Connected yet disconnected

I remember learning about the idea of the "global village" in a high school textbook — a term that felt big and abstract at the time. It’s the idea that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected due to the spread of communication technologies, particularly the internet (coined by Marshall McLuhan, I’ve taught this in my Advertising classes too). This interconnectedness creates a sense of a smaller, more unified world where people from different parts of the globe can interact and share information more easily.

Like many millennials, I saw it become reality, perhaps starting with the day my dad brought home our first PC running Windows 95. I remember waiting patiently for it to connect to the internet through dial-up, and the thrill of seeing a webpage load.

It's wild to think how far we've come. I still remember the excitement of getting the thin white iPod Shuffle — the one without a screen — and how proud I was to carry it around with a plastic case, listening to whatever music happened to come up. That device barely had space. Now I have access to every song or video I’d ever need to consume, plus dozens of apps, all on the same phone I can use to run my business.

That leap from 1,000 songs in your pocket to streaming anything, anytime is more than just tech nostalgia. It’s a reminder of how quickly things evolve.

The last few editions of The Intersection have touched on technology, and I didn’t want this one to be too focused on AI again. But it’s impossible to exclude completely — especially when OpenAI just released GPT-5 this week…

The AI gap is widening

This isn’t just another upgrade — it’s a shift in how we think about and use AI. I remember how long it took me to even start using ChatGPT regularly. Now it’s embedded into my workflow alongside tools like Perplexity, Fireflies and more.

But for every person racing ahead with these tools, there are many others who haven’t even started. There’s a growing divide between those already integrating AI into their work and those being left behind — not because they’re incapable, but often because they haven’t had the chance to try or learn.

Soon, this won’t be a debate. AI won’t be a feature or a buzzword — it’ll just be the infrastructure, the default. I think the same way we don’t talk about “going on the Internet,” or even electricity, we’ll stop talking about “using AI.” It will just be part of everything.

This divide is another reason we’re running AI for Impact training through The Good Growth Company. It’s a way to support nonprofit professionals and mission-driven teams with hands-on training, strategy, and implementation.

We’re doing in-person workshops in Mississauga and Toronto next week, as well as an online version on October 7 to make it more accessible.

When it comes to learning and building, IRL matters

As much as I embrace tech, I always come back to the value of being in a room with people.

Before the pandemic, the majority of meetings were in-person, and my team and I really valued having a physical studio space for the agency. My nonprofit even received grant funding years ago to secure an office space and rent venues for workshops and conferences.

Today, while I’ve taught online courses for continuing education, the majority of my teaching is in-person, especially at OCAD Univesity and George Brown College. That’s very intentional.

The deeper questions, the ability to read the room, the side conversations after class… these just don’t happen or translate well to Zoom. I’ve even taught alternating hybrid weeks, and honestly, that was probably the most disruptive format of all.

I’m sure you’ve experienced the difference between learning online and connecting offline. A moment where someone lingers after a session and asks that one great question. A spark that happens when you hear someone else’s perspective and strike up a conversation. People are craving real human connection and interaction.

What does it mean to be “Future Ready” then?

This month, I’ll be participating in an in-person event that aligns with these thoughts — an outdoor leadership experience called Future Ready Leader Day, hosted by Leigh Mitchell.

This event is not your typical leadership seminar. It's intentionally offline, nature-integrated, and deeply reflective.

Leigh and I had a great conversation about the goals of the experience, and it’s clear that this day is about more than gaining knowledge. It’s about rethinking what it means to lead.

We’ll be spending the day outdoors, surrounded by nature, unplugged from screens. There’ll be moments of guided reflection, energy mapping, grounding practices, and even forest bathing (some things I haven’t tried yet).

The goal is to pause, journal, reconnect, and ask bigger questions about purpose, leadership, and impact.

While the future involves AI and tech tools, it also requires emotional intelligence, mindfulness, storytelling, vision, and real leadership. Some of the topics being covered include:

• Ethical and inclusive AI (something I believe nonprofit and community leaders must understand)

• Personal branding for impact (which I’ll be leading a session on)

• Public speaking and storytelling

• Future-ready leadership planning

• Being an “inner happy” leader, not just a high-performing one

These are the kinds of skills we don’t always talk about when we’re focused on the latest trend or tool, but they’re essential.

If you’re interested in coming to the Future-Ready Leader Day, you can save 50% on your ticket here with the code CHANGEMAKER50.

Every August, I take a moment to connect with nature and my thoughts in Muskoka. There’s something about the nature and calm environment that just creates more space to think and reflect, naturally. This year, it was a month early:

Today’s newsletter has been a mix of timelines — early 2000s iPods, current AI models, and upcoming outdoor gatherings.

We’re living in a moment where technology is surging forward, and at the same time, we’re more in need of human connection than ever.

So I’ll leave you with a few reflection questions:

• When was the last time you went offline for a full day?

• How are you investing in both your tech skills and your leadership presence?

• What are you doing to stay grounded, not just “future ready”?

Until next time,
—Daniel