The Importance of Being Human in Digital Times

During the expert session, Björn Atterstam initiates interactive engagements on the Mentimeter app and share personal insights using the chat function. 

• Heightened awareness of what technology-centered living can erode: participants can identify how digital habits reshape attention, presence, empathy, and reflection—and where this impacts their ability to be, know, and do effectively.

• A clearer, more intentional relationship with self and others: participants learn to notice when they are operating on “autopilot” digitally and how to reconnect with human-to-human signals (listening, nuance, trust, psychological safety) when it matters most.

• Practical ways to reclaim core human capabilities without rejecting technology: participants leave with concrete practices/boundaries (e.g., attention hygiene, meeting norms, device expectations, recovery rituals) to honor fundamental human needs while still using technology purposefully.

In this essential masterclass, psychologist Björn Atterstam provides a powerful counter-narrative to the tech-driven world, arguing that our deepest needs—presence, connection, and purposeful thinking—are being eroded by hyper-addictive digital technology. He issues a stark warning, citing data showing declining literacy and IQ, and emphasizes that our screens demand our "entire life," replacing meaningful peak experiences with fleeting distraction.

Atterstam outlines three non-negotiable human capacities that leaders and professionals must reclaim:

• Think: By distinguishing between fast, automatic System 1 thinking and effortful, slow System 2 thinking, he provides the tools to resist algorithmic manipulation and cultivate critical thinking. He challenges the audience: are you willing to use your brain first, or risk losing cognitive sharpness to tools like ChatGPT?

• Be: Learn to combat the need for constant stimulation and the pervasive habit of multitasking. Atterstam champions the power of Presence—giving a single activity or person your full, undivided attention—a skill that is now incredibly difficult but vital for well-being.

• Connect: Moving past casual socialization, he shows that High-Quality Connections at work are a fundamental predictor of job satisfaction and mental health. He encourages attendees to actively nurture relationships, prioritizing empathy and respect over efficiency.

This session is a crucial wakeup call and a practical guide to building the self-awareness and discipline needed to thrive. Björn Atterstam leaves the audience with a clear choice: to be "dumb, distracted, and alone" or to become "smart, focused, and loved."

Positive Psychology

What makes you really happy and what do you value most in life? Positive psychology is the scientific study of how people and organisations are enabled to realise their potential optimally. If our brains are in a positive state, we are more productive and accurate. Our happiness is not only the result of our DNA and our environment, but also of the choices we make every day. Learn in this interactive session what you can do to create a happier life for yourself.

• Learned about the 3 human capabilities to reclaim & develop- Think, Be & Connect. Love this!

• This talk was so good, the way that Bjorn talks is amazing and very soothing and informative.

• The speaker was really knowledgeable and engaging. I wish I could hear more of what he had to say.