t Expire“Most work relationships fade. This one evolved.”Edward and Tricia share how a three-year collaboration at Disney grew into a decade of trust, business, and a co-authored book on leadership.>>No Hierarchy, No Ego“We weren’t assigned roles—we built the rules together.”They reflect on leading a global initiative without clear power dynamics, and how mutual respect became the real structure.>>The First Coffee Was the Turning Point“That coffee wasn’t about a project—it was about character.”Tricia recalls how her initial skepticism melted when Edward showed up with presence, empathy, and zero pretense.>>Why It Worked: Five Behaviors, One Blueprint“We didn’t write the book first—we lived it.”They walk through five consistent behaviors—generosity, gratitude, grace, curiosity, and accountability—that made their team the one others wanted to be on.>>Tech Can’t Fake Trust“You can’t app your way into a good relationship.”Edward and Tricia challenge today’s obsession with productivity tools, arguing that collaboration starts with who you are—not what you use.__________________________Connect with Edward and Tricia