The conversation around AI and human connection is more than just trending — it’s becoming personal.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak directly with Simon Sinek during a live Q&A focused on this very topic. His team is known for being in “the human business.”
As the front-facing sales and marketing lead for a Canadian company that offers cutting-edge 3D printing with real, one-on-one support, that message hit home for me.
During the discussion, Simon shared an observation that stuck with me:
“The problem with AI is that they are affirmation machines.”
In other words, AI tools are designed to affirm. They make you feel good. They trigger emotional responses that seem real.
However, at the end of the day, it’s still just code — not a real relationship.
I shared something from my own experience:
“Yeah, but what you need to do is keep going. Spend another 10 or 15 minutes on it. I tried this experiment myself, and the more I engaged, the more I realized I was just hearing all this ‘rah-rah, you’re great’ stuff. It started to lose its pizzazz. I wasn’t getting the same emotional high anymore. Then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, this isn’t real!’”
Simon replied, “You’re on to something,” and explained how our real friends don’t just say what we want to hear. Instead, they challenge us, keep us grounded, and sometimes say the hard thing — and that’s what makes the relationship authentic.
From there, we discussed how real human connection includes honest feedback. Even when it’s difficult, it helps us grow. It builds stronger relationships and, in many cases, can make us better people.
This conversation reminded me of something we see every day — even in 3D printing services.
Yes, we use advanced machines. And yes, we care about innovation.
But people want more than just an output.
They want insight. They want experience. Most of all, they want a real partner.
And that simply can’t be automated.
At 3DPrototype.com, we’re a tech-powered company run by humans.
We specialize in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to help Canadian engineers and manufacturers turn their ideas into functional prototypes and short-run production parts.
Our team provides real conversations, expert guidance, and dependable support from concept through production.
Because in our business — like in life — human connection still matters.
