In this episode of Rediscovering Connection, I chat with Mark Saxby, a UK-based journalist-turned-social-media-reformer who’s on a mission to help us use technology intentionally—without letting it steal our time or joy. From his “Be More Colin” campaign to his work with kids through Positive Social, Mark shares how stepping back from screens can unlock richer relationships, better mental health, and a life lived on our terms.
We dive into:
✅ Why social media doesn’t always deliver the connection we crave—and what does
✅ How Mark turned Twitter into a tool for real-world friendships
✅ The “Be More Colin” movement: reclaiming focus at work and home
✅ Protecting kids from the addictive pull of smartphones
✅ Finding balance between personal expression and professional presence online
If you’ve ever felt glued to your phone—or wondered how to break free—this conversation offers practical, uplifting ideas to rethink your relationship with tech.
🎙️Tune in for a refreshing take on living well in a digital world.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: Meet Mark Saxby and his mission to rethink social media
03:15 – From journalism to social media: Mark’s journey and aha moment
07:00 – The power of Twitter for building real-life connections
11:30 – Why we overshare online—and how pulling back sparks better conversations
15:45 – “Be More Colin”: Cutting phone time to boost work and life satisfaction
20:00 – Social media’s impact on kids: Insights from Positive Social
25:30 – Setting boundaries: Tips for parents and personal phone audits
30:15 – Personal vs. professional online: Where to focus your energy
34:00 – Mark’s passion for speaking and winning people over
37:00 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Mark
Links
Find Mark Saxby Online:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marksaxby
Email: mark@statussocial.co.uk
Positive Social: https://positivesocial.org.uk/
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I hope this conversation inspires you to rediscover connection in your own life and work.
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Hello - I’m Shelley Doyle, founder of The Communiverse™, Social Wealth Strategist, researcher, and host of the Rediscovering Connection podcast.
My work explores how our social connections and social capital shape social health, leadership, and our experience of modern work and life. Grounded in research with remote and hybrid leaders, I support leaders and organisations to activate their social capital in ways that strengthen connection, trust, and sustainable performance - creating the conditions for people to experience Social Wealth.
One way this comes to life is through Social Wealth Training - Social Wealth Training - relational design for the future of work. These interactive sessions support leadership teams who recognise that connection cannot be left to chance.
To learn more:
✉️ shelley@communiverse.vip
🌐 TheCommuniverse.com
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