Claudia Neumeister, BCC;
Credit: Robin Jensen
On Tuesday 18 June 2024, the Luxembourg School of Business (LSB) played host to a workshop titled "Our Stolen Attention", organised by the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg's (BCC) People and Leadership group.
As reported by the BCC, this event drew a diverse group of professionals keen to explore the impact of global issues on personal well-being and mental health.
The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Philippe Galen of LSB and Claudia Neumeister from the BCC. Their introductions set the stage for a deep dive into the pressing concerns of our times.
Keith Amoss kicked off the session with a discussion on how our imagination shapes our feelings and the crucial connection between mind and body. He emphasised: "It's not about the issue, it's about the effect it has on us." Keith Amoss also provided a practical tip for using ChatGPT, advising participants to avoid uploading personal details. He highlighted the gravity of current global risks by referencing the Doomsday Clock, which stands at 90 seconds to midnight, signifying the high potential for catastrophic conflict.
To shift the focus from the weighty topics, Virginia Anderson led the group through a "Deep Democracy" workshop. This exercise encouraged participants to step into various roles - ranging from the Dalai Lama and a CEO to abstract concepts like nature, love and optimism. Virginia Anderson herself took on the role of Donald Trump, which created a noticeable shift in the room's energy. Participants formed groups based on their adopted roles and engaged in discussions, which were followed by an emotional debrief where individuals expressed their feelings in one word, with responses like "grateful", "fulfilled" and "here".
The workshop also offered practical solutions for coping with the distractions of modern life. Participants discussed the benefits of reducing social media use and finding purpose in stress. The general consensus was that conversations about stress are valuable and that human connection is essential.
Keith Amoss concluded the event on a hopeful note by inviting participants to imagine themselves 30 years into the future, looking back on today with a sense of appreciation. He highlighted everyday positives such as the availability of hot showers, ample food and the ability to communicate with people far away, encouraging everyone to stand and appreciate the present moment.
The BCC described the workshop as "a resounding success", with high levels of engagement from all participants. It underscored the importance of addressing the impact of global issues on personal well-being and highlighted the power of human connection and perspective in navigating these challenges.
