What happens when a 7-year-old's innocent question about smartphones forces us to confront our own digital habits? Technology expert Alexander Bell joins Bill Banham on the HRchat Show to share the powerful moment that transformed his relationship with technology and launched his mission to help others reclaim control over their digital lives.
Alex draws from over two decades of experience working with global brands like Google and IBM to provide practical insights on building what he calls "attention intelligence." He explains how our cognitive abilities decrease by 26% when phones are merely visible on our desks—yet acknowledges that simply removing devices isn't feasible in today's connected workplace. Instead, he offers innovative strategies like "body doubling," where working alongside others (virtually or in-person) creates accountability and minimizes digital distraction.
For HR professionals looking to improve digital wellbeing in their organizations, Alex recommends a systematic approach: first observe existing technology habits, then evaluate whether they align with company values, and finally implement targeted changes. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that despite technology's powerful pull, we retain ultimate agency over our digital relationships.
His refreshing, humor-filled approach to this critical topic makes complex behavioral challenges accessible and actionable for individuals and organizations alike.
Feature Your Brand on the HRchat Podcast
The HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score.
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