1. Naturally, people's brain's will light up if one calls their name. It's polite to respond. And if it's one's boss, then there is even more reason to respond. Also, if people are talking about you, it could be threatening to you in some way. People are, to some extent, in survival mode all the time. Well, I am, anyway. Most of us born and bred in Africa are.

2. Of your list, I would go for books, my daughter, and some friends. The rest - no interest.

3. The most fascinating article you ever read was about you? You must be kidding. I've had hundreds of articles written about me. I couldn't be bothered to read them. I probably should have read the article you linked to, but it's not an interesting topic to me.

4. You mention these names - Tim Denning, Ethan Siegel, Ayodeji Awosika, John P. Weiss, Eve Arnold. The only one I know is Tim Denning. I blocked him and several others after first arriving on Medium four or so years ago.