“Presence is the new economy. It’s the differentiator for leadership, parenting, and everything that truly matters.”

In this episode of Business is Human, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with speaker and author Tommy Short about the power of presence in leadership, family, and faith.

After a year without a phone, Tommy learned how silence, stillness, and meaningful connection can transform how we live and lead. He challenges the myth of productivity, discusses the toll of constant distraction, and uncover how true success starts with defining what truly matters.

Tommy shares the lessons behind his upcoming book The Call I Almost Missed, revealing how one radical act of disconnection became a spiritual and emotional awakening. From navigating parenting without screens to finding God in the quiet, this conversation invites listeners to pause, reflect, and reclaim their attention in a world that never stops buzzing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How stillness helps you reconnect with your purpose, relationships, and creativity
• How vulnerability, not hustle, leads to sustainable success
• Why “things that don’t matter, don’t matter” and how to discern what truly does

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:55) The impact of phone usage

(08:22) A year without a phone

(14:54) The revelation and spiritual journey

(24:05) Reflecting on presence and small habits

(25:29) The journey of writing a book

(27:36) Defining success and taking action

(30:52) The power of presence and depth

(39:03) Anticipation and emotions of the book launch

Connect with Tommy:

Website: https://tommyshort.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyshort86/ 

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/