Every day, I’m reminded of something simple, powerful, and easy to forget in a world moving at the speed of AI… Your humanity is not a limitation, it’s your advantage.
I’ve spent years talking about RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP, and the more technology advances, the more convinced I am that our humanness is what separates us from the noise. Not our polish. Not our productivity. Not how perfectly we “perform” online.
But our vulnerability…
Our humor…
Our stories…
Our ability to make someone feel seen, understood, and valued.
As I often say, “A network gives you reach, but a community gives you power… communities are built on relationships.” And relationships don’t grow because of efficiency… they grow because of empathy. AI can help us communicate, but only you can make someone feel.
People Remember How You Show Up… think about the people who have left a mark on your life. Chances are, it wasn’t because they were polished or perfect… it was because they were present. Real, Honest, and Human.
People don’t remember the “content” you posted…
They remember the moment you shared yourself…
They remember the conversation where you listened…
They remember how you made them feel.
That’s where trust begins. That’s where meaningful relationships grow. That’s the heart of RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP.
A Reminder When I Needed It… Not long ago, I was walking through an airport, mind on a dozen things, when someone tapped me lightly on the arm. I turned and saw a man I didn’t recognize, but he smiled like we were old friends.
He said, “You don’t know me, I’ve never commented or liked a single post, but I read everything you write. One of your messages about showing up for people really hit me. It pushed me to reach out to an old friend I hadn’t spoken to in years. We had coffee last month, and it meant more than you know. I just wanted to say thank you.”
Then, just as quickly, he nodded, wished me a good trip, and kept walking. No selfie. No tag. No “post about it later.” Just a real human moment.
And as I stood there, I was reminded of something I often tell others, but needed to feel myself that day… People are impacted by your humanity even when they never “engage” with it. Your words matter. Your presence matters. YOU matter. That’s the ripple… that’s the RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP.
Create Moments, Not Metrics… this next era of connection won’t be led by those collecting the most likes, followers, or attention. It will be led by those creating meaning. By those who are willing to…
Listen with curiosity…
Share with courage…
Engage with heart…
Create with others, not just for them.
You don’t need to be a “content creator” to make an impact. You just need to show up as someone who cares enough to connect. If you want deeper relationships… invite people closer. If you want trust… let them see the real you. If you want RETURN ON RELATIONSHIP… give others a place to belong.
Your Humanity Is the Edge… AI will keep evolving. It will get smarter. Faster. More impressive. But it will never replace…the comfort of being understood…the magic of shared laughter… the power of a lived experience… the courage of vulnerability… the warmth of genuine connection. Those things don’t scale because of technology, they scale because of you. So here’s my invitation, from a place of experience and a deep belief in what truly lasts…
Show up real…
Show up often…
Show up with heart…
Because you, your story, your character, your humanity, are the one thing no algorithm can copy, compete with, or replace.
THAT IS YOUR EDGE.