This morning, I listened to James Davis’s TEDx talk, Building Trust. It encouraged me to think more deeply about the difference between connection, relationship, and trust.

I am currently studying People and Organisations as part of my MBA at RMIT University, and I find it one of the most engaging subjects. It allows me to examine workplace behaviour, relationships, organisational structures, and the factors that influence how people collaborate. This TEDx talk connected closely with what I am learning and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the role of trust in professional success.

We often hear that success depends on having the right connections. Certainly, connections can introduce us to new people, information, and opportunities. However, knowing someone—or having access to an influential network—does not automatically create a meaningful relationship. More importantly, it does not guarantee trust.

A connection may open a door, but trust determines whether that door remains open.

Davis explains that trust does not necessarily require years to develop. We can begin trusting someone relatively quickly when we recognise three important qualities:

Ability — the person has the knowledge, competence, and skills to perform what they have promised.
Integrity — their words and actions are consistent, honest, and transparent.
Benevolence — they genuinely care about others and do not act solely for their own benefit.

This framework helped me understand why some professional relationships become strong within a short time, while others remain superficial even after many years. Length of acquaintance is not the only foundation of trust. What matters is how consistently people demonstrate their capability, integrity, and care for others.

Networking is not the same as relationship building

In professional life, networking is valuable—but collecting contacts should never be confused with building relationships. A genuine relationship develops through responsible action, open communication, mutual respect, and the willingness to support one another. Trust grows when people see that we are capable, truthful, and considerate.

For me, sustainable success is therefore not simply about who we know. It is about how we treat the people we know and whether our actions give them a reason to trust us.

Connections may create opportunities. Relationships give those opportunities meaning. Trust allows them to grow.

Perhaps the most useful question is not:

“How many influential people do I know?”

But rather:

“What qualities do I consistently demonstrate that make others willing to trust me?”

Sipim Piwatthongchai
Business Consultant · Modern Business Strategy & AI

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