Sounds like a charlatan. The anecdote at the end is a classic trick that psychics use.

This guy is like a real life version of the spiritual guy from HBO Silicon Valley

That's the way the writer set up the article. There's more than one classic trick at work here.

Like every other person on Earth, I think Shingy is ridiculous, but I also admire his talent and ability to get a large corporate paycheck for his performance art.

Just found this video of him. I’ve never heard so much gobbledygook so fast https://youtu.be/E7Yf76XsLkA

Surely Silicon Valley based the character on the real figure

Digital, yeah? https://youtu.be/KuTSAeFhdZU

Doing some quick reading, he was then hired by Oauth, and Verizon in the same role as what he was doing at AOL?

I just don't quite understand what his role was. I know the New Yorker is verging on satire here... but is this just so close to reality that when I try to understand I am missing it?

He’s a marketer and his job is to generate attention and surface up business development opportunities.

I would not want to sit next to the guy on a long plane ride but I think he deserves some credit for doing his thing well.

If you don’t put much credence in his actual work, at least consider that he made up a role for himself where he doesn’t have much competition and probably has profited handsomely.

Thank you! It's been a long few weeks with work and I just needed the explanation re framed.

Effective marketer - got it.

I'm sorry this is nuts. Who is taking this chap seriously?

Edit: What I will say - is that if I met this guy at a networking event or conference I would remember him and the brand he represents. And maybe that's the point?? It's just brand awareness.

I have met the enemy, and they is us.

Sounds like an insufferable person.