Thursday Thought Leaders - August 20, 2026
Connected, But Distracted: Practical Strategies for
Thriving in the Digital Age
From smartphones and social media to streaming, gaming, and AI, technology has transformed how we live, learn, work, and connect. While these tools offer tremendous benefits, many of us are asking the same question: Are we more connected than ever, yet more distracted than ever?
Join us for a practical conversation about how technology is shaping our attention, productivity, relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. Whether you're a parent, educator, school administrator, employer, manager, or simply someone trying to build healthier digital habits, you'll leave with practical ideas you can use at work, at home, and in your everyday life.
Leading the conversation will be Dr. Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools, and Joey Odom, nationally recognized advocate for intentional technology use. Together, they'll explore how technology is affecting our schools, workplaces, homes, and communities—and what we can do about it.
We'll explore:
- The impact of smartphones and social media on focus, learning, and behavior
- Cell phone restrictions in schools: challenges, successes, and lessons learned
- Digital distractions in the workplace and their effect on productivity
- Technology's influence on relationships, communication, and mental health
- Proven strategies for building healthier digital habits
- Practical tools and resources for using technology more intentionally
Technology isn't going away. The challenge is learning how to use it intentionally rather than allowing it to use us.
About the Speakers
JOEY ODOM
Joey Odom is a keynote speaker, author, and podcast host who equips leaders, families, and teams to lead with greater presence and reclaim meaningful connection.
His journey began when he missed his young son's first soccer goal while staring at his phone. That moment prompted him to co-found Aro, a first-of-its-kind technology company that created a software and hardware solution to combat screen time and build presence. Over seven years Aro helped tens of thousands of families reclaim millions of intentional screen-free hours.
Today Joey speaks nationally on presence as a leadership superpower and on building healthier relationships with both technology and the people around us. He draws on the practical frameworks he has developed to deliver honest stories and actionable strategies. Audiences leave his keynotes hopeful, confident, and equipped with tools they can apply immediately to strengthen leadership trust, family bonds, and faith.
Joey has spoken at Liberty University Convocation, Passion City Church, Breakaway at Texas A&M, and many other corporate, parenting, and church events. He is a proud graduate of Oral Roberts University and spent 15 years as a top-producing commercial real estate executive. He previously hosted The Aro Podcast, a top 1% global show, and now co-hosts Brave & Big, a podcast on living a brave and big life. He is currently authoring a book on presence and intentional living at the intersection of faith and technology.
Joey and his wife Cristin live in Knoxville, Tennessee with their teenagers, Harrison and Gianna. Joey loves morning coffee with Cristin, cheering on his kids from the sidelines, and rooting for his beloved Sooners, Braves, Bills, and Thunder.
Instagram: @joeyodom.life
Website: joeyodom.life
Dr. GRANT RIVERA, SUPERINTENDENT
Grant Rivera has been the proud Superintendent of Marietta City Schools since 2016, leading the district’s 12 schools, approximately 8,500 students, and 1,200 employees. He is a career educator who has served as a principal, teacher, and coach prior to becoming superintendent. He is humbled and honored to be leading Marietta City Schools, where the district serves as a state and national model for innovation and the science of reading.
Grant holds a bachelor’s degree in education and social policy from Northwestern University and earned a master’s degree in special education and a Doctorate of Education with an emphasis in school law from the University of Alabama. Dr. Rivera and his wife, Jenn, live in Marietta with their two daughters. Grant and his family are committed, in collaboration with CURE Childhood Cancer, to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research, as his daughter is a stage IV cancer survivor.
Supporting Sponsors?
