I am a cultural historian with thirty-five years in emerging technology, focusing today on the Anthropology of Technology, which has led me to be an AI Ethicist and a “killer” storyteller.
Technology is Necessary….But let us remember that it is Not Sufficient!
Let’s examine the Ethical, Cultural, Philosophical, and Political Impact of Technology, Media, and Communications, and Ask Some Questions!
- How does emerging technology influence power dynamics and social structures?
- How do cultural values and beliefs shape the development and adoption of technology and communications?
- What are the unintended consequences of new technologies on culture, politics, religion, and the work environment?
The Tech Challenge for Every Generation
Folks! So, like, the big question that’s always hanging over us is: how do we navigate this crazy journey called life? We come from different places. We all have to learn how to make choices that benefit everyone on this wild ride through planet Earth.
Let’s kick things off by exploring how communications, artificial intelligence, machines, and human life intersect. Do we even know what it means to be human? How often do we think the questions we ponder are essential to understanding who we are as human beings?
Technology reexamined, without critical thinking, is dangerous. Technology by itself is not enough. Technology must be critically examined. Otherwise, it can lead to dark places.
Technology is Necessary, but it is not Sufficient.
Technology without an understanding of cultural history is the blind leading the blind.
We are leaving behind the old industrial days. We are diving headfirst into a world where new tech is changing the game. Can we keep up? What new moral dilemmas are going to pop up? We’ll delve into how technology is transforming our lives and what it means for society. And hey, do we even understand what it means to be human when we’ve made our own crazy inventions?
Embracing Emerging Technology and Culture is all about Societal Phase Change
Technology is Anthropology
A little bit of history about me…
I’m an AI and Emerging Technology Strategist and techno-public philosopher who has spent my career exploring how technology shapes our society and culture. With over 500 keynotes and workshops delivered globally, I work at the intersection of humans and technology, asking the fundamental question: What does it mean to be human in an age of emerging autonomous technology?
Background and Experience
My journey began with an academic foundation in cultural history and communications at St. Meinrad College, where I immersed myself in European History, Philosophy, and the Great Books of Western and Eastern traditions. Marshall McLuhan’s work profoundly influenced how I understand technology’s cultural impact. Graduate studies at Saint Meinrad School of Theology, where half of the seventy-eight hours were in history, deepened this foundation. My thesis directors were Sebastian Leonard, OSB, DPhil (Oxon), and Cyprian Davis, OSB, Ph.D. My graduate studies shaped my understanding of social justice, cultural history, and the communication patterns that drive societal change.
I’ve held executive positions at Oracle in the Industrial consulting and strategy practice. At C-Bridge (EVP of Strategy & Marketing/Chief Revenue Officer), PwC, and American National Insurance (Executive Chief Information Security Officer), working on the ground floor of emerging technologies, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and internet technology. At C-Bridge where the company was located on the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, we colaborated with various deveopments developing cutting-edge solutions using emerging technology for the Global 2000. We collaborated with leading technology companies on product development in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and Corporate Strategy. While keeping a “foot grounded in humanty” For twenty years, I served as a board member and as Chair of the Center of Parish Development. This non-denominational strategic mission-planning organization has now merged with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Theory of Constraints and Strategic Thinking
I was privileged to study with Dr. Eli Goldratt, creator of the Theory of Constraints and author of The Goal (over 7 million copies sold). Working closely with Eli, we developed techniques tailored for emerging technology companies, banks, healthcare, and investment firms. I’m designated as a “Jonah’s Jonah” by the Goldratt Institute and a TOC Expert through the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization, which I helped found with Eli and others.
My Philosophy and Approach
I champion “The Greater Good” and maintain an optimistic yet historically grounded outlook on technology’s future. My approach centers on the See~Judge~Act methodology (the Cardijn Method), helping organizations understand how the Autonomous Cultural Revolution intersects with their work and, most especially, their lives.
Key questions I explore:
- What is our role as humans in an automated world?
- How does technology relate to work, leisure, education, and communication?
- How do we prepare for the change while maintaining our humanity?
- Do we truly understand the meaning of being human and the difference it makes in technology?
The time has come for a philosophy and theology of technology for the modern world. First, we innovate, educate, collaborate—then we create the future, a future for all human beings.
Current Work and Community Engagement
I continue my adventures in learning, focusing on Digital Humanities, Lived Philosophy, and Autonomous Technologies. I’m actively involved with:
- International Thomas Merton Society
- Cardijn Institute
- American Historical Association
- International Bonhoeffer Society
I focus on the words of Merton, McLuhan, Cardijn, Adler, and Bonhoeffer, who speak directly to our world today; we just need to hear them to better understand how they apply to our lives.
As an itinerant speaker and workshop facilitator, I have presented across Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. At this stage of my life, I like to organize book clubs and discussion groups (in person and via Zoom) focused on ongoing collective education. Currently, I teach adults through the Forever Learning Institute in South Bend, Indiana, and for me, this is a labor of love.
My Mission
Innovation, education, and collaboration are the keys to systematically changing our world, our organizations, and our lives. I bring lively, interactive keynotes and workshops that define real issues, challenges, and opportunities—helping people better understand technology’s role in our changing world. Everything I do is in pursuit of the greater good for people, planet, prosperity for all, customers, employees, shareholders, partners, and most especially the entire human race.
Let’s work together to shape a better future.
Innovate ~ Educate ~ Collaborate 
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