Trust is the absolutely most important factor for the relationship between the CEO and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to be successful. Without strong mutual trust, the CoS cannot act as the CEO’s extension arm, provide honest feedback, or handle sensitive issues. Trust is built through investing time together, being transparent about intentions, and always acting in the organization’s best interest. The CoS must demonstrate that they can protect the CEO’s time, prioritize the right issues, and be a reliable advisor. Regular feedback loops and open communication are crucial. If trust is lacking, the relationship risks becoming superficial, leading to inefficiency and missed opportunities. In Swedish organizations, where consensus and openness are the norm, trust is especially important for the CoS to navigate between different stakeholders and drive change in a credible way.