Kat speaks with David Harkin, CEO of 8 Billion Ideas, about his viral LinkedIn post about his phone detox. David talks about the impact constant digital connectivity was having on his life, including his performance as a CEO and father. He shares how setting boundaries with phone use and creating phone free periods, helped him regain focus and presence and build healthier relationships with his loved ones and technology.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
David's phone detox revealed that only 1-2% of notifications were truly urgent, we all overestimate the importance of immediate digital availability.
Implementing 'batch processing' of communications at specific times of day can dramatically reduce the mental load of constant interruptions.
Schools' communication strategies are adding to parents' digital overwhelm with multiple platforms and frequent updates, another source of micro-doses of stress.
Starting Mondays with personal time (e.g no meetings before 10 AM) sets a positive tone for the entire week and creates space for creativity and strategic thinking.
Creating a phone me culture at work can reduce the thousands of unnecessary messages exchanged, streamlining communication and improving focus.
Removing work apps from your phone during weekends or designated periods creates crucial boundaries that protect personal time and mental space, too.
Constant notifications interrupt creative flow, particularly for tasks requiring longer concentration, significantly extending the time needed to complete them.
Finding your third dimension beyond work and family, like running, learning piano, or reading, is essential for personal wellbeing and maintaining energy for other areas of life.
BEST MOMENTS
"I was realising something's gotta change here because I'm sitting here reading my 8-year-old boy a story and I'm thinking about work and I can't stop thinking about work. I'm in two places at the same time."
"What I found interesting was when I turned the phone back on, there was a billion notifications there, but really the stuff which was urgent, you're talking about one or 2% of the stuff."
"I'm dyslexic as well, so it's not very helpful having that constant interruption when you're trying to write emails or get into a flow state of thinking."
"I think it would be great to see quick phone calls coming back into fashion again and using that as a way to get quick answers from people so we are not falling into the trap of just waiting for an update."
"Being present is one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced. I feel like we're creating a better quality experience for people who are listening. It's more enjoyable for both of us to have this conversation."
ABOUT THE GUEST
David Harkin is a husband, father of three, and CEO of 8billionideas—a global education company delivering its Critical Curriculum to over 500,000 students in 25 countries. A recognised leader in education, he’s delivered two TEDx talks: "Can a 4-Year-Old Change the World?" and "How We Can All Embrace a World-Class Mentality." Ranked 8th globally by ISC Research, he’s received multiple awards, including the EduFuturist Award. Formerly at IBM, David led a multi-million-dollar business by 24 and earned the CEO Award. Outside work, he’s Vice President of Sevenoaks Vine CC and a passionate cricketer.
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8billionideas
ABOUT THE HOST
Kat started her career as a teacher, before moving into Tech where she worked in different executive roles within teaching and consulting working across the globe, both in the public and private sector. Despite appearing 'successful' on the outside, she paid a heavy ‘life’ price. In 2016, her whole world collapsed. The reason? The compound effect of years of unhealthy and toxic habits that destroyed her health, relationship and career. She suffered a severe breakdown and lost everything. In the middle of this she got headhunted for her first CEO role. She rebuilt herself by changing just one small habit, and built a se