Mark Ostach

With his finger on the pulse of today’s digital age, Mark Ostach blends personal storytelling and research to demonstrate the importance of human connection and it's impact on organizational health. Ostach’s insights offer today’s leaders strategies to combat disconnection and restore mental energy within their teams by modeling vulnerability and courage.

Ostach's advocacy started in 2003 during his psychology studies at Albion College. By 2010, he had developed a plugin to help manage time and mood online, based on his research into the impacts of the internet and social media on mood, loneliness, and envy. This research later served as the basis for his 2015 TEDx talk titled "Are you an i-Drenaline Junkie?" where he explored how phones affect our biochemistry.

Ostach's work has been recognized by numerous organizations and media outlets. In 2016, he spoke at the Digital Citizenship Summit at Twitter’s Headquarters. He educates organizations on establishing boundaries with their digital devices to alleviate stress and reduce burnout. Ostach's insights have also been featured in various media platforms, including a 2021 interview on WJR 760 AM on enhancing digital wellness.

In 2022, Ostach further expanded his influence by launching the "Courage to Connect" podcast and publishing his book "If You Really Knew Me…". The following year, he published key takeaways from his work with over 200 organizations, focusing on fostering social connection and digital wellness in the workplace. Despite his busy professional life, Ostach takes time to pursue personal interests such as writing music, spending time in nature, and enjoying life with his wife and their two children. He remains resolute in his mission to remind the world that human connection is the most powerful connection we have.