Relationships Over Automation: Why AI Can’t Replace Human Connection
I still remember walking into my first internship as a young Black male, feeling equal parts excited and out of my depth.
Over the next few years, I rotated through some unique places:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab, birthplace of the atomic bomb and home to the world’s fastest supercomputer, where I worked alongside nuclear physicists
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), which maintains the nation’s official time through its atomic clocks and sets foundational standards for technology and measurement
DISA, supporting secure communications for the Department of Defense
DIA, where intelligence analysts protect national security
Accenture, helping organizations rethink strategy and technology
At first, I focused on learning the work itself, absorbing the technical skills, the policies, and the protocols.
However, as I spent more time with seasoned professionals, I began to notice something else.
Whenever I sat down with senior leaders, I paid close attention to how they carried themselves, how they spoke, and how others responded to them.
And a pattern started to emerge.
Some people were brilliant at their craft but always seemed frustrated, overlooked, or burned out.
Others seemed to glide through their careers with a kind of quiet confidence, respected by their peers, trusted by their teams, and genuinely enjoying their work.
So I started to study what set them apart.
And little by little, it became clear:
They knew how to build rapport and maintain relationships.
They didn’t rely only on credentials or hard work. They knew how to connect. How to listen. How to make people feel valued.
Curious to understand more, I picked up personal development books. How to Win Friends & Influence People became a favorite.
And that’s when it hit me:
Relationships are the real currency of success.
It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day, and it’s more relevant now than ever.
The High-Tech, Low-Touch Trap
AI has made us more productive than we ever imagined.
It can draft proposals in seconds.
Summarize research.
Write emails that sound almost human.
But here’s the truth: You can’t automate trust. You can’t outsource connection.
We live in a high-tech, low-touch world. And while technology has created endless convenience, it’s also cost us something vital, the skill of genuinely connecting with other people.
If you look around at the people who are truly thriving, not just professionally but personally, you’ll notice the same pattern I did years ago.
They’ve mastered the art of human connection.
The Research Is Clear
The longest-running study on human happiness, conducted by Harvard University over 80 years, found that the single strongest predictor of a fulfilling life wasn’t money, status, or career success.
It was the quality of your relationships.
People who maintained meaningful connections didn’t just live longer, they lived better.
AI Can Help You Get There, But It Won’t Help You Stay There
As AI becomes woven into more parts of our workflow, planning, drafting, automating, remember this:
AI may help you get there faster, but it won’t help you build the relationships that sustain your goals.
Your biggest wins, whether it’s launching a business, growing your impact, or creating financial freedom, are built on human connections.
The trust you earn. The value you bring. The moments you show up and make someone feel seen.
One Quick Tip to Try
If you want to improve your social magnetism or deepen your relationships, here’s the trick:
People love hearing themselves talk. Just ask them questions.
Ironically, when you focus on being the most interested person in the room, instead of trying to be the most interesting, you become memorable.
That’s the secret most people overlook.
Ready to Shift From Rushing to Real Results?
Download a free chapter of my book, Success Starts Within, and learn how to reclaim your energy and create success that actually feels good: Click here to download
Looking to improve retention, reduce burnout, and help your team thrive?
I deliver keynotes and workshops that show professionals how to perform at a high level, without sacrificing their well-being: Click here to learn more
Chazz Scott | Resilience & Sustainable Performance Expert | Founder, Supra Mentem Consulting | Author of Success Starts Within
Creator of the Rise & Reclaim Blueprint™ – Helping professionals and teams break free from burnout, boost retention, and build success that actually feels good.
