Values aren’t defined by what leaders say—they’re revealed in the decisions they make when the stakes are high. In this episode of The People Playbook with Coach Cora, Coach Cora sits down with Preston Atkinson, President and CEO of Trestleworks and former CEO of Whataburger, to explore what it really means to lead through values.

Drawing on decades of leadership in legacy, community-rooted organizations, Preston shares how leaders drift when they prioritize being right over being aligned—and how that erodes trust inside teams. When values are consistently modeled, people stay engaged, extend grace, and remain committed to the organization’s long-term success.