One of the world's most successful digital media entrepreneurs has given hundreds of new Dubai graduates some seemingly surprising advice: 'Don't forget to unplug once in a while.'
Arianna Huffington, founder and editor-in-chief of online empire the Huffington Post, used remarks at a graduation ceremony for students from American University in Dubai yesterday to tell them to put down their gadgets once in a while.
"Remember to disconnect from technology and reconnect to yourself," she said.
Recounting details of a life that has seen her go from modest beginnings in Greece to heading a growing international media group, she cautioned fresh graduates not too get too intoxicated by their own intelligence.
"Life is not really about intelligence and IQ," she said."Because when we look around the world we see leaders in business, media and government making terrible decisions. It is not because they are not smart - it is because they are not wise."
Revealing she almost gave up on her own chosen career as a writer when her book was turned down by 27 publishers, Huffington said she was going to help the AUD graduates get a head start.
"In fact I am going to make it really easy for you," she said, asking them to share their experiences. "I am going to right now give you my very own email address - arianna@huffingtonpost.com. The world should know what you are doing."
© 7Days 2013
