A Word from Kate
Walker is a technology and digital marketing consultancy and so we live and breathe technology, but, as the CEO, I am very aware of the need to keep the human side of the equation top of mind. Technology has changed our lives for better and for worse. When my son is in another country paddling class 5 rapids, it’s great to get the occasional text. And when I want to know what a Titanoba is (it’s a giant extinct snake!), it’s great to have Google. However, when I’m trying to wrap up the week and my organized but endless electronic task list weighs on me, and when I look up on Saturday morning only to find it’s almost lunch time and my dog is looking pitifully at me wondering how I can waste a perfectly beautiful morning staring at a screen, it’s not so great.
When you feel like your technology owns you rather than the other way around, it’s time to turn off your devices, stand up and do something. Here are some ideas that work for me.
Go for a walk, ideally with a friend or someone you’d like to get to know better. Head to the reservoir, walk along the river, hike up a mountain… just getting out into nature is tonic and sharing the time with someone you like is immensely re-centering.
Cultivate a body hobby – gardening, dance, archery… Technology is all in your head so finding something that involves other body parts is key. I paint. It uses a different part of my head than technology and, while I love the undo feature on my Ipad sketch app, I think I’ll always prefer the feeling of a paintbrush dipping into buttery paint. Do something with your hands — and feet!
Sign up for a class. You’ll meet people and learn something new.
Go play – frisbee, soccer, biking. Pick your passion and find a local team. It’s another way to get out of your head and into your body. And it’s always more fun to play with someone else!
Cook! I came home from Italy a few years ago with a new habit. Now, every Sunday, I cook fresh pasta from scratch (it’s easy!) for dinner. I put on Italian music to sing along with as I roll out the dough and my husband pours the wine. Cooking and sharing a meal connects you to the earth and to each other (with no cell phones, of course).
In the past, we did more of these activities because the alternative was to be bored. Now, we have limitless opportunities to entertain ourselves, but it often comes with that spinning top feeling (going fast and getting nowhere). Enjoy (and appreciate) the technology but set aside time to turn it off and tune in to those things that nurture.
How do you turn off and tune in?
Here’s a TED talk on the topic….
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Meet Christian, one of our OnCall Specialists. He's been a part of the Walker Group family for 2 years. We sat down with Christian to learn more about what he likes to do outside of work, how he spends his time, and his favorite parts of working in the IT field.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Walker Group & Green Monster Recycling Announce 5th Annual e-Waste Recycling Event Farmington, CT – August 1, 2025 – The Walker Group, in collaboration with Green Monster Recycling, is proud to host its 5th Annual e-Waste Recycling Collection on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 20 Waterside Drive, Farmington, CT. This free community event invites residents, businesses, and anyone with outdated electronics to join a joint mission for sustainability, clean energy, and environmental awareness. “Technology moves fast, and so does the waste it leaves behind,” said Diana Sutcliffe, Business Operations and Marketing Director at The Walker Group. “We’re proud to provide a safe, simple way for our clients and the community to dispose of their electronics responsibly—while also building awareness and community spirit.” What’s on deck for the event: Responsible drop-off of electronics including computers, monitors, TVs, cell phones, tablets, and other devices. Assistance from The Walker Group volunteers to help unload your vehicle for a seamless experience. Raffle prizes, kid-friendly games, and refreshments to make the day enjoyable for all ages. RSVP options available for large or bulky items to ensure we’re prepared for your needs. Why it’s important: Electronics contain materials like lead, mercury, and arsenic which can be harmful if improperly discarded. Recycling ensures that these components are handled safely, rare metals are recovered, and waste is diverted from landfills. This event aligns with The Walker Group’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Who should attend: Everyone from individual households with a single device to businesses with large volumes—if you’ve got electronics to recycle, we welcome you! How to participate: RSVP on our website , especially if you plan to bring bulky or heavy items. Collect your unwanted electronics. Drive to 20 Waterside Drive, Farmington, CT on October 15 between 11 AM and 4 PM. Drop off, enjoy the activities, maybe win a raffle prize, meet The Walker Group team and support a greener future. For more information visit: https://www.thewalkergroup.com/e-waste-recycling-event-2025 or send email inquiries to Recycling@thewalkergroup.com
