I am on a train from Slovakia to Prague for a meeting. As the landscape passes, I reflect on something I’ve noticed more and more in recent years—the lost art of genuine connections in business.
As an investor and CEO, I meet countless people and organizations. Some approach with sincere curiosity—wanting to understand who I am, what I do, and whether there’s a meaningful way to collaborate. Others, however, have a different agenda.
More often than not, especially in Dubai, I encounter individuals who try to establish a connection only to pivot into self-promotion quickly. They tell me about their vast network and supposed influence and then—almost inevitably—ask to join my company as an advisor, with a salary attached ( I will not name and shame).
It’s fascinating, if not frustrating, to see how transactional these interactions have become. What happened to the days when meetings were about personal growth, exchanging ideas, and genuinely understanding if there was a shared vision? Instead, many seem to view every introduction as a shortcut to financial gain, disregarding whether their values or expertise align with the company they’re eager to join.
True business relationships aren’t built on immediate asks. They are cultivated through trust, shared experiences, and alignment in vision. I believe the best partnerships emerge organically—when people take the time to understand each other, find common ground, and contribute before they ask for something in return.
The challenge now is filtering through these interactions. The key is spotting those who are truly interested in meaningful collaboration versus those who are simply looking for a quick buck.
In business, as in life, the most valuable connections are never forced—they’re built over time.
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