Show notes
⸻ Podcast: Redefining Society and Technology https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.com Title: Bridging Worlds: How Technology Connects — or Divides — Our Communities Guest: Lawrence Eta Global Digital AI Thought Leader | #1 International Best Selling Author | Keynote Speaker | TEDx Speaker | Multi-Sector Executive | Community & Smart Cities Advocate | Pioneering AI for Societal AdvancementWebSite: https://lawrenceeta.com On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-eta-9b11139/ Host: Marco Ciappelli Co-Founder & CMO @ITSPmagazine | Master Degree in Political Science - Sociology of Communication l Branding & Marketing Consultant | Journalist | Writer | Podcasts: Technology, Cybersecurity, Society, and Storytelling.WebSite: https://marcociappelli.com On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-ciappelli/ _____________________________This Episode’s SponsorsBlackCloak provides concierge cybersecurity protection to corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals to protect against hacking, reputational loss, financial loss, and the impacts of a corporate data breach.BlackCloak: https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb_____________________________⸻ Podcast Summary ⸻ In this episode of Redefining Society and Technology, I sit down with Lawrence Eta — global technology leader, former CTO of the City of Toronto, and author of Bridging Worlds. We explore how technology, done right, can serve society, reduce inequality, and connect communities. From public broadband projects to building smart — sorry, connected — cities, Lawrence shares lessons from Toronto to Riyadh, and why tech is only as good as the values guiding it. ⸻ Article ⸻ As much as I love shiny gadgets, blinking lights, and funny noises from AI — we both know technology isn’t just about cool toys. It’s about people. It’s about society. It’s about building a better, more connected world. That’s exactly what we explore in my latest conversation on Redefining Society and Technology, where I had the pleasure of speaking with Lawrence Eta. If you don’t know Lawrence yet — let me tell you, this guy has lived the tech-for-good mission. Former Chief Technology Officer for the City of Toronto, current Head of Digital and Analytics for one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega projects, global tech consultant, public servant, author… basically, someone who’s been around the block when it comes to tech, society, and the messy, complicated intersection where they collide. We talked about everything from bridging the digital divide in one of North America’s most diverse cities to building entirely new digital infrastructure from scratch in Riyadh. But what stuck with me most is his belief — and mine — that technology is neutral. It’s how we use it that makes the difference. Lawrence shared his experience launching Toronto’s Municipal Broadband Network — a project that brought affordable, high-speed internet to underserved communities. For him, success wasn’t measured by quarterly profits (a refreshing concept, right?) but by whether kids could attend virtual classes, families could access healthcare online, or small businesses could thrive from home. We also got into the “smart city” conversation — and how even the language we use matters. In Toronto, they scrapped the “smart city” buzzword and reframed the work as building a “connected community.” It’s not about making the city smart — it’s about connecting people, making sure no one gets left behind, and yes, making technology human. Lawrence also shared his Five S principles for digital development: Stability, Scalability, Solutions (integration), Security, and Sustainability. Simple, clear, and — let’s be honest — badly needed in a world where tech changes faster than most cities can adapt. We wrapped the conversation with the big picture — how technology can be the great equalizer if we use it to bridge divides, not widen them. But that takes intentional leadership, community engagement, and a shared vision. It also takes reminding ourselves that beneath all the algorithms and fiber optic cables, we’re still human. And — as Lawrence put it beautifully — no matter where we come from, most of us want the same basic things: safety, opportunity, connection, and a better future for our families. That’s why I keep having these conversations — because the future isn’t just happening to us. We’re building it, together. If you missed the episode, I highly recommend listening — especially if you care about technology serving people, not the other way around. Links to connect with Lawrence and to the full episode are below — stay tuned for more, and let’s keep redefining society, together. ⸻ Keywords ⸻ Connected Communities, Smart Cities, Digital Divide, Public Broadband, Technology and Society, Digital Infrastructure, Technology for Good, Community Engagement, Urban Innovation, Digital Inclusion, Public-Private Partnerships, Tech LeadershipEnjoy. Reflect. Share with your fellow humans.And if you haven’t already, subscribe to Musing On Society & Technology on LinkedIn — new transmissions are always incoming.You’re listening to this through the Redefining Society & Technology podcast, so while you’re here, make sure to follow the show — and join us as we continue exploring life in this Hybrid Analog Digital Society.End of transmission.____________________________Listen to more Redefining Society & Technology stories and subscribe to the podcast:👉 https://redefiningsocietyandtechnologypodcast.comWatch the webcast version on-demand on YouTube:👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllTUoWMGGQHlGVZA575VtGr9Are you interested Promotional Brand Stories for your Company and Sponsoring an ITSPmagazine Channel?👉 https://www.itspmagazine.com/advertise-on-itspmagazine-podcast