Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Meet the man on a mission to revive Face-to-Face Networking in the AI Era


As AI tools and remote work redefine professional life, one man is on a mission to bring back face-to-face networking, which all but stopped during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Daniel Hakim is the CEO and founder of CUB (Club of United Business), which operates popular Business Clubs in Sydney and Melbourne, and has recently opened in Brisbane. In a world dominated by virtual meetings and digital communication, CUB is calling on the business owners of Australia to reconnect, rebuild relationships, and rediscover the transformative power of face-to-face networking.

While the pandemic normalised remote work, many professionals felt isolated and disconnected. Although technology offers convenience, studies show it limits critical relationship-building skills, such as empathy and emotional expressiveness. As hybrid work becomes standard practice across industries, Mr Hakim believes it is essential to reintroduce professionals to the trust, creativity, and spontaneity that only in-person interactions can provide.

“The way we work may have evolved, but the need for human connection remains constant,” said Daniel Hakim, founder and CEO of CUB.

“AI tools and virtual meetings are convenient, but nothing can replace the trust and energy from face-to-face conversations. With professionals struggling to stay connected, it’s time to step away from our screens and rediscover the magic of personal interaction.”

“The members all tell me that face-to-face networking is more meaningful, valuable and enriching because it fosters genuine connections and allows for the organic exchange of ideas that digital interactions simply can’t replicate.”

“Studies have shown that without face-to-face business dealings, economic benefits are diminished. So networking is not only good for the soul, but it’s good for business as well.”

Rediscovering Lost Skills

While AI and remote work offer many benefits, screen-based interactions often feel transactional and lack the richness of physical presence. According to Scott Taylor, a leading expert in body language, rebuilding emotional awareness is essential: “AI helps us work efficiently, but it can’t replicate the nuances of eye contact, tone of voice, or body language. Professionals need to relearn how to read non-verbal cues, engage in impromptu conversations, and foster emotional awareness - skills that are at risk of fading in today’s digital-first world."

CUB: Reconnecting Professionals One Conversation at a Time

The hybrid model is here to stay, but CUB believes that the most innovative ideas and valuable partnerships arise from spontaneous in-person exchanges. Whether it’s a handshake at a business event, a casual coffee chat, or an unplanned encounter at one of CUB’s Clubhouses, these moments of connection spark ideas and drive collaboration.

“The best ideas rarely happen in isolation,” Hakim explained. “They emerge through face-to-face conversations that inspire creativity and build trust. At CUB, we create the opportunities where these moments can thrive.”

“The future belongs to those who can integrate the efficiency of technology with the authenticity of personal interactions,” Hakim said. “We’re excited to lead the way in helping professionals master this balance and unlock new opportunities.”

Small-Business Cash-Flow Playbook 2025

An educational guide to managing ATO debt, real-time super and growth finance in Australia’s new landscape Why ATO debt just became the most expe...

Landowners Offered $30,000 Per Year for Just 1 Hectare: The Rise of 5MW Battery Projects Across Australia

In a pivotal shift reshaping Australia’s renewable energy landscape, landowners in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria are being offered up ...

Major national security tech alliance launches with Aerologix a founding member

Australia’s leading drone intelligence pioneer bolsters sovereign tech power Australia’s leading aerial data and drone intelligence platform, Aer...

Chris Hancock AM Honoured as 2025 Communications Ambassador

SYDNEY Chris Hancock AM, former CEO of AARNet, has been awarded the prestigious Communications Ambassador title at the 2025 Telecommunications Indus...

Baby boomers are driving development feasibility leading to larger apartments

As residential developers continue to grapple with feasibility issues on apartment projects, the sector is struggling to deliver volumes of new st...

Hays launches FY25/26 Salary Guide: ‘Salary Paradox’ deepens as pay rises fail Australians

Rising dissatisfaction with pay, progression and perks is fuelling a new wave of career change in FY25/26, as Australians demand more from employe...

Sell by LayBy