View the full session recording below.
During the 2026 Detroit Policy Conference, Mark de la Vergne of Michigan Central and Ned Staebler of Wayne State University and TechTown discussed the need for Detroit’s leaders to build trust with one another, addressing where we are and where we need to go.
Reflecting on Fall 2025, the duo described a recurring cycle of negativity he witnessed in meetings, ranging from gossip to openly speaking poorly about others, saying that the industry created a culture in which putting people down is the way to rise. de la Vergne encouraged the audience to continue practicing healthier ways to bond with colleagues and partners.
“We’ve created a culture where being able to deal in gossip and essentially put people down is a way to work your way up,” De la Vergne said. “Trust is a necessary currency, from an individual deal all the way out to an ecosystem, all the way out to a global economy. If you don’t have trust, it just won’t happen.”
For example, Staebler explained that people often enter interactions over-prepared for every possible scenario, which can create unnecessary friction.
“Ultimately, it’s about being able to work with someone, recognizing your common goals, and continuing to move forward together, even when things get hard or scary,” Staebler said. “We were able to build a level of individual trust … and since then, that’s translated into a 28-point [Memorandum of Understanding] and a joint funding proposal together that got funded.”
Driven by his passion for attracting entrepreneurs from across the country to Detroit, De la Vergne emphasizes the critical importance of fostering a culture of trust for entrepreneurs, rather than leaving them unprepared for the realities they face.
Staebler echoed, arguing that city, state, and federal governments should take a more active approach, with programs like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Hub. But he also pointed out that progress ultimately depends on individual leadership and execution.
“People tell me all the time they have a million-dollar idea … Well, have you done anything about it?” Staebler asked. “You don’t have a million-dollar idea yet. They’re all worthless unless you execute on them.”
Going into 2026, De la Vergne and Staebler want to lead by example.
De la Vergne is focusing on practical ways to improve how he works, investing in more fidgets to help him concentrate and make sure ideas in meetings are truly challenged when needed. Rather than always agreeing, he encourages “pressure testing.”
“I may walk out of a room saying I still don’t agree with you, but you’re going to know it, and hopefully that makes your idea better,” de la Verge said.
Staebler is equally committed to turning words into action.
“I’m going to commit to not going after a grant by ourselves if we can realistically go after it with a partner,” Staebler said. “I really do believe that two plus two can equal five and that we can grow this together if we get out of the scarcity mindset.”
