Additional information
by Mark Ostach (Author)
Presence is the greatest gift we can give and the one we need most.
The Gift of Connection is a timely and practical guide to restoring human connection in two places people need it most: the workplace and the home. In a world where digital distractions dominate and loneliness is rising, Mark Ostach, a globally recognized speaker and author on human connection and digital wellness, helps readers reconnect with themselves, their coworkers, and their loved ones through intentional practices rooted in belonging, empathy, listening, and love
From boardrooms to living rooms, Ostach reveals how digital overload is quietly eroding our attention, relationships, and wellbeing. He introduces Mark's Law, which observes that every decade since the year 2000 our attention spans have decreased by two seconds--placing the future of our ability to focus in real jeopardy.
If you are tired of running on empty and ready to feel more grounded and connected, Ostach will help you slow down, reset your inner rhythm, and reclaim the power of human presence.
With masterful storytelling, simple reflection prompts, and actionable insights, this book empowers readers to restore what matters most through his transformative GIFTS framework. Readers will learn how to:
- Build teams where people feel safe, valued, and seen
- Strengthen relationships at home with courage and presence
- Practice daily habits that deepen human connection in a digital world
- Create cultures of belonging in both professional and personal spheres
Whether you're leading a company or a family dinner, The Gift of Connection will help you show up with more heart, humility, and humanity. Because no matter how advanced technology becomes, the greatest gift will always be the gift of one another.
Front Jacket
Where our attention goes, connection follows. We live in the most connected world in history, yet many people have never felt more disconnected.
The Gift of Connection is a timely, practical guide to restoring human connection in the two places people need it most: the workplace and the home. In a world where digital distractions dominate and loneliness is rising, Mark Ostach helps readers reconnect with themselves, their coworkers, and their loved ones.
The same habits that strengthen teams also strengthen marriages. The same distractions that erode workplace culture quietly erode family culture. In both places, connection isn't a soft skill--it's the foundation everything else is built on.
Ostach introduces Mark's Law: his observation that every decade since 2000, our collective attention span has shrunk by two seconds. He traces how that quiet decline is reshaping our leadership, our relationships, and our well-being. From boardrooms to living rooms, he maps out how digital overload is eroding our focus, offering practical strategies to reclaim attention, restore energy, and become more present in both work and life.
Through storytelling and reflection prompts, Ostach walks readers through how to build teams where people feel engaged, valued, and seen. He shows that trust isn't built through authority or perfection, but through vulnerability: the willingness to be honest about our own doubts and struggles. He details specific habits and conversational practices, from team check-ins to family dinners, that turn ordinary interactions into moments of genuine connection.
Whether you lead a team or raise a family, The Gift of Connection offers a path back to presence: stronger relationships, deeper trust, and the extraordinary act of showing up fully for the people who matter most.
Back Jacket
PRAISE FOR THE GIFT OF CONNECTION
"By the time you finish reading this endorsement, you'll be distracted by something else. Is there anyone who doesn't need help focusing these days? Stack the odds back in your favor and pick up this fantastic book!"
--JON ACUFF, New York Times Bestselling Author
"As someone who talks a lot about connection this is a much-needed book and message right now."
--JON GORDON, 18x Bestselling Author of The Power of Positive Leadership
"The question I get most often isn't about productivity or screen time--it's 'why do I feel so alone?' This book reminds us that the most powerful technology we'll ever have is a fully present human being."
--AMY BLANKSON, Co-founder of Digital Wellness Institute
"A needed reminder that the best moments in life aren't found on a screen, but in the world right in front of us."
--GINNY YURICH, Bestselling Author and Co-founder of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
"I've known Mark most of my life. He doesn't just teach and write about connection--he lives it every day. This book will encourage you and remind you that your life and relationships are a gift!"
--ANDY WOOD, Lead Pastor at Saddleback Church
"Through stories, insights, and practical reflection, Mark invites us to rediscover the power of presence, not as a luxury but as a leadership advantage and a deeply human necessity."
--JOSH LINKNER, New York Times Bestselling Author
"A powerful reminder that presence and connection are at the heartbeat of meaningful leadership that wins, and lasts."
--PAUL EPSTEIN, Former NFL and NBA Executive; 2x Bestselling Author; Founder and CEO, Win Monday(R)
"There is power in your presence. The Gift of Connection unlocks that power."
--ADAM JONES, Author of Weapons of Mass Deception and Founder of Kingdom Operatives
Author Biography
MARK OSTACH is a globally recognized speaker and author on human connection and digital wellness. Mark's goal is to restore energy and focus to leaders and organizations battling modern life's nonstop pace and growing sense of disconnection. He has spoken at more than 400 events, presenting to thousands of people at organizations including KPMG, Microsoft, Salesforce, Bank of America, Nike, and Henry Ford Health. He also coaches 30 leaders a year, helping them grow their impact and influence within their companies and communities.
When he's not traveling, he enjoys time in Michigan with his wife, their two children, and three dogs.
