People trust I know what I'm doing. I have lots of credibility.

"People trust I know what I'm doing. I have lots of credibility. I've had years of learning. I know and understand my business." These words, spoken by Lori Greiner, speak to a profound and often unspoken truth about the nature of trust and credibility—both of which are earned over time through wisdom, experience, and dedication. Greiner’s confidence in her craft does not come from mere words or promises, but from the years of learning and hard work that have shaped her understanding of her business. In this sense, she embodies the ancient wisdom that true knowledge and trust are not granted but are the result of steady effort and experience.

In the ancient world, wisdom was not something that was simply bestowed—it was earned through years of study, observation, and practice. The Greek philosophers—such as Aristotle and Socrates—emphasized that true wisdom comes from learning and reflection over time, not from a single moment of revelation. Aristotle, in his writings on ethics, stated that to become virtuous, one must practice virtue repeatedly until it becomes part of one’s character. This was the heart of his notion of phronesis—practical wisdom. For Greiner, like the philosophers of old, her credibility and trustworthiness are the culmination of years of dedication to her field. Just as the philosopher spends years in contemplation to understand the nature of virtue, so too must the entrepreneur, the leader, or the craftsman spend years honing their skills to earn the trust of others.

Consider the legendary story of Alexander the Great, whose leadership was defined not only by his military genius but by the learning he undertook throughout his youth. Tutored by Aristotle, Alexander learned about governance, philosophy, and the nature of leadership—gaining wisdom that would serve him as he led his troops across the known world. Despite his incredible military success, Alexander knew that to maintain his empire, he had to understand the lands he conquered, the cultures, and the intricacies of governance. His credibility as a ruler was grounded in this intimate knowledge of his world, just as Lori Greiner’s success is built on a foundation of deep understanding of her business.

Likewise, the great Roman generals knew that trust and credibility were not granted by their titles alone, but were earned through their experience on the battlefield and their ability to demonstrate leadership in the most difficult of circumstances. Julius Caesar exemplified this, as his military and political career were marked by a progressive understanding of power dynamics and strategy, which he refined through years of conquest and governance. Caesar’s rise to power, like Greiner’s ascent in the world of business, was not sudden—it was the result of a long process of learning, trial and error, and the consistent building of reputation. Caesar, too, gained the trust of his followers not through sheer force, but through his proven wisdom and ability to understand the intricacies of the world around him.

In modern times, the notion of credibility is no less significant. Greiner, a key figure on the TV show Shark Tank, demonstrates how credibility can be a powerful asset in the business world. Her success did not come from mere luck or chance—it was a product of deep experience and learning in her field, where she worked tirelessly to understand the nuances of investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Her ability to earn the trust of investors and entrepreneurs alike is a testament to the power of experience in building reputation. In her case, as with the philosophers of old, success is built not on quick victories, but on the gradual accumulation of knowledge and trust.

The lesson we take from Greiner’s words is one of patience and diligence—that credibility is not something given but something earned over time. Trust is not a fleeting gift, but a lasting reward that comes through years of consistent effort and learning. Whether we are building a business, striving to become experts in our fields, or simply seeking to build strong, reliable relationships, we must recognize that true mastery comes from dedication to the craft and an ongoing willingness to learn. Success is never the result of a single moment, but the cumulative effect of steady effort over time.

In practical terms, this means that we must be willing to invest in ourselves—to commit to learning, growing, and improving every day. No one becomes credible overnight, and no business can be built without years of work, experimentation, and reflection. To gain trust in any area of life, we must show up day after day, learning from our mistakes, adapting to challenges, and staying true to our mission. By cultivating patience and dedication, we can ensure that the trust of others will be a natural byproduct of our continuous efforts. In this way, we build not only our businesses but our reputation, credibility, and the trust of those who walk with us on our journey.