NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of the nervous system, spirituality, and personal development. Several theories around flow state remain an ongoing field of study. 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.pdfWhat if the most powerful state of mind you could experience wasn't random, rare, or reserved for elite performers — but something you could learn to access daily? In this moving and scientifically grounded talk, Deri Llewellyn-Davies takes us from the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert to the icy slopes of Mount Everest to explore the one state that changes everything: flow. Often described as a sense of total immersion, clarity, and peak performance, flow is not just a fleeting experience — it’s a habit you can build. Deri Llewellyn-Davies is a high-performance strategist, entrepreneur, and adventurer dedicated to unlocking human potential. With experience running over 20 businesses and advising more than 300 boards, he combines business acumen with a passion for pushing limits—both professionally and physically. He has climbed six of the world’s seven highest mountains, including a near-fatal Everest attempt, and completed some of the toughest endurance races on the planet.Deri’s research into elite performers led to a signature framework for balancing extraordinary achievement with personal fulfillment. He challenges individuals and organizations to redefine what’s possible. 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

NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers may find this helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of breathwork and healing. 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.pdfThis talk tells the story of a mother navigating years of despair, guilt, and pain as her teenage son spirals into crime and incarceration. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares the emotional toll of parenting through crisis—and the path that ultimately led to healing, reconnection, and hope. Along the way, she explores how asking for help, confronting deep pain, and reclaiming one’s identity can spark profound transformation. This is a story of resilience, not perfection—reminding us that even in the darkest moments, we are not meant to break. We are meant to transform. Elsa Regan is an accomplished executive coach with extensive experience in coaching leaders and teams, from management to executive level. Prior to that, Elsa had a 15-year-long academic career in the field of cell biology, followed by a few years in the food industry.. Elsa’s mission is to inspire people to follow their hearts with courage, so they become who they are meant to be. As a mother of three sons, Elsa has faced long-standing family challenges that were extremely painful and confronting. Elsa found support in therapy to navigate these challenges. In parallel to her work as a coach, Elsa is now also a Gestalt therapy practitioner, helping others grow, transform and heal. 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