In a world where ideas, markets, and teams are constantly shifting, what truly separates extraordinary entrepreneurs from the rest? According to Richa Bajpai, it isn’t strategy, timing, or even the perfect founding team. It’s something far harder to define, yet impossible to miss: obsession.At just 21, Richa discovered this force while building her first startup. What others dismissed as unhealthy intensity, working until 3 AM, waking up at 6 with her product still on her mind, became the very engine of her success.In her talk, Richa reframes obsession not as something to fear, but something to harness. She shares a framework to channel this unstoppable energy: anchoring it in purpose beyond oneself, building rituals to sustain the intensity, and embracing its evolution as it takes on new forms across life’s journey.She leaves us with a powerful question: What is the thought you can’t shake, the problem that won’t leave your mind, the idea that keeps you up at night? That persistent voice might not be a distraction, it could be your greatest gift to the world.Richa Bajpai is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Goodera, and founder of Campus Fund, supporting young innovators across India. Her journey embodies the courage to let obsession become contribution. Richa Bajpai is redefining community impact in the startup ecosystem by championing grassroots innovation and inclusive opportunities through ventures like Campus Fund—India’s first and only SEBI-registered Category II AIF exclusively backing student-led startups. As its Founder, she has built a platform that uplifts young entrepreneurs, with a focus on solutions that create lasting value for communities. Guided by the belief that transformative change can begin at any age and from any background, Richa empowers students with purposeful funding, mentorship, and a culture of social responsibility. Her leadership is shaping a generation of changemakers whose ideas drive both business success and social good. On the TEDx stage, she shares her vision for a future where youth-led, community-focused innovation is central to building a more 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
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- 9:06The Philosophy of Success | Rani Maheshwari | TEDxHIXS YouthIn her speech, Rani Maheshwari speaks of her incredible journey from a small, conservative city to becoming an Ironman finisher. She recalls how life seemed to confine her to the roles of wife and mother at the young age of 20, yet she refused to let that define her limits. Step by step, she ventured into running, cycling, and endurance sports, finally completing her first Half-Ironman in Dubai. But her path was far from smooth—three back-to-back DNFs tested her spirit. Instead of quitting, she embraced failure as a stepping stone, reminding us that “failure is the tuition fee for success.” Rani’s triumph in the Bahrain Half-Ironman and later in the full Ironman at Hamburg showed how persistence, consistency, and courage can transform setbacks into victories. Her story beautifully illustrates the philosophy of success: it is not a destination, but a journey of resilience, learning, and unwavering determination. Passion is what makes life meaningful, it ignites the soul, fuels the mind, and pushes boundaries. True leadership lies in inspiring others to dream, learn, and achieve more, and she embodies that spirit in every role she takes on. A dynamic personality, she is a Lawyer managing her husband’s legal firm in Gurgaon, a Model featured in print, advertisements, and videos, an Actress and Theatre Artist who has performed across stages including playing Sita in Ramleela before 10,000+ people live on TV. Her creativity flows as an Artist through oil paintings, while her adventurous side shines as a Trekker conquering Everest Base Camp and Kedarkanth peak. She is also a Runner, completing various marathons and half marathons. Above all, she is an Ironman, having conquered Ironman Hamburg in 15 hours and multiple 70.3 races including Dubai and Bahrain, proving her endurance with 3.8 km swims, 180 km rides, and a 42 km marathon. 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
- 8:40The Psychology of Success | Alieza Singh | TEDxHIXS YouthAlieza Singh’s deeply personal talk redefines success, emphasizing resilience and self-growth over perfection and universal approval. She candidly recounts her teenage struggles with bullying, isolation, and the pressure to fit in, painting a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence. A pivotal conversation with her father helped her realize that nothing stood between her and her ideal self except her own fears. This shift empowered her to stop chasing validation and start investing in academics, extracurriculars, and self-improvement. Even when she ran for student council and narrowly lost, Alieza found strength in failure, reframing it as a necessary part of growth. With maturity and vulnerability, she shares how setbacks have built her confidence, resilience, and perspective. Her central lesson—that success is “becoming better than who you were yesterday”—offers an inspiring reminder that failure isn’t the end but a stepping stone to strength, courage, and future triumphs. Alieza Singh is a versatile student and performer who combines academic curiosity with a passion for creative expression. Currently pursuing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, she is deeply interested in understanding people, cultures, and ideas through subjects such as Economics, Psychology, and the Arts. Outside the classroom, Alieza has explored multiple forms of dance and music, which have shaped her identity as both an artist and a leader. She believes in the power of creativity to build connections, foster inclusion, and inspire change. With a strong balance of discipline and imagination, she aims to use her voice and platform to encourage others to embrace self-expression and discover confidence in their individuality. 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
