In a world obsessed with technical skills and credentials, the real secret to success lies in something far simpler yet profoundly impactful: people skills. Episode 7 of The Adulting Podcast, featuring hosts Anshika and Saurabh with guest speaker Riya, dives into why every business is, at its core, a people business. 

What Is the “People Business”?

The people business isn’t about products, services, or profits alone. It’s about human interaction. Saurabh defines it as deeply engaging with others, understanding their motivations, values, and behaviors to build lasting relationships. As Riya puts it,

“It’s about inspiring people to believe in you, not just work for you.”

Consider this: would you pour your heart into a company that treats you like a number, or one that values your ideas and growth? A people-first approach sparks loyalty and creativity, while rigid, process-driven systems often breed disengagement. 

The Foundations of Connection: Trust and Rapport

Trust and rapport are the bedrock of any strong relationship. Without them, even the best ideas can crumble. Here are some practical ways to build these foundations:

• Over-Communicate: Clarity prevents misunderstandings. Be transparent, ask questions, and ensure alignment.
• Leverage Shared Experiences: Inside jokes or collaborative moments create unique bonds, making work enjoyable.
• Respect Differences: People have diverse moods and values. Adapt your approach to honor their individuality.

By fostering trust, you create a network of collaborators who go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to.

Emotional Investment: Balancing Heart and Head

Investing in people is rewarding but emotionally complex. What happens when a relationship doesn’t work out? Here are some strategies to stay grounded:

• Set Clear Expectations: Honest conversations upfront align goals and reduce surprises.
• Maintain Objectivity: Don’t let emotions cloud judgment. Boundaries prevent burnout.
• Know When to Walk Away: If values diverge, it’s okay to part ways respectfully.

Values as Your Compass

Your values—honesty, ambition, creativity—guide your relationships. Young professionals must be urged to define their core principles and use them to evaluate partners. Do they share your vision? Are they aligned with your goals?

Share resources, give feedback, or simply listen. Aligning values creates connections that last.

The Power of Collective Effort

History’s greatest achievements weren’t solo endeavors. They were the result of collective human effort. Modern teams thrive on mutual respect and shared vision.

Think of a tech startup where developers, designers, and marketers unite to create something groundbreaking. That’s the people business in action: inspiring others to contribute to a shared goal. 

Practical Strategies for Building Relationships

Strong relationships require more than good intentions.

• Resolve Conflicts Quickly: Address issues directly to prevent lingering tension.
• Over-Communicate: Clarity and proactivity align teams and avoid missteps.
• Manage Ego: Foster equality by listening and valuing others’ perspectives.
• Embrace Playfulness: Humor and shared experiences strengthen bonds.

For networking, platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for connecting with like-minded professionals.

Navigating Success: People-Centric Strategies and Long-Term Relationship Building

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, people-centric strategies are vital for staying competitive, as seen with companies like Jio Hotstar, which invest in top talent to dominate short-form content and drive innovation. Building something significant takes time requiring long-term investment in relationships with partners who share your values, while avoiding unproductive connections to conserve finite time and energy. To maintain healthy workplace dynamics, clear communication and boundaries are essential, as affection can lead to emotional blindness akin to familial favoritism.

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TL;DR – Mastering People Skills for Career Success

• People-Centric Success: Mastering people skills is critical for career success in 2025, as every business thrives on human connections, trust, and shared values.
• Build Trust and Rapport: Foster strong relationships through clear communication, shared experiences, and respecting individual differences to inspire loyalty and collaboration.
• Long-Term Investment: Building meaningful relationships takes 3-5 years; choose partners who align with your values and avoid unproductive connections to save time and energy.
• Emotional Balance: Set clear expectations, maintain boundaries, and know when to walk away to avoid emotional blindness and ensure healthy workplace dynamics.
• Practical Strategies: Resolve conflicts quickly, over-communicate, manage ego, and use humor to strengthen bonds; leverage platforms like LinkedIn for networking.
• Drive Innovation: Companies like Jio Hotstar show that investing in talent and fostering people-centric cultures fuels innovation and competitive success.

SEE MORE LIKE THIS

Welcome to The Adulting Podcast. Hosted by Anshika and Saurabh, this podcast is your go-to for navigating the messy, exciting world of your 20s. From careers to creativity, we’re sharing honest conversations, practical tips, and the lessons we’re learning along the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fresh perspective, we’re here to help you figure things out—one episode at a time.

If you like/love/hate what you see, write to us at @akforthevibe and @saurabh.