My Story
I’m not anti-tech.
I find our electronic devices, especially smartphones, astonishing, giving us god-like abilities with the mere tap of a finger. But therein lies the problem – our devices are too astonishing. We can’t moderate our gravitation. Consequently, instead of controlling them they are now controlling us.
I know because I had my brain hijacked by the internet – rewired, if you will, to crave online distraction.
There was no precise moment when I got digitally hooked. Like any brain-groove it began gradually, similar to how erosion formed the Grand Canyon.
But because of constant online use, concentrated thought, vital for my work as a writer, comedian and speaker, is now fractured. Mental stamina gone.
And it pisses me off.
So that’s my why. That’s why I speak about digital distraction. If this can happen to me, an outdoor junky, it can happen to anyone.
Especially with tech business plans designed for addiction.
And so I now use stage skills gained from 20-plus years on the national comedy club and corporate circuit, performing with the likes of Martin Short, Jim Gaffigan and Brian Regan, to pull back the curtain on digital distraction .
Through keynotes and breakout sessions my blend of insight and humor educates audiences on digital-balance practices, helping them be more intentional with their online decisions.
My presentations have inspired audiences across the continent. Some of my clients include the National Recreation and Park Association, Premera Health, BASF, the National Rural Health Resource Center, the International City/County Management Association, the Colorado Federal Court’s Probation Department and the University of Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, to name a few.
Presentations
Digital Balance: Seize the Day Over Seizing the Phone
In the esteemed words of author Neil Postman, “Change changed.” Our devices were originally designed to save us time, but now they’re designed to steal our time. All the more need for us to incorporate some digital balance practices into our daily lives and into our work spaces so that our devices are empowering us rather than controlling us.
Main Take-Away Points for Audiences:
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Heightened awareness on how constant digital distraction is impacting us, especially our kids, mentally, physically and emotionally.
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Understanding that digital balance is not about throwing away our devices, but about gaining awareness to how constant digital distraction compromises our moments, robbing them of potential and the possibility of tapping into the extraordinary.
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Tips on how to curb screen-checking compulsions.
Experience Famine: Too Much Viewing, Not Enough Doing
Main Take-Away Points for Audiences:
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The ability to differentiate the power of a first-hand experience versus “experiencing” it on a screen.
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Grasp how experiences (doing) incorporate the use of all five senses, carrying stronger growth potential, as compared to learning something (viewing) on a screen that only employs two senses.
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Comprehend how the lure of our electronic devices inhibits stepping out of our comfort zones and pursuing experiences.
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Tips, that apply to work and home, on how to staunch screen-checking compulsions.
Digital Distraction – Productivity’s Kryptonite
The inability to work while at work is a major complaint with employees. The need to respond to emails and instant messages is constant. Even when away from work. This in turn leads to frustration, and ultimately, burnout. This presentation addresses digital distraction and initiatives offices can take in improving workplace digital practices.
Main Take-Away Points for Audiences:
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- Examples of companies and even countries addressing employee burnout issues through digital moderation policies and law.
- Studies and research that reveal how constant digital connection at work, including the blurring of work/life boundaries, is affecting productivity and contributing to the growing problem of staff burnout.
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Practices offices can implement to curb digital distraction frustrations with staff.
Embracing Inconvenience
Main Take-Away Points for Audiences:
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Grasp how cell phones are appropriately named by the manner in which they easily keep us locked in our comfort zones.
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Understanding, through studies and research, on the benefits, mental and physical, of unplugging and getting outside.
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Insight on how to better utilize our 5-9 hours, our non-working time, pushing our comfort zone boundaries.
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The realization that just about every five-star memory in our own lives begins as an inconvenience, a departure from their comfort zones.
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Tips on how to curb screen checking compulsions.
What People Are Saying…
“We thoroughly enjoyed Jeff as our Keynote Speaker for the Alaska Recreation and Park Association. He brought energy, humor, and very relevant information; perfect for our association! I would recommend Jeff for any audience, any venue, any profession: people need to hear his message!””
Michael Bork, Conference Chair, 2019 ARPA Annual Conference
“On behalf of the entire CCCEAC board, thank you so much for the awesome presentation! We were laughing as we learned all about the red flags of digital addiction. I wish we had an extra half an hour with you so that we could’ve heard more!”
Katherine Helms – Chair of the Contra Costa County Employer Advisory Council (California)
““Jeff was our closing keynote speaker at our big client summit this year. After a long day of technical information his presentation hit home with the attendees on digital distractions and his humor really was a great way to end the day”
Peter Sustr – IMA Financial Group’s 2022 Innovation Insights Summit
“Jeff’s closing General Session presentation was one of the reasons the participants called this year’s Symposium, one of the best ever. Jeff is a true talent!”
New York State Corrections and Youth Services Association
“Excellent presenter – please bring him back next year!”…”Funny, entertaining speaker, leaving me wanting to hear more.”…Funny, fun and informative!”
Appalachian Mountain Club Summit
“I’ve been to many presentations over the years through work but Jeff’s stood out to me more than most.”
Adam Graber – Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association
“Jeff was a fun, dynamic speaker who brought humor and an impactful message to our lineup of speakers. He drew a packed room and definitely left attendees asking for more.”