In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, accelerating complexity, and synthetic interactions, staying human is no longer just a virtue, it’s a skill. In this keynote, Eric Anctil, author of the forthcoming book Keep Evolving and Stay Human and founder of the human engagement studio Cosmic North, explores how we design for empathy, trust, and real connection in an increasingly automated world. Blending storytelling, cultural critique, and practical frameworks, Eric offers a compass for educators, leaders, creatives, and anyone navigating disorientation in the digital age. Rather than resisting technology, he challenges audiences to evolve alongside it, while protecting the spark that makes us matter. Eric’s work offers a path toward meaningful connection in a time that often feels disconnected and completely unreal.

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The Future of Human Engagement: A Guide for Real People Living Through Unreal Times | University of Portland