InFormation

Episode 3: The Importance of Being Present

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InFormation is hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg. This is Episode 3.

 

About the Guest

Alan R. Miciak is the 26th President of John Carroll University. During his presidency, the University experienced significant enrollment growth, institutional momentum, and continued investment in its Jesuit mission and student experience.

As his time in the role comes to a close, this conversation focuses less on accomplishments and more on perspective. Reflecting on the demands of leadership, Dr. Miciak shares why he made a conscious effort this past year to be more present — to fully experience the people, moments, and relationships that can easily be overshadowed by constant planning and responsibility.

In this episode, he reflects on leadership not only as strategy and decision-making, but as attention, listening, and learning how to truly be where you are.

 

In This Episode
  • Why leadership constantly pulls attention toward the future
  • Learning to slow down and notice important moments in real time
  • The difference between managing responsibilities and being fully present
  • How presence changes conversations, decisions, and relationships
  • Recognizing when you’ve drifted into “next thing” thinking
  • Why listening is one of the clearest forms of presence
  • The role intentionality plays in leadership and everyday life
  • What people miss when they move too quickly through meaningful experiences
  • Treating presence as a practice instead of a personality trait
  • Reflecting on leadership through moments, not just milestones

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    One Thing to Try

    Inspired by this episode, take a moment to reflect:

    • When was the last time I felt fully present in a conversation or experience?
    • What most often pulls my attention away from the moment I’m in?
    • What’s one small way I could slow down and become more intentional this week?

      • Dr. Miciak reminds us that presence is rarely automatic. It’s something we return to — moment by moment, conversation by conversation — by choosing to fully engage with the life that’s happening right now.

      Episode Credits

      Hosted by Carolyn Noll Sorg
      Directed by Carmen Ferrante
      Produced by Aaron Bennett
      Associate Producer Joe Bilas
      Creative by Danielle Dunne
      Web & Distribution by Kara Kraus
      Special thanks to Dan Slentz, Jasen Sokol, Blue Streak Media, and WJCU 88.7 FM.

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      InFormationBy Carolyn Noll Sorg