But beyond the obvious tech-driven distractions, have you ever been in a conversation where the other person just isn’t listening? There’s no real connection, no active engagement, no curiosity. It feels like they have somewhere else to be, something else to think about, and you’re merely an obstacle to their next task. The distraction is obvious, but what’s even scarier is the lack of empathy. That’s not how we’re meant to be. We’re meant to spend time with one another, look each other in the eyes, and seek real understanding.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending an educational procurement event where we set up a booth with lights and cameras to interview government procurement professionals. What struck me most wasn’t just their knowledge, but their energy, enthusiasm, and pride in their work. What made the experience truly rewarding was the act of active listening—our team engaged with each individual, pulling out their stories, asking probing questions, and genuinely learning from them.
By the end of the two days, we walked away with more than just interviews; we left with a sense of fulfillment, goosebumps even. Not because we’d completed a task, but because we had gained real insights and built meaningful relationships. These conversations are going to turn into deeper, more significant connections, and it all started by simply putting down our devices and being present.
That’s what we’re missing in our lives today—human interaction. Real conversations. Marketers, of all people, should understand this better than anyone. Listening is supposed to be the cornerstone of what we do. It’s not about churning out promotions or sales pitches; it’s about defining segments of the marketplace, being curious, and finding out more about those we serve. It’s about showing respect through genuine curiosity.
Human beings, by nature, are self-interested. But the most successful people—however you define success—are the ones who can minimize that self-interest. To me, capitalism isn’t about staking a claim for oneself; it’s about staking a claim in the service of others. If you’re feeling low, if you’re feeling disconnected, try doing something for someone else. That’s how we repair ourselves, how we grow, and how we thrive—by focusing on others. And a great place to start is by simply listening.
In today’s world of AI, automation, and technology doing everything for us, we risk losing one of the most critical skills for growth: learning from others. Listening is one of the greatest ways we learn, not just facts, but wisdom. I recently spoke with a gentleman in his 70s who wants to start a podcast because he’s mentored others throughout his life. I asked him if people even want to be mentored these days, and I was heartened to hear that some young people do. It gave me hope that the wisdom from generations past is still valued, and that there’s a hunger for real connection.
Knowledge alone isn’t enough. Wisdom comes from knowledge, experience, and, most importantly, courage. Right now, we need the courage to put down our devices, step away from the distractions, and have real conversations. Our lives will become richer because of it—and I bet our pocketbooks will too.
