The Faces of Suwanee — Meet John Winstanley, Digital Addiction Coach
John Winstanley is a very interesting person whose compassion for his current career as a nonprofit founder as well as his local community is undeniable. We had a great conversation with him, and learned about the difference he hopes to make in people’s lives as a digital addiction coach.
Please tell us a little about your family. I have a son who recently graduated college as a cybersecurity engineer — I’m so proud of him! There’s also my angel daughter who we lost when she was only 7 years old due to complications from mitochondrial disease, and an incredible woman I am lucky to call my fiancée. I have other family members both throughout the U.S. and across the pond in England where I was born.
Tell us about your current and past career. What do you love most about it? I am a retired engineer who, after gaining inspiration from my kids, became a nonprofit founder and a digital addiction coach. Digital safety is different from other types of threats, and I love having a hand in protecting children and strengthening families. I provide every household with practical tools and 24/7 technology support to protect children from digital dangers — because screen time isn’t just a habit, it can be a hidden threat to their future. I tell parents to “think of me as the digital safety coach your Wi-Fi never came with.”
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community? I like visiting the top deck of Two Cities Pizza for the excellent views, food, and bathrooms. (Have you seen those things?!) I also enjoy StillFire Brewing for the beer and community feel.
How long have you lived or worked here? We have only lived here for two years, but I have worked in the area for 29. I first came to Atlanta in 1996 with the Olympics, during the construction boom.
What is your favorite thing about this area? As a runner, I love exploring all the parks and trails. They are well-maintained, numerous, and nicely done. I also appreciate the art that’s located around the community and the convenience of being about three minutes away from practically any restaurant and store.
What business or place, current or former, makes you feel the most nostalgic about this area? Watching Suwanee Town Center transform from abandoned land into a vibrant community center — and one that’s full of natural green space rather than asphalt, to boot! Other cities have tried, but — in my humble opinion — Suwanee has done it the best!
If you could take anyone to lunch, dead or alive, who would that be? We are rewatching The Chosen right now… so Jesus! As a bonus, I wouldn’t have to take him anywhere because he could bring the food and wine. I would also like to meet the late and great Viktor Frankl — an Auschwitz survivor who lost his entire family and turned his traumatic experiences into inspirational stories for those suffering hardships. I would take him to Brown Bag Deli.
Where is the most beautiful place you have ever been? Two places come to mind: The Grand Canyon and the top of the tallest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze.
What was the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre? The OG Star Wars in 1977.
TELL US SOMETHING THAT’S ON YOUR BUCKET LIST. Skydiving!
What advice would you give to a crowd of people? To the world, I’d say: Find something wrong and do something about it, like Mr. Frankl did. If I’m talking to parents, I’d say: Don’t wait for the “uh-oh” moment — get ahead of the screen before it gets ahead of your kids. Be the Wi-Fi your kids want to connect to — strong, steady, and reliable, but with content limits.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? I’ve had the privilege of meeting many amazing people, but the one I can think of at this moment is Bruce Lacina — a remarkable man with so many talents and passions. He left us too soon.
What type of music do you like? My taste is all over the place: electronic dance music, Led Zeppelin, classical music, and my newest jam, Viking trance battle songs. I understand being skeptical of this genre, but before you judge, check out the artist Danheim!
Tell us something interesting about yourself that most people don’t know. Due to all the places I have lived, I call myself an Anglo- Germanic-Yankee-Hoosier-Atlantan. I also love to color and create Bonsai trees.
Would you rather sing to a crowd of 50 people or speak to a crowd of 500? I’d definitely rather speak to a crowd. You do NOT want to hear me sing.
