Virtual Events, Tech Leadership & Purposeful Innovation: Lessons from Amber Mac
I recently had an incredible conversation with Amber Mac, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and media personality, about the evolving landscape of digital experiences, technology, and leadership. We covered everything from virtual events to tech accountability and the future of work.
Why Production Value Matters in Virtual Events
Amber made a compelling point early on: high production value in virtual events builds trust and engagement. In a crowded online space, a polished presentation can make all the difference. She even referenced the infamous cat filter moment as an example of how low-effort virtual setups can undermine credibility.
Virtual events aren’t just convenient, they can be ethical and economical alternatives to frequent travel, reducing carbon footprints while allowing more focus on productivity and family time. Hybrid models are here to stay, and they can be just as effective as in-person events for knowledge sharing.
The Shift Away from Travel
Amber shared her personal decision to limit travel for speaking engagements, citing environmental concerns, family priorities, and financial efficiency. While she enjoys face-to-face interactions, she finds virtual studios empowering and believes they offer a sustainable approach to professional engagements.
The pandemic has accelerated this shift, showing that virtual events can be a productive, sustainable alternative to traditional travel-heavy schedules.
Wellness in the Workplace
We also discussed the Great Resignation and changing workplace priorities. Many people are reconsidering their work-life balance, not necessarily leaving jobs entirely. Amber highlighted the importance of employee wellness, noting over 50% of remote workers report anxiety and physical discomfort.
She suggested that companies may need wellness-focused roles or even a Chief Wellness Officer to meet the evolving needs of remote and hybrid teams. Leaders must now prioritize both mental and physical health alongside traditional business goals.
Technology and Children
Amber shared insights from her son’s struggle with online schooling during the pandemic. While online learning offered convenience, it also led to emotional challenges, underscoring the importance of in-person social interactions for children’s mental health.
We also discussed video gaming. Games like Fortnite and Roblox can have both positive and negative impacts depending on context, content, and individual children. Amber stressed that parental guidance and awareness are key there’s no one-size-fits-all rule.
Facebook’s Rebranding to Meta and Its Societal Impact
Amber and I talked about Facebook’s recent rebranding to Meta and its shift toward the metaverse. She believes that Zuckerberg’s pivot is partly about shifting attention away from Facebook’s core challenges issues like misinformation, privacy breaches, and the platform’s broader impact on democracy.
She also acknowledged the positive side: Facebook and Instagram have been powerful tools for business and connecting people, especially older users. But there are serious concerns we can’t ignore:
Spread of misinformation, like false COVID-19 vaccine content during the pandemic.
Harmful content targeting vulnerable groups, such as young girls struggling with eating disorders.
Amber raised an important question: why isn’t more effort being put into fixing these fundamental problems before launching ambitious new platforms like the metaverse?
We agreed that Facebook’s growth outpaced its ability to manage the negative consequences, and while the metaverse sounds exciting, it might be more of a strategic distraction than a solution to these pressing societal issues.
Leadership, Accountability, and Diversity in Tech
Amber didn’t hold back when talking about tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Innovation aside, she argued, leadership requires responsibility, accountability, and diversity.
We’ve long celebrated the renegade genius archetype in Silicon Valley, but as the stakes grow higher, that narrative is breaking down. The next generation of leaders must balance innovation with integrity and diversity will be the key driver of change.
Emerging Technologies: Web3, Blockchain, and NFTs
Amber expressed cautious optimism about Web3 and blockchain technologies. While they promise decentralization and user ownership, environmental and societal concerns must guide adoption. Her focus remains on planet-first technologies that address real-world problems like climate change and healthcare.
Technology’s Positive Impact
It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but Amber reminded us of the extraordinary good technology can do. From hearing aids that reconnect families to tools that improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities, tech can transform lives in profound ways.
The key is timing. Some innovations arrive before the world is ready (remember how long podcasting took to go mainstream?). The real opportunity is knowing when a technology is at its tipping point.
Authenticity and Speaking Up
Finally, we discussed authentic leadership and the courage to speak up. Amber shared how experience and reflection helped her develop confidence to voice opinions responsibly. Speaking truthfully and respectfully, she noted, can drive meaningful change in culture and leadership.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up my conversation with Amber Mac, I came away with a deeper understanding of the shifting digital landscape from the impact of high-quality virtual content to the responsibilities that come with tech leadership, and the societal effects of platforms like Facebook. Her insights really drove home the importance of balancing innovation with ethical accountability.
What stood out most to me is that trust, wellness, and authenticity aren’t just buzzwords; they're essential in both technology and leadership. We also touched on the tension between emerging technologies like Web3 and the real-world challenges we face, from climate change to health crises.
At the end of the day, this discussion reminded me that the future of work, technology, and leadership hinges on being accountable, empathetic, and purposeful. Innovation is exciting, but its true value comes when it creates a positive impact for people and society.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What are virtual events and why are they important?
Virtual events are online gatherings like webinars, conferences, or workshops. They allow people to connect globally without travel, save costs, reduce carbon footprint, and maintain engagement. With the right tools, they can be as interactive and impactful as in-person events.
2 - Why is tech leadership accountability important?
Tech leaders shape products, culture, and societal impact. Accountability ensures ethical decisions, fair practices, and responsible innovation. Leaders who prioritize trust, transparency, and diversity help companies grow while reducing negative social or environmental consequences.
3 - How can leaders encourage authentic communication in teams?
Leaders can encourage honesty, active listening, and respectful feedback. Being transparent, empathetic, and approachable helps team members speak up. Authentic communication strengthens trust, improves collaboration, and ensures that ideas are heard and valued.
4 - What are the risks of social media in society?
Social media can spread misinformation, privacy issues, and harmful content. It can affect mental health and influence opinions rapidly. Awareness, critical thinking, and responsible use by individuals and companies are key to reducing societal risks.
5 - How can virtual events reduce environmental impact?
By cutting travel for conferences or meetings, virtual events lower carbon emissions and energy use. They reduce the need for hotels, flights, and transportation, offering a sustainable alternative while still enabling meaningful networking and learning experiences.
6 - What is the role of diversity in tech leadership?
Diverse leadership brings varied perspectives, better decision-making, and more inclusive products. It encourages accountability, ethical innovation, and cultural sensitivity, helping organizations succeed while positively impacting society and employees.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.