Ángel Marqués

  Networking is undeniably a cornerstone of professional success, yet many people stumble when trying to navigate it effectively. Despite its importance, networking often feels daunting, riddled with potential missteps that can make building meaningful relationships challenging. If you’ve ever left a networking event feeling unsure about how to follow up or whether your conversations resonated, you’re not alone. The good news is that avoiding common pitfalls can transform your approach, making networking not just a task but a rewarding experience. One of the most prevalent mistakes people make is treating networking as a transactional process. Approaching conversations with the singular goal of gaining something — like a job lead, a referral, or a favor — often results in shallow and one-sided interactions. People can sense when there’s no genuine interest behind your words, and this can alienate them quickly. Instead of thinking about networking as a quick exchange, focus on build...

In a world increasingly shaped by data, decisions made at the highest levels often rest on the information provided by advanced algorithms, research papers, government reports, and other seemingly authoritative sources. While this reliance can streamline processes and provide unprecedented insights, it also introduces significant risks when the data underpinning these decisions is unverified or manipulated. Unverified data has become a hidden threat, especially as the pace of decision-making accelerates in sectors like governance, technology, healthcare, and economics. Consider the implications of a government formulating policies based on flawed environmental reports or approving large-scale infrastructure projects based on manipulated projections of economic benefits. Similarly, pharmaceutical companies might release a drug based on incomplete or biased clinical trials, leading to unforeseen health risks and public distrust. AI further compounds the issue. With the rise of systems ca...

  When we think of leadership and influence, the first things that often come to mind are charisma, vision, and decision-making prowess. Rarely do procedures — those seemingly mundane, step-by-step processes — make it to the list. Yet, behind the scenes of every effective leader and influential figure lies a set of well-crafted procedures that underpin their success. Far from being restrictive, procedures can be transformative tools that amplify a leader’s impact, foster collaboration, and align teams toward shared goals. The Leadership Power of Consistency Great leaders understand that consistency breeds trust. Procedures act as the backbone of this consistency, providing a reliable framework that guides actions, decisions, and interactions. Whether it’s a company policy on conflict resolution or a project management workflow, these established processes ensure that everyone knows what to expect and how to contribute. For instance, consider how an open-door policy, codified as par...

  Imagine a world where the very fabric of connection unravels — where the absence of a friendly smile, a warm hug, or a heartfelt conversation isn’t just a matter of feeling sad but a profound biological event. Loneliness is not just an emotional ache; it’s a survival alarm, one deeply rooted in the human condition. Its signals reverberate through the body, weaving an intricate tale of how our brains and biology respond to the absence of social bonds. From the dawn of humanity, belonging to a group wasn’t a luxury — it was a necessity. Survival meant sticking together, sharing resources, and protecting one another from threats. To be alone meant danger, and the brain evolved to recognize isolation as a critical threat. This is why loneliness feels so urgent, almost as though our body is pulling every alarm it has to remind us that something essential is missing. But what happens when that alarm doesn’t stop ringing? The Alarm That Never Sleeps The brain doesn’t just idly sit with ...

  Challenges are an inevitable part of life, but how we perceive and respond to them can significantly shape our personal and professional journeys. Embracing challenges is not just about enduring tough times; it’s about using those moments to unlock growth, resilience, and fulfillment. When we shift our perspective and see challenges as opportunities, we open ourselves up to a world of benefits that extend far beyond immediate problem-solving. Enhanced Learning and Skill Development One of the most immediate rewards of embracing challenges is the growth in knowledge and skills. Often, challenges push us outside our comfort zones, requiring us to learn new skills, think creatively, or adapt to unfamiliar circumstances. For example, taking on a demanding project at work might mean learning a new software program, managing diverse team dynamics, or developing a fresh approach to problem-solving. While these situations can be intimidating at first, they pave the way for accelerated le...

In today’s hyperconnected digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we communicate and engage with others. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and emerging networks like Bluesky promise to bridge distances, offering us unprecedented access to friends, family, and even public figures. Yet beneath the glossy façade of constant interaction lies a deeper truth: these connections often lack the depth and authenticity needed for true understanding. The illusion of connection — fueled by likes, follows, and fleeting comments — creates a sense of closeness that is often more surface-level than substantive. The Gap Between Perception and Reality Social media blurs the lines between knowing someone and truly understanding them. For example, a carefully curated Instagram post or a Bluesky update might make us feel involved in a friend’s life, but these snapshots often represent polished highlights rather than genuine realities. This disconnect risks eroding our ab...

The rise of remote work has not only revolutionized where we work but has also redefined how we perceive our own independence and ability to shape our lives. As we reflect on this transformation, the discussion extends beyond flexible schedules and home offices to the profound effects on personal freedom and self-determination. Remote work, initially embraced for its promise of flexibility, has evolved into a complex phenomenon with far-reaching implications. In our book,  The Ethics of Technology and Human Autonomy , we delve into the interplay between technology, autonomy, and societal norms. This blog post explores key insights from the book, focusing on how remote work is reshaping individual capacities in ways both liberating and constraining. The Evolution of Remote Work: A Double-Edged Sword At first glance, remote work appears to empower individuals by eliminating long commutes, enabling tailored work environments, and offering unprecedented control over daily schedules. Ho...

In the age of pervasive digital surveillance, the concept of consent has become both a cornerstone of ethical digital practices and a troubling facade. Each click of an “I Agree” button appears to affirm individual agency, yet it often masks an intricate system designed to exploit personal data. This paradox — where consent simultaneously enables and undermines digital dignity — raises pressing questions about the ethics of our connected lives and the urgent need for reform. Consent, in theory, is a contract of mutual understanding. It promises a balance of power, ensuring users retain control over their personal information. But in practice, consent has been reduced to a mechanical exercise. Privacy policies are deliberately opaque, filled with labyrinthine legal language that obscures rather than clarifies. When individuals are forced to accept terms they cannot reasonably understand just to access essential tools or platforms, consent ceases to be voluntary. It becomes coercive, und...