Imagine Changing Our Focus — How It Could Transform the World: Adventures at TEDxBrighton.

Dan #FutureOfWork Sodergren
6 min readApr 12, 2024

I hope this find you well. Spring is springing all around us in the UK.

And spring is the time for new discoveries and rebirth.

So it is apt that as the host of this year’s TEDxBrighton, I want to share some valuable insights from our incredible speakers that can help you navigate the ever-changing world of work and propel your career forward.

It was only a week ago TODAY — that I stepped out of my comfort zone and back onto the famous red dot — this time not to do a talk about the future of work — but to help host the other speakers!!

A very different gig for me.

TEDxBrighton’s theme, “Got your attention! Let’s change the world by changing what we pay attention to,” couldn’t be more relevant to the future of work.

In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, it’s essential to focus on the things that truly matter for personal and professional growth.

I was so inspired I wrote a much longer blog about the day here.

But for this newsletter there are some key things to think about.

For the future of work. Let me show you…

1. Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

One of the standout speakers was Mo Kanjilal, Co-Creator at Watch This Sp_ce. Her powerful talk on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace left a lasting impact on me, so much so that it inspired me to go on Talk TV radio to discuss the future of work, AI, and technology.

You can read more about my experience on my blog:

Going On TalkRadio to talk about the future of work, AI and technology.

Mo’s message is clear: creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected is not just a box to tick, but a fundamental necessity for thriving in the future of work. As you navigate your career, seek out organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusivity, and actively contribute to building a welcoming environment for all.

2. Giving Without Expectation

Simon Squibb, founder of HelpBnk and a TikTok-famous entrepreneur, shared his philosophy of “givewithoutake.” In the context of work, this means offering your skills, knowledge, and support to colleagues and peers without expecting anything in return. By fostering a culture of generosity and collaboration, we can create more fulfilling and successful work environments.

3. Nurturing the Future

Gayle Berry’s mission to nurture the future by focusing on the first 1,001 days of life may seem unrelated to the world of work at first glance. However, her message of investing in the well-being of children is a powerful reminder that the future of work depends on the generations to come.

As professionals, we have a responsibility to create a world that supports and empowers the next generation of workers.And also to be mindful of how we start anything.

4. Joyful Mindfulness

Amy Polly, the Chief Mindfulness Rebel, reminded us that incorporating fun and playfulness into our mindfulness practices can have a profound impact on our well-being. In the fast-paced world of work, it’s easy to get caught up in stress and forget to prioritize joy.

Take a cue from Amy and make space for moments of lightheartedness and fun in your workday.

5. Reflecting on Your Career Journey

As you reflect on the insights shared at TEDxBrighton, consider how you can apply these lessons to your own career journey. What steps can you take to embrace diversity, give without expectation, nurture the future, and incorporate joyful mindfulness into your professional life?

I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with me online — come find me on LinkedIn and find the other speakers to — at the end of this blog all about my experience at TedxBrighton.

6. My Your Career Journey

It’s funny that in April 2022 I was there — at their last event — talking about AI and how the future of work isn’t what you think it’s what you LOVE.

I loved being asked to go back and host — at their event — it was a true honour.

But ironically, not something I loved doing. But I LOVED THE EVENT.

And a massive thanks to all the speakers for making my job easier.

BUT… It’s just I am no longer able to be a host of day long events.

I am too old for that lark. It’s far too stressful :) And tiring..

Keynotes for events and training organisations…

Where I know what’s going to happen next.

That’s kinda all under my control.

That’s what I love doing.

And that direction is what I have to pay ATTENTION to.

Your sincerely as ever

Dan Sodergren

PS. Don’t think this newsletter was about the future of work enough?

What about a sponsored bit about LinkedIn — as that’s about work?

In today’s fast-paced digital age, leveraging LinkedIn is not just an option but a necessity for professionals and businesses alike. This platform, with its vast network of over 700 million users, serves as a goldmine for opportunities, connections, and learning.

But the question remains: Are you making the most of LinkedIn?

Find out with this 1 minute quiz for you here.

https://achievelinkedinmastery.scoreapp.com/

PPS. Huge thanks to all the speakers of the event — in no order they were:

Simon Squibb, the founder of HelpBnk and a TikTok-famous entrepreneur

Mark Blake, Co-founder of Joyfully Different

Mo Kanjilal, Co-Creator at Watch This Sp_ce

Amy Polly, Chief Mindfulness Rebel

Jessica Chapplow, Founder of Heartificial Intelligence

Nahum Romero Zamora a visionary artist known for his artistic space

Tom Morphew, Founder of Full Circle Farms and The Garden Army.

James Dempster shared his diverse experiences as a marketer

Bud Johnston MCIM, founder of Boxless, BARCO & Men of Melanin

Hady Milani, the Scientific Director at the EIIS

Gayle Berry’s global expert on child care for the first 1001 days of life

Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People and a social entrepreneur.

Oge Ejizu, Leader at Black Girls Hike

Woodzy, an award-winning Flo Poet.

Tansy Dowman, Founder of Tansy in the Wild,

Dean Spears, Head of Blue Natural Capital, Sussex Bay,

and Natalie Benmayor, from Capsule Eleven Jewellery

And to the organisers Toby Moore and Kate Moore and Vicki Jakes and all the volunteers. And my two co-hosts and curators Bianca Cefalo and Sam Zindel

It was a HECK of an AMAZING two and a bit days.

Down at TEDxBrighton. Next year you…

Should come too. Chat to Toby…

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Dan #FutureOfWork Sodergren

#PublicSpeaker #TedxTalk #KeynoteSpeaker talks on the #FutureOfWork #Tech and #AI. Expert / guest on national TV / Radio and podcasts. Co-founder of YourFLOCK