Presence in a Digital Age: Reflections on Kathryn Jacobs’ Oxford Talk
This morning I did what many of us do, I reached for my phone. But before jumping into email or social media, I started my day with a ritual: listening to The Bible in a Year podcast and meditation. I use technology to help me connect with my spiritual self and set the tone for the day. It is part of my morning meditation and prayer practice.
Today, something extra was waiting for me in my inbox: a link to an Oxford Talk by one of our very own ACE graduates, Kathryn Jacobs. I watched it right away, and wow, it was fantastic.
Watch Kathryn’s Oxford Talk here.
Kathryn’s talk explores how technology shapes our lives, sometimes for good, and sometimes at a cost. What struck me most is that she is not an outsider critiquing tech from afar. She is a leader in the technology world, and she brings both wisdom and real-world experience to her message. Her personal journey, and the discoveries she’s made along the way, are powerful.
Her talk made me reflect on how we all use (and are used by) technology. Are we engaging with intention? Are we still thinking critically? Asking questions? Grounding our decisions in values like family, nature, and human connection? I must confess, I seem to be clinging more and more to technology for my business and personal use. It seems to creep up on me.
AI is entering our lives at lightning speed and I am using Chat GPT all the time to help me with all kinds of topics. It is amazing and enticing all at the same time. Kathryn made me stop to think about how many NEW tech things I have signed up for just in the past year. I added an Oura ring and Lumen to measure sleep, food, exercise and all kinds of health measures. There are many more apps and automations now too that are in my daily life for business, finances and tracking, the list goes on and on. I think I can learn some things from Kathryn!
We need that kind of reflection now more than ever, especially as board members and leaders shaping the future of organizations. Our role is to balance innovation with humanity, vision with discernment.
Kathryn reminds us to stay awake. Stay thoughtful. Stay connected to each other, to nature, and to ourselves.
Want to Do an Oxford Talk?
I was fortunate to be introduced to Oxford Talks in early 2024 and succeeded in being accepted to do one myself (My Oxford Talk). It was an incredible experience. If you have a message to share with the world and want to explore doing your own Oxford Talk, reach out to me. I’ve helped several ACE grads get on the Oxford stage, and now Oxford Talks are doing events in the U.S. (including Harvard this fall). I would be happy to introduce you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you find a moment to watch Kathryn’s talk, make some comments, and maybe even feel inspired to give one of your own.
Warmly,
Michele