Leading with Trust and Transparency

Leadership Detectives

Trust cascades downward. Those three words capture the essence of Rob Mullen's leadership philosophy as Managing Director of Trenitalia C2C Rail and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bath City Football Club Foundation. In this compelling conversation with Neil and Albert, Rob reveals why honesty and transparency form the bedrock of his approach to leading a major UK railway company.
What sets great leaders apart? For Rob, it begins with creating an environment where people feel heard, supported, and trusted to make decisions. He shares how his father's simple wisdom—"If you don't tell us the truth, we can't help you"—shaped his leadership journey and continues to guide how he builds trust within his organization today.
The conversation takes us inside Rob's unconventional methods for connecting with frontline staff. From driving trains himself to working night security shifts alongside his team and even making station announcements, Rob demonstrates that true leadership means getting your hands dirty. These aren't mere gestures—they're deliberate strategies that build credibility and show genuine care for employee welfare.
Most powerful is Rob's candid discussion of vulnerability. He recounts personal stories of acknowledging his own mistakes, apologizing when needed, and creating space for others to do the same. This vulnerability-first approach has transformed C2C's culture, creating what he calls "high challenge, high support" teams where difficult conversations happen without damaging relationships.
Rob's personal leadership journey reveals how finding his authentic voice—rather than trying to fit someone else's leadership mold—unlocked his true potential. Through life's challenges, including a divorce that forced deep reflection and rediscovery through ultra-running, he found that "being Rob Mullen was okay" and ultimately more effective than trying to be someone he wasn't.
Whether you're leading a major organization or taking your first steps into management, this episode offers practical wisdom on building trust, empowering teams, and leading with authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Subscribe now and discover why the most powerful leadership tool might be the courage to be yourself.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Rob Mullen (00:00:00)

2. Honesty and Trust in Leadership (00:02:29)

3. Cascading Leadership and Trust (00:09:22)

4. Railway Leadership Challenges (00:17:01)

5. Balancing Strategy and Operations (00:22:46)

6. Personal Leadership Journey (00:29:51)

7. Leadership Evolution and Human Connection (00:39:49)