TEDx Talks

A Brief History Of AI | Ram Thilak | TEDxINSEAD

Jun 3, 2026

What if AI is not the beginning of a new revolution, but the latest chapter in a story humanity began 70,000 years ago? In this thought-provoking TEDx talk, the speaker explores how human intelligence has always evolved by extending itself through shared tools, stories, rituals, and technologies. From the alphabet and the printing press to libraries, the internet, and now artificial intelligence, every generation has feared that a new tool would weaken the human mind. Ram Thilak doesn’t just build AI systems, he builds the organisational conditions that make AI stick. As Head of Data, AI & Automation at Suntory Beverage & Food, he leads a global function spanning data engineering, automation, and an AI Centre of Excellence. Over a decade in applied AI across automotive, FMCG, manufacturing, and financial services, he has traced the frontlines of enterprise adoption: standing up the region’s first data science practice at Mercedes-Benz, scaling AI from zero to 50+ data scientists and 25 deployed products at Inchcape, and applying smart manufacturing AI at HP and Hyundai. A regular partner to CIOs, CEOs, and CFOs, he works closely with Singapore’s AI ecosystem to advance applied AI across the region. He holds an INSEAD EMBA and a master’s from NUS, and has been named to the INSEAD AI 50 and recognised with the Vision Award at CDO Vision Singapore 2026. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

You're not bad with money | Monica Dragnescu | TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells

Jun 3, 2026

Have you ever felt an invisible loyalty to how you spend your money? In this TEDx talk, Monica Dragnescu challenges the popular belief that people fear being broke. Instead, she explores the identities and patterns that can make financial success feel more threatening than failure. Monica Dragnescu has spent more than 25 years working with business owners and their numbers. Starting her career in accounting, she became fascinated by a question that spreadsheets could not answer: why do intelligent, capable people keep repeating the same financial and business patterns, even when they know better? Monica noticed people often repeat the same financial and business problems in different forms, even when they have the knowledge to avoid them. Her work explores the hidden patterns that shape money, leadership, growth, and success, helping people understand why lasting change requires more than strategy alone. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The Women the Banks Turned Away | Raman Wadhwa | TEDxIMTGhaziabad

Jun 3, 2026

A woman named Nirmala Devi once sat outside a mud house in Chitrakoot and cried because she didn't have 150 rupees for her child's school fees. A bank manager told her, "We don't open accounts for people like you." Today, she chairs a dairy company with an annual turnover of 625 crore rupees. Raman Wadhwa has watched this happen across India, at a scale most people don't track, and this talk makes the case that rural women are not the country's welfare problem. They are its most capable builders. Raman Wadhwa is Director at DAY-NRLM, the Ministry of Rural Development's National Rural Livelihoods Mission, one of the largest poverty reduction programs in the world. An IMT Ghaziabad alumnus from the Batch of 1998, he has spent more than two decades helping shift India's approach to rural poverty from handouts to enterprise. His work spans policy design, women-led producer companies, and institutional systems that have put over 12 lakh crore rupees in bank linkages into communities the formal economy had written off. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When a Dream Breaks, Meaning Begins | Gyan Prakash | TEDxIMTGhaziabad

Jun 3, 2026

Seven years of work ended in a colour vision test. Gyan Prakash grew up in Bihar's Kosi belt, where the dream was never about ambition, it was about keeping the family together. The Merchant Navy was that plan. One failed medical check took it away in under a minute. He spent the next eleven years in engineering, moving forward without knowing why, until a fellowship year in a small Uttarakhand village gave him a different kind of answer. Gyan Prakash leads the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, the SBI Foundation's flagship rural development program. Over fifteen years, he has worked with communities that rarely feature in policy conversations, mentoring more than 500 fellows across 200 villages. He came from the corporate world. He stayed for the work. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

AI is Out-Working Us. Here’s How We Fight Back | Parin Mehta | TEDxINSEAD

Jun 3, 2026

For many leaders, the office is a stage, and the corporate strategy is a script. We spend years performing a version of ourselves that we think the world demands. We end up wearing "persona masks" to hide our deepest fears of irrelevance or inadequacy. But as artificial intelligence begins to out-process and out-work even the most dedicated humans, the "Grinder" persona is no longer just exhausting: it is becoming obsolete. In this talk, a former tech operator turned investor and executive coach explores how the rise of AI is an invitation to deepen our uniquely human capacities for judgment, self-compassion, and presence. By shifting our focus from "doing" to "being," we can start building and creating wonderful businesses born from deeper human relationships and high-quality decision-making. Parin coaches and invests in founders and builders of private + public businesses. His philosophy is to help CEO and Founders unlock their psychological inner game to break down bottlenecks and barriers to growth. He draws on his own previous leadership experience in venture building and in scaling Silicon Valley tech companies internationally across Asia, Europe and the US. Parin prioritises partnering with leaders who share his core values around curiosity, growth, freedom, simplicity and fun. He also loves boxing, learning languages and visiting new countries with his young family. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge and an MBA from INSEAD. He shares his learnings and observations from this work at coachparin.com This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Share Your Scars, Not Your Wounds | Anna Ong | TEDxINSEAD

Jun 3, 2026

We are living through a trust recession. Not a financial one — a human one. In a world of AI-generated content, curated highlight reels, and polished personal brands, nothing feels real anymore. And when nothing feels real, trust collapses. In this talk, Anna Ong argues that the antidote to the trust recession is not better communication strategy. It is radical honesty — specifically, the kind that comes from sharing your scars, not your wounds. Drawing on her journey from painfully shy banker to the founder of Singapore’s largest live storytelling show, Anna makes the case that the stories we are most afraid to tell are the ones that build the deepest trust. And that in the age of AI, showing up as a fully human, imperfect, real person is not a vulnerability. It is your greatest competitive edge. Anna Ong is the founder of WYSH, a leadership communication consultancy, and the creator of What's Your Story Slam, Singapore's largest storytelling show. An INSEAD MBA alumna with 15 years in financial markets, she now coaches senior leaders across Asia and the Middle East on executive presence, narrative, and the art of communicating live — when the stakes are high and there's no script. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Escaping the Script You Were Given | Sandeep Dwivedi | TEDxJaipur National University

Jun 3, 2026

In this talk, I share how breaking conventional thinking, embracing education, and stepping beyond fear helped me transform my journey from a humble background into a path of growth and opportunity. Through personal experiences, I highlight why challenging self-imposed limitations, taking calculated risks, and turning ideas into action are the true keys to unlocking our potential and creating meaningful change in life. My name is Sandeep Dwivedi, and I am the founder of Acharya Institute in Bilaspur. I started Acharya Institute with a simple but powerful belief — that students from smaller cities deserve the same quality of education, guidance, and opportunities as students in the biggest metropolitan areas. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Thank You For Your Service Is a Comma, Not a Period | Madhuri Govindu | TEDxApex

Jun 3, 2026

For many veterans, military service doesn't end when they take off the uniform—it simply enters a new chapter. In this inspiring talk, Madhuri challenges us to rethink what it means to support those who have served. Through personal stories and practical insights, they reveal why gratitude alone isn't enough and how meaningful opportunities, community, and purpose can help veterans thrive long after their service ends. Madhuri Govindu is a licensed professional counselor, award-winning author, and Counseling Today contributor focused on trauma, veterans advocacy, and amplifying veterans’ voices. Through her clinical work and advocacy, she has helped thousands of veterans recover from PTSD, MST, CPTSD, and moral injury while working to bridge the civilian-veteran gap. Her work explores the emotional impact of military service, transition, and the invisible struggles many veterans face after leaving the military. In her TEDx talk, Madhuri challenges society’s understanding of gratitude and service, reframing what meaningful support and healing should look like beyond “thank you for your service. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

From Struggles, We Rise | Ms. Navjot Kaur | TEDxPURC Ludhiana

Jun 3, 2026

Life rarely follows the script we write for it. When you think all is going right, life goes left. For athletes emerging from the grassroots, uncertainty is part of the journey. Success is only one goal away, yet still out of reach. While many know the saying 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade', this speaker chose a different path—she threw the lemons back even harder and refused to back down. Her story is of perseverance through setbacks, challenges, and unexpected turns. More than a tale of motivation, this is a testament to grit, resilience, and the strength to keep moving forward when giving up seems easier. A cornerstone of the Indian Women’s Hockey team and a two-time Olympian, she represents the new face of Indian sports—one that is not just about physical prowess, but about an unbreakable psychological will. Known on the world’s biggest sporting stage for her explosive speed and tactical brilliance, she has navigated the expectations of a nation and the physical demands of her craft with a grace that can only come from someone who has mastered the art of starting over, stronger every single time. As one of the premier contributors to India's Olympics dreams, Ms. Kaur is someone who understands that the path to greatness is rarely a straight line. It is a series of gruelling cycles—of ends and beginnings, of defeats and rediscoveries. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Belonging Begins With Safety | Jess Patz | TEDxFranklin

Jun 3, 2026

NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker’s personal views and understanding of the nervous system, stress, and autoimmune disease. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf There are times when life presents obstacles that we strive to overcome. Jess Patz is a speaker and community advocate whose work focuses on how individuals and systems build connection, resilience, and sustainable engagement. She has spent years working alongside survivor-serving initiatives, observing how people seek belonging, and why so many feel disconnected even within active communities. Jess brings a systems-level perspective to conversations about identity, leadership, and collective responsibility, translating complex social dynamics into clear, accessible ideas. Her work challenges commonly held assumptions about strength, resilience, and belonging, inviting audiences to rethink how communities are formed and sustained. Known for her ability to blend insight with practical reflection, Jess speaks nationally on topics that encourage deeper connection, shared ownership, and long-term community health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Brain Frames: My Trick for Hard Things | Chace Zhang | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

Chace explains how “Brain Frames” help him use his strengths to manage difficult tasks, save mental energy, build confidence and better understand himself as a learner. Chace is a Year 3 student in Shanghai. He has a strong passion for Mathematics and enjoys working with numbers, as well as being an enthusiastic reader. At school, he enjoys spending time with his friends, whether visiting the sensory room during recess, or playing and exploring on the playground. He loves art and drew all the pictures on his slides on his own. His interest in understanding himself more deeply. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Our Great Migration with AI | Elsa Ou | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

Elsa’s talk uses the image of the Great Migration in Africa to explain how humans and AI can work together in the future. She compares humans to zebras, who watch carefully and guide the way, and AI to wildebeest, which bring speed and strength. Her message is that AI can be powerful and helpful, but people must use wisdom and care to make sure it is used safely and for good. Elsa is a Y2 YCIS student who loves reading and sharing ideas through writing and drawing. She also enjoys playing football with her friends and building creative structures with Lego. She loves to inspire others to be curious and thoughtful; and encourages others to use AI as a powerful and safe helper. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

My Reading Journey: From Boring to Book Lover | Ricky Shu | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

This talk tells the story of a child, Ricky, who once thought reading was boring and believed he was simply not good at it. After struggling and nearly giving up, a simple moment with a friend made him question that belief. He realised that he did not actually hate reading; he just did not understand it yet. This shift in thinking changed everything. Through his story, he encourages others not to give up on things that feel difficult, because sometimes the problem is not that you cannot do it — you just have not learned how yet. Ricky is a seven-year-old student who has lived in both Canada and China. He is a big fan of reading and loves both fiction and nonfiction books. He enjoys history, astronomy and geography. He often reads about ancient civilisations such as the Egyptian Pyramids and Emperor Qin Shi Huang, as well as simple archaeology. He also loves learning about dinosaur fossils and special natural stones. In his spare time, he enjoys logical reasoning novels and comics. Reading allows him to explore the world and broaden his horizons. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The Future Needs "Repair" Skills, Not Just "Replace" Habits | Owen Huang | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

Owen’s talk, The Future Needs ‘Repair’ Skills, Not Just ‘Replace’ Habits, shares the story of his Pokémon eraser-crumb vacuum. When it stopped charging, he did not want a replacement — he wanted to fix it. With his dad’s help, he identified and solved the problem, learning patience, creativity and responsibility while reducing waste. He explains why a “repair-first” mindset is better than a “replace-first” one, and encourages students and families to adopt a simple rule: when something breaks, do not throw it away immediately. Instead, ask, “Can it be repaired?” In doing so, you may also learn a new skill. Owen is a trendy ten-year-old Year 5 learner. He is obsessed with creative drawing, Naruto and cool science facts. He loves to wander, uncovering the magic of the world through immersive reading and thrilling travel adventures. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Three Ways Cats Can Help with Mental Health and Stress | Ai Yi | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

The speaker talks about how being a cat owner can improve mental health and quality of life. She discovered that cats can reduce stress and wanted to learn more about how caring for them could help people improve their mental wellbeing. Yi is a Grade 4 student known for her curiosity, humour, and thoughtful perspective. She is diligent and responsible, consistently putting effort into her learning and personal growth. Yi brings kindness and positivity to those around her, creating meaningful connections with her peers. Always willing to try new ideas, she embraces challenges with confidence and an open mind. Her enthusiasm for learning and her willingness to explore make her a promising young voice ready to share her ideas on the TEDx stage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Learning Through AI | Aiden Lau | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

Aiden’s speech is about how AI can help people when it is used properly. He shares his experience of struggling to use AI in the right way, eventually learning that it is best used to check and improve his own work rather than do everything for him. This experience taught him not to rely on AI too heavily, but to use it as a helpful tool. His goal is to help others understand how to use AI effectively and responsibly. Aiden is a student studying in Chongqing, China. He is interested in discovering the functions of AI and creating videos and pictures with it. Honman enjoys using AI to search facts and prefers it rather than using a website. He started using AI when he was seven and through two years of learning he can now proficiently control AI and ask it questions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

A School Day in 2045 | John Lin | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

John’s topic is about what future schools could look like and the role AI may play in them. He takes the audience on a journey to imagine a school of the future — with flying cars, delivery robots and virtual field trips anywhere in the world. He encourages others to think about the role of AI, not only in the future, but also in the impact it is already having today. John is a highly responsible and diligent student who approaches every task with meticulous attention to detail. His curiosity drives him to ask thoughtful questions and explore ideas beyond the surface. Eager to learn, he consistently seeks opportunities to grow and deepen his understanding. John is also known for being supportive and helpful to his peers, contributing positively to any team or classroom environment. His commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit make him a compelling young voice, ready to share his insights on the TEDx stage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Give Us the Recess We Need to Succeed | Aimee Chen | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

Aimee talks about how having extra playtime before a test helped her succeed and why more break time is important for student learning. Aimee is a Year 3 student in Shanghai. She is passionate about horses and dreams of becoming a professional rider in the future. Aimee is a thoughtful and dedicated learner whose love of reading and learning has helped her recognise the importance of spending time outdoors and enjoying play. English is her favourite subject, and she especially enjoys reading and writing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

From Bottles to Models: The Power of “We” | Bryce Gao | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

This talk explores the value of working together on a Future City project. Bryce's TED talk on Future Cities showed him how to think big and help others. Through teamwork, resilience, and collaboration, he learned to listen, share ideas, and keep going when challenges arose. He discovered how communities work together to solve problems and design better places to live. This experience helped him to become a stronger student—more confident, kinder, and ready to work with others to make real change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The Courage to Speak from the Heart | Clovy Cheong | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

In this TEDx talk, Clovy reflects on a personal childhood experience to explore the importance of expressing emotions honestly. Through a simple moment during play, she discovers that courage is not always about big actions, but often about speaking up and telling others how we feel. Her talk highlights how emotional awareness and open communication can build trust, deepen understanding and create more supportive relationships. Clovy is an 8-year-old student who enjoys learning from everyday experiences and sharing meaningful ideas with others. Inspired by a personal moment of fear and reflection, she began to understand the value of expressing feelings with honesty and courage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Turning Your Emotions into Strength | Eason Zhou | TEDxYCYW Shanghai Youth

Jun 3, 2026

In an era in which one in six children in China faces an emotional crisis, Eason Zhou shows that emotions are not obstacles, but untapped sources of strength. Transitioning from a confident creator to a student facing overwhelming meltdowns, Eason developed a “Personal Emotional Toolkit” to bridge the gap between chaos and calm. He introduces three original neurological strategies: Emotion Detective colour-coding, the 10-Second Pause, and Tiny Praises. By offering a concrete three-day mission, Eason moves beyond theory to provide a scalable, life-saving roadmap for resilience, proving that one brave choice today can redefine a child’s tomorrow. A student in Shanghai and a digital content creator, Eason bridges the gap between mathematical logic and emotional intelligence. By sharing his 3-step “Emotion Detective” framework, he transforms psychological insights into actionable resilience --- empowering peers to navigate internal storms and turn vulnerability into a catalyst for self-driven growth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

At the Edge of “I Can’t”: Where Infinity Begins | Gaia Cerri | TEDxCSN Youth

Jun 3, 2026

In this talk, we will explore the idea that “infinity” is not merely an abstract concept, but a mindset accessible to each of us. Drawing on my personal experience of adapting to life in a new country, we will reflect on how many of the limits we encounter are often self-imposed. We consider how failure can be reframed as a meaningful part of learning and how time, when used consistently, becomes a powerful and compounding asset. Together, we are invited to rethink the meaning of “I can’t” and to recognise how small, deliberate actions can gradually expand what we believe is possible. Arts teacher This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

See .Be .Give | Lucy Doughty | TEDxPunta Cana Women

Jun 3, 2026

Lucy Doughty is a philanthropist, speaker, and founder dedicated to transforming pain into purpose. Through her humanitarian work, global conversations on consciousness and personal growth, and her foundation’s initiatives supporting vulnerable communities and children, she has inspired thousands to embrace resilience not as survival, but as a conscious path toward transformation. After experiencing profound personal loss, Lucy embarked on a journey of healing that led her to create spaces centered on human connection, emotional evolution, and service. Her philosophy “See. Be. Give.” has become a guiding framework for awakening personal greatness, living with intention, and using one’s story to elevate others. Lucy shares a message of inner transformation, reminding audiences that happiness is not the absence of struggle, but the courage to rise, reinvent, and love life through every season. Lucy Doughty is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and global advocate for children’s wellbeing, education, and women’s empowerment. She is the President of The Doughty Family Foundation and a Trustee of Theirworld.org in the United Kingdom. Through her foundation, founded in 2008 with her late husband Nigel Doughty, Lucy supports healthcare, education, and youth development initiatives across the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, and internationally, including pediatric oncology programs, university scholarships for women, and educational opportunities for underserved communities. She is also the founder of Conversation Loves, a platform that convenes leading thinkers, scientists, artists, and changemakers to inspire dialogue and social impact. Through this initiative she created “Cena de los Sabios,” a curated gathering that brings together influential voices to exchange ideas and foster meaningful conversations for positive change. Lucy believes that compassion, education, and collective responsibility are powerful forces for transforming lives and shaping a more conscious and equitable world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Medicamentos, los nuevos plásticos | Matias Montecinos | TEDxU Valpo Chile

Jun 3, 2026

En esta charla, Matías advierte que los medicamentos que usamos no desaparecen cuando los desechamos: sus residuos se están convirtiendo en una nueva forma de contaminación persistente que nos invita a repensar nuestra relación con la salud, el consumo y el medioambiente. Matías Montecinos es estudiante de Química y Farmacia en el sur de Chile, y cofundador de la Fundación Ecofarmacovigilancia Chile, su trabajo une salud humana y salud ambiental, promoviendo la articulación de iniciativas de recolección para su desecho seguro, así como de campañas educativas y vinculación comunitaria para el manejo responsable de medicamentos vencidos en hospitales, barrios y municipios. Desde esa convicción, busca transformar la imagen tradicional de la farmacia: de un espacio centrado en el paciente como usuario a uno donde las personas participan activamente en proteger lo común. Hoy viene a compartir una reflexión sobre los medicamentos y sobre cómo podemos convertirnos en parte de la solución. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Solving for Why | Maxwell Hunter | TEDxAvon High School

Jun 3, 2026

Maxwell Hunter, a junior at Avon High School, describes the process of what he believes to be biggest missing factor in education: the lack of motivation to learn by the students. Through investigating how students learn their “Why” to why they learn, one can discover how teachers of all kinds create a positive association with academic knowledge and the learning process. Maxwell hopes to take his experience as both a leader and a current student to help illuminate why there is a growing apathy when addressing education and learning. Maxwell Hunter is a Junior at Avon High School, speaking about how to create motivation for students to learn academically. Maxwell has taken on many of the AP and honors classes offered at Avon and studies a mix of history, economics, political theory, and Latin on his own time, often taking time in study halls and dedicated student resource time in school to do reading on the subjects along with time outside of school as well. He has also run on both the cross country and track teams since middle school, watching and learning about team culture and how to best get both athletes and general people to perform the task that needs to be done for their own personal development. Maxwell hopes to take his experience as both a leader and a current student to help illuminate why there is a growing apathy when addressing education and learning. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Mindset of an Olympian | Jennifer Floyd | TEDxAvon High School

Jun 3, 2026

Olympian, mother, and entrepreneur Jennifer Floyd explores the perseverance and mindset she has used to grow and pursue her goals and dreams, drawing upon her experience as an athlete. Jennifer Floyd is an Olympian, entrepreneur, coach, and mother who inspires others to embrace discipline, resilience, and hard work. Raised in Central New York in a blue-collar family, she learned early the value of doing things right and finishing what you start. A multi-sport athlete, she discovered rowing in college and pursued it at the elite level, earning spots on the U.S. National Team and competing at the World Championships from 2005–2007. She went on to represent Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, finishing 5th in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls. After retiring in 2011, Jennifer transitioned into coaching and leadership roles, later finding a passion for fitness through CrossFit. She now owns Fit Body Boot Camp in Plainfield, Indiana, where she helps others build strength, confidence, and an unstoppable mindset. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Leadership Lessons from HS Parking Lot Duty | Dean Westman & Matt Harloff | TEDxAvon High School

Jun 3, 2026

Through years of experience in their respective musical fields, world-renowned music directors Dean Westman and Matt Harloff have also spent those years on high school parking lot duty together – next to a dumpster. They share the incredible lessons they’ve learned through the process. Dean Westman is the Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Orchestras at Avon High School. He founded the Avon Orchestra program in 2007 with 38 6th grade beginners. Now in its 19th year, the Avon Orchestra has grown to over 1,000 students grades 6-12. Mr. Westman also serves as a Program Designer for the 5-time Bands of America Grand National Champion and 17 Time Indiana State Champion AHS MB&G. In 2002, Dean was named the Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year by the Texas Bandmaster’s Association. He has taught the Tenrikyo Aimaichi Marching Band from Nagoya, Japan, and has served on the teaching staff for the Bands of America Rose Parade Honor Band of America. Dean continues to guest conduct and present clinics throughout the United States and Japan. Westman currently serves as Senior Education Advisor & Designer for the 2016 and 2024 Drum Corps International World Champion Bluecoats from Canton, Ohio. Westman was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2018. Matt Harloff concludes a remarkable 30-year career at Avon High School, serving 27 years as Assistant Band Director before becoming Director of Bands from 2023–2026. During his tenure, the Avon Band Program earned numerous state, national, and world honors. As director of Avon Indoor Winds, Matt led the group to eight IPA State Championships and six WGI Scholastic World Class Championships. Matt helped the AHS MB&G win 18 state titles and six Grand National Championships. Between 2007 and 2025, the Avon Marching Band maintained an extraordinary 18-year streak of top-three finishes at the Bands of America Grand National Finals. In 2003, Matt became Brass Caption Head for the Carolina Crown Drum & Bugle Corps, helping build Crown BRASS into one of the nation’s elite programs. Carolina Crown is a consistent DCI World Class Finalist and celebrated their first ever DCI World Class World Championship in 2013. Matt was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in 2025. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx