Ignore the Hard Stop: Building Trust & Connection at Work (with Ben James)

The Value of Consistency: Finding Mentorship and Trust with Ben James This episode highlights the profound value of meaningful relationships that start at work and evolve into something more. Kris Saim welcomes Ben James, a colleague and Chief Innovation Officer, whose consistent presence, laughter, and coaching conversations have become a grounding rhythm in Kris's life. Ben models the kind of intentional leadership that believes in making time for human connection in a fast-paced professional world. He reveals that his strategy is to create "parking lot time" with colleagues—the space outside the formal meeting—which instantly builds the trust needed for genuine collaboration. Kris shares how Ben’s example of patience and resilience through pressure and complexity has actually made him a braver person. Their weekly chats exemplify how creating a safe space for dialogue leads to breakthroughs that are not only fulfilling but also lucrative. Ben offers practical advice for cultivating deep relationships: "Sometimes you gotta ignore the hard stop. Just go ahead and like, let the next thing go to spend time with the people that you're with." This episode is a powerful reminder that the people who show up for you quietly and consistently are the ones who change you, and that making space for that connection is the hugest source of joy.