Press Kit for Michael Davis
Michael Davis is the visionary founder of Mindfubytes.io, an organization dedicated to integrating mindfulness into cybersecurity and digital education for children. He is also the CEO and founder of Merek Security Solutions, a cybersecurity firm. Overcoming a challenging childhood in the South, Michael was inspired by a transformative teacher to unlock his potential. He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, developing advanced cybersecurity algorithms for the Navy, Boeing, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Pentagon.
With over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, Michael is now a Ph.D. candidate in Cyberpsychology at Capitol Tech University. He created MindfulBytes.io, a groundbreaking K-5 curriculum enhancing digital well-being. The program boasts an 85.7% student engagement rate and a 40% reduction in cyberbullying incidents.
Michael is also an accomplished speaker, he delivered a TEDx talk “Cyber Happiness: Mindfulness as a Service” and contributed to Newsweek and Forbes. His mission is to safeguard the digital well-being of the youngest generation, ensuring every child can thrive in our increasingly digital world.
As Seen On:
Speaking
TEDx
Speaking
CreativeMornings
Podcast
8th Layer Insights
Article
Albuquerque Journal
Accomplishments:
Founded Mindful Bites and created MindfulBytes.io, a pioneering K-5 curriculum integrating mindfulness into digital education, achieving an 85.7% student engagement rate and a 40% decrease in cyberbullying incidents.
Developed advanced cybersecurity and encryption algorithms for the U.S. Navy, Boeing, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Pentagon over a 25-year career.
Delivered a TEDx Talk titled “Cyber Happiness: Mindfulness as a Service,” which has garnered over 50,000 views.
Established the Center for Cybersecurity and Cyberpsychology Research (CCCR), the first cyberpsychology-focused think tank in New Mexico.
Received the New Mexico SBA Research Grant for his innovative work in cybersecurity and digital education
Authored the upcoming book “CTRL+ALT+HAPPINESS: How Kids, Parents, and Teachers Can Master The Art of Rebooting Their Digital Lives,” set to be published in 2025.
Launched ‘Cyberpsychology Unplugged” Podcast and Newsletter
Collaborated with notable figures like Gustavo Blum from Dell Technologies and Charles Morris, a mindfulness expert formerly at Microsoft, for a book project
Case Studies:
In Montessori One Academy located in Albuquerque, NM, MindfulBytes.io piloted a curriculum module focused on digital empathy, which helped students recognize and articulate the effects of screen time on their feelings. This module increased classroom discussions around technology’s role by 150% over three months.
At Rio Grande School in Santa Fe, NM, MindfulBytes.io piloted a program introducing K-5 students to cyber ethics and digital mindfulness. The initiative led to a 92% increase in student engagement with cyber ethics topics. Teachers reported that students actively applied concepts like “Digital Body Language” to reflect on their technology use in everyday settings, fostering a deeper awareness of their digital interactions.
To book with MICHAEL DAVIS, email nor@empathyfirm.com
Features:
Article
The mindful approach a security founder has to technology — Published on KOAT 7, advocates for a mindful approach to technology use, helping individuals manage their responses to social media and digital platforms.
Article
Unmasking The Workplace Dictators: The Hidden Reign Of The ‘Because I Said So’ Leadership Style — Published in Forbes, delves into authoritarian leadership styles, advocating for more collaborative and inclusive work environments
Article
I Love You Technology, But I Just Don’t Like You— Published in Forbes, explores the complex relationship between individuals and technology, emphasizing the need for mindful digital interactions
Article
Where Were You The Moment Mindfulness Went Digital? — Published in Forbes, examines the integration of mindfulness into digital platforms, highlighting the importance of maintaining human connection amidst technological advancement
Article
How Defending Your Privacy in the Metaverse May Be More Challenging Than You Think — Published in Newsweek, discusses the complexities of safeguarding personal data within the metaverse, emphasizing the need for heightened privacy measures in virtual environments
Podcast
Cyber Mindfulness — Featured on the 8th Layer Insights podcast, explores the intersection of mindfulness and cybersecurity, discussing practices to reduce human risk and promote safer digital behaviors
Podcast
The Connection between Cybersecurity & Mindfulness — Featured on the Cloudbusting Podcast, discusses how integrating mindfulness practices can enhance information security postures, advocating for a proactive approach to cybersecurity
Podcast
Making Creative Impact in Business and Life — Featured on The Created Life podcast, this episode explores Michael’s journey in cybersecurity and his innovative approach to integrating mindfulness into digital practices
Article
Ethical Navigators: Lessons in Cyberpsychology from Young 4th-grade Minds — Published on LinkedIn, shares insights from his work with children, emphasizing the importance of integrating cyberpsychology principles into early education to foster responsible digital citizenship
Article
From Playgrounds to Pixels: Teaching Cyber Ethics and Growth Mindset to K-5 Trailblazers — Published on LinkedIn, discusses strategies for instilling cyber ethics in children, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset to navigate digital challenges effectively
Article
Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Experts: The North Dakota Model — Published on LinkedIn, discusses strategies to address the cybersecurity talent gap, emphasizing the importance of early education and mentorship to cultivate future professionals in the field
Article
The Importance of Cyberpsychology: Why Even a 6-Year-Old Student Should Care (and You Should, Too!) — Published on LinkedIn, emphasizes the necessity of teaching young children about cyberpsychology to foster responsible digital habits and enhance their online safety
Broadcast
Santa Fe Tech Entrepreneurs Write Children’s Book to Teach Online Safety — Featured on KRQE, teaches kids about the imprtance of making good decisions online and in the real world
Broadcast
MINDFULBYTES – A Healthy Social Media Approach — Featured on KOAT 7, highlights the organization’s commitment to integrating cybersecurity education with mindfulness practices, fostering responsible and resilient digital citizens among K-5 students
Article
Cyber Mindfulness — Published on Santa Fe Magazine, shares his journey from a 22-year Navy career to founding Merek, a cybersecurity firm.
Article
Merek Security teaches how to be mindful when using the internet — Published on New Mexico Living, emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in digital interactions.
Article
Guys, Here Are Our 9 Favorite Men’s Wellness Apps to Download Today — Published on youaligned, highlights nine essential wellness apps for men, designed to support mental and physical health through practical and accessible tools.
Article
How’s Your Heart, Bro? A Veteran Shares Simple Strategies + Tips for Men’s Health and Wellness — Published on youaligned, shares actionable tips and strategies for men’s health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of self-care and proactive well-being practices.
Article
5 Mindful Self-Care Tips for Black Men That Support Mental Health — Published on youaligned, offers five mindfulness-based self-care practices tailored for Black men, focusing on enhancing mental health, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
Ask Me About:
How can individuals and families develop a more mindful approach to technology use, and what practices do you recommend for recognizing emotional triggers and maintaining digital balance?
Why is it crucial for organizations to conduct proactive risk assessments and implement strong cybersecurity policies, and how do these measures contribute to both financial security and operational stability?
What strategies do you suggest for teaching young children about cyber ethics and responsible tech use, and how can educators create a safe environment where kids feel comfortable discussing their digital experiences?
How can schools effectively integrate cyberpsychology principles into their curriculum, and what practical steps can teachers take to support students in developing resilience and maintaining healthy digital habits?
What role does family mirroring play in promoting healthy digital habits, and how can families create shared practices, like device-free moments, to foster a supportive and mindful tech environment?
Testimonials:
“Michael’s curriculum has transformed how our students approach technology. They’re not only more aware of its impact on their emotions and actions but are also developing responsible habits that we know will carry forward.” — Ahlum Scalora, Head of School Rio Grande School, Santa Fe, NM
“Before this program, our family never really discussed technology—it just sort of ‘happened’ in our lives. Now, my child comes to me with thoughtful questions about their tech use, and it’s sparked conversations we didn’t even know we needed. It’s a game-changer for our household.” — a parent from Montessori One Academy
“The concepts taught in this program are unlike anything I’ve seen in my teaching career. Kids are actively thinking about their digital choices, and it’s inspiring to see how much they’re growing—not just as students, but as digital citizens.” — 4th Grade Teacher, Rio Grande School
