My year in review and new beginnings for 2023
Bob Hutchins, MSc
Bridging silicon and soul in the age of thinking machines. AI Consultant, Advisor and Instructor, Marketing exec. PhD Researcher in Generative AI. EdTech. Author. Speaker. Media Ecology. Mental Health Advocate
This past year of “back to normal” has been anything but for most of us. The thing about post-pandemic times, or ‘post’ anything for that matter, is that it still has the residual effects of whatever came before AND simultaneously the vision for a different future. History shows us this in the roaring 20s of post-WW1 and the baby boom of post-WW2. Those times also brought the challenges of a new world and adjustments that had to be made in society. And so it is with us as well. We are adjusting, changing, and struggling forward as we strain to see a vision of our future.?
I am no different. This year brought the complexity of change in all its variety. And I was stretched.
The first quarter brought the opportunity to deliver my first?Tedx Talk.?From Ambiguous Loss to Tragic Optimism?was the title.?Trying to communicate the huge topic of worldwide collective grief as it moves toward Victor Frankl’s definitions of finding hope and purpose...in the space of 12 minutes… was challenging to say the least.
Writing and releasing a book with my co-author, Jenny Black, about the effects of digital screen life on our mental health was also a stretching experience. I am very proud of how?Our Digital Soul: Collective Anxiety, Media Trauma, and a Path Toward Recovery?came out. We poured many hours into the research and writing.?My hope is that it can be the catalyst to begin conversations for individuals, families, and organizations to assess and change their relationships with their screens.
The book and the Tedx Talk opened up several opportunities for more public speaking, podcast interviews, and keynotes. I spoke to various groups and events on everything from Web3, More Human Marketing Strategies, and hybrid/remote working effects on work culture.
My two-year contract at 5by5 Agency came to an end this year as well. Helping them build out and grow their digital practice this past two years has been so much fun. What a great organization and even better human beings. I see a bright future ahead for 5by5.
This brings me to the end of the year and my plans for 2023.?
As many of you know, my career has been focused on technology, digital strategies, and more human communication. My recent focus and education in behavioral and organizational psychology, have also opened up new opportunities for speaking and consulting as well. The one thing that has stayed consistent through all of it, through all the years, has been the creation of content. Whether writing books, developing advertising and marketing campaigns, recording podcasts, public speaking, teaching videos, consulting with organizations, coaching…. It’s all content.?I am a producer of content, either for myself or for my clients.?
So as I start to see myself as a producer, and a media strategy consultant, I am excited to announce the launch of?Human Voice Media. As a media company, it will serve as the umbrella for content creation and distribution. This includes online training videos,?Podcasts?(and a podcast network), books, consulting/coaching, and potentially some live events. I am energized about the possibilities and the collaborations that Human Voice Media will afford in this new year.?
My tagline and the guiding principle will be Human Driven-Data Informed.?This is a response to and shift from the ‘data-driven’ marketing and strategies that have been the staple for companies and agencies for the past decade or so. Human Voice Media will create media, tools, and strategies that will always put the flourishing of humans first. The holistic well-being of people in the context of organizations, business, technology usage, and communication strategies will be the focus.?
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Collaboration over competition will be another guiding principle. I look forward to creating life-impacting content and media with great people doing great work. Feel free to reach out to me at?Human Voice Media?if you have some ideas!
So here is to new beginnings. I look forward to what 2023 holds for all of us!?
As always, reach out to me if I can help in any way or if you have any questions! I am at [email protected]
And thank you for your support and friendship this past year. It means a lot.
Bob H
Digital Marketer, Social Media Marketing Manager, SEO and Keyword Research.
1 年Great ??
Content Marketing Consultant | Growth Strategist | Writer-Editor | Mental Health Nonprofit Founder
1 年Thank you, Bob, for your foundational work in holistic well-being for all. There is much work to be done around this topic. I am focusing on my community's wellness, particularly this year. Still, I appreciate the research and work you have put into raising awareness of the negative fallout from our preoccupation with screen time. I look forward to incorporating your lessons learned and vision into my work plans in 2023.
Next Trend Realty LLC./wwwHar.com/Chester-Swanson/agent_cbswan
1 年Well Said.
Creative Strategist & Executive Creative Director Designing impact moments with you—uniting creative and corporate cultures to design messaging & experiences that inspire, engage, create loyalty, & drive value.
1 年“Collaboration over competition” - this line! My belief is this is where we’re headed - clients get the highest levels of specialties needed to accomplish their goal through a network of specialist, preferably tied together. Great thoughts Bob - and 2023 will be groundbreaking in so many ways! Cheers! ??