Linklaters Magenta Horizons Event Examines Meaningful Human Connections in a Digital World

On Wednesday 22 January 2025, the 15th annual Magenta Horizons event, organised by Luxembourg law firm Linklaters, was held in the European Convention Center in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

The theme of this year’s event, introduced by Linklaters Luxembourg’s Managing Partner, Nicki Kayser was “The Hidden Power of Connections” - a reflection on the importance of human interactions and the impact and influence of connections and shared experiences in today’s technological world. He spoke of how technological changes and advances highlights the strong need for human connections. How humans react to each other has changed, bringing opportunity for some and restrictions for others.

Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, spoke of how the human dimension is a deciding factor in a connected world, with connections (globally and locally) being a key to the future of Luxembourg’s financial sector. He discussed his five pillars of vision for Luxembourg’s financial sector: innovation, connectivity, stability, sustainability and collaboration, describing them as major factors in Luxembourg’s financial success. He emphasised the importance of not staying still, of evolving and embracing new technologies, including AI, stating that Luxembourg has a successful history of reinvention. Minister Roth finished his speech by emphasising that “only by changing can we remain what we are”.

Guest speaker was Riaz Meghji, TV host, and author of "Every Conversation Counts: the 5 Habits of Human Connection that Build Extraordinary Relationship". Central to the book’s theme is the question: “why are we so connected, and yet so alone―and how can we reconnect?” 

Riaz Meghji’s opening remark to the full auditorium was a simple, yet profound “We are always just one conversation away from a completely different life”. The audience were immediately intrigued and captured as he described how every conversation has the power to transform.

He stated that meaningful human connection is vital in order to tackle the loneliness many feel, despite living in what one may consider to be an ever-increasing connected world. Being seen as a position, rather than as a human being at work, creates loneliness and stress. In the USA it is estimated that loneliness costs $154 billion annually, due to stress and absenteeism. The power of a simple conversation can help tackle this. As humans, we need to engage in real, authentic conversations, connecting with each other on a human level.

The audience was advised to “make small talk bigger” in order to prompt positive emotions and connect with others. Asking the questions AI and Chat GPT cannot answer creates the human connections necessary in this world. The power of our curiosity can help us “meet” ourselves and lean into a degree of vulnerability. “Ask first, talk second”. By embracing our vulnerabilities and not being afraid to open up to others we can create authentic conversations that build rapport and accessibility, ultimately leading to better personal and business connections. We should show that we care.

He continued by admitting that unlocking the power of connection and showing our own vulnerabilities to someone else takes courage - we may have to accept the rejection that comes our way, which could be due to our conversation partner not being ready to “open up”.

Slowing down, listening to what someone is saying, showing appreciation are some aspects that make family and colleagues feel heard, appreciated and valued. These little milestone moments will prioritise connections and create breakthroughs across all divides.

Real connection is not about perfection - it is about our ability to open up and admit imperfection. The digital world does not foster one on one conversations, which are vital in the workplace to avoid misunderstandings. In the workplace the main points of friction impeding connections are the lack of clear communication, lack of empathy (there is a human behind the professional) and lack of time. He emphasised that if we do not make time for connections we must make time for misunderstandings. He added “the happiest people have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.”

The audience  was asked to reflect in groups on the most important conversation they ever had before being asked, prior to the event’s conclusion, to reflect on the most important conversation they had never had. Food for thought indeed.

Riaz Meghji concluded by reiterating his opening statement that, no matter our circumstances, we are but one conversation away from a different life. True connections are not just the basis for an exchange of information, but of meaningful interactions.

The evening concluded with a networking and reception event.

c Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu