Dentons CEO: the one thing AI can’t replace may be your biggest competitive advantage

We are living in an extraordinary time.

We can reach more people in more markets than ever before and work seamlessly across continents.

Even the routine effort of our day-to-day is diminished with the use of AI, giving us more time to be creative, curious and explore the bigger picture.

In business terms, this is a new golden age.

But have we gone too far, too fast, and lost sight of what made it all possible in the first place: trust? Our world has become so much bigger, and while technology has brought us closer, in many ways it has also sparked our need for deeper human connections.

It has become easier and more cost-effective to connect virtually, but we miss out on those impromptu moments.

A friendly exchange in the elevator or the realization of a shared interest while grabbing a coffee before a meeting – it’s all much more meaningful than just small talk.

Coaching or quick feedback delivered over a chance meeting in the hallway is more spontaneous but can be more impactful particularly if delivered in the moment.

AI has made our days more efficient, but it has also prompted new conversations around trust and authenticity.

Our latest report highlights continuing concerns around the over-reliance on AI but, beyond the obvious risk concerns, has this growing dependence replaced yet another opportunity for human connection? When we consult AI, we may lose out on the moment we ask a colleague for feedback on an idea, or for advice on how to handle that difficult conversation.

The same report suggests that a powerful enabler of better business outcomes is in the ability to build strong stakeholder relationships.

Those relationships are often strengthened in the margins of our day-to-day work – the informal interactions – and when we make space for meaningful connection, we move the dial on our relationships and trust begins to grow.

This is particularly important as we navigate the changing global dynamics of the working world where, according to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer , trust in many distant institutions and leaders is declining but growing within our personal networks, including with our work colleagues and employers.

Trust really is built closer to home.