In today’s global society, most of us face challenging situations—whether with our health, education, finance, family, or relationships. The challenge of change and transition can be difficult to manage, no matter where it strikes. Each and every one of us will experience a change challenge of some kind… we may get it wrong or we may get it right, but the bottom line is we all lean on objects for support and stability during times of change. This behavior is a basic human instinct; we (again, you and I) must understand how to recognize and define our leaned-on objects and know when to find a new object (or let one find us). The one thing I know to be true in this process is that humans unequivocally possess a hidden strength that, once recognized, becomes your personal and professional change and transition game-changer. "Dr. Victoria M. Grady doesn’t just study change, she decodes the human side of it. A global expert on the behavioral science behind organizational transformation, she pioneered research on Attachment Styles and Transitional Objects in the workplace, revealing why people resist change and how to move them forward. Dr. Grady is Associate Professor and Academic Director at George Mason University’s Costello College of Business and serves as Professor in Residence for Healthcare People and Change at Forvis Mazars US. Victoria’s insights have been featured in Harvard Business Review, CEO World, Bloomberg, and ATD Magazine. Her work is trusted by leaders across government, healthcare, education, and industry who are tired of change initiatives that fail. She is co-author of Stuck: How to WIN in Business by Understanding LOSS and The Pivot Point: Success in Organizational 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

We’re raising a generation in a culture that celebrates polished perfection and fast-tracked success—but leaves no room for the messy middle. In a world where only achievement is visible and failure is hidden in silence, what are we losing? In this compelling talk, Shreya Hessler invites us to reimagine failure not as something to fear, but as something to share. Through the lens of “stumble stories,” this talk explores how openness about our missteps fosters curiosity, critical thinking, communication, and authentic connection. Because when we trade perfection for truth, we don’t just grow—we reconnect with what makes us human. Dr. Shreya Hessler is a psychologist, speaker, award-winning mental health advocate, and children’s book author dedicated to reshaping how we approach mental wellness. As the founder and director of The MINDset Center in Bel Air, Maryland, she works with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, learning differences, and the high-pressure world of sports. She is the author of Bianca Finds Her Bounce, a children’s book that helps young readers understand and manage anxiety. Passionate about bridging the gap between mental health and performance, Dr. Hessler co-founded Person Before Player, a groundbreaking mental wellness program supporting athletes nationwide. A former faculty member at Loyola University Maryland and Towson University, she has shaped the next generation of mental health professionals at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her leadership extends beyond academia—she made history as the youngest and first woman of color to serve as President of the Maryland Psychological Association. Dr. Hessler’s work has earned her widespread recognition, including the Loyola University Distinguished Alumni Award, a spot among Maryland’s Top 100 Women, and the Governor’s Citation for Victims’ Advocacy. For over two decades, she has been a sought-after speaker helping communities empower young people with the resilience skills they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. A firm believer that mental wellness isn’t just about intervention—but prevention—Dr. Hessler is on a mission to equip kids, families, and educators with the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, curiosity, and connection. 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

How I found meaning from a devastating tragedy, restored purpose and hope, and experienced a greater appreciation for all that I had before the tragedy and all that remained after, by understanding the purpose of grief, intentionally walking with grief instead of running from it, and accepting the gifts it offers. Everyone faces grief. But not everyone chooses to listen to it and learn from it. Holly Higgins is a mother who received the phone call every military family dreads. In 2010, her son, Senior Airman Daniel Johnson, was killed in action while serving as a bomb technician in Afghanistan. That loss could have shattered her spirit. Instead, it shaped her calling. Holly is a Gold Star Mother, a storyteller, and a guide for those carrying invisible wounds. She serves as a Story Coach and Program Leader with Task Force Pineapple, where she helps Families of the Fallen turn their pain into purpose. She’s also the co-author of Wounds to Wisdom—a title that reflects her own journey. Holly doesn’t pretend that grief is easy. She teaches that grief is a teacher. No matter what the source of your grief, if you’re willing to learn from it, it can restore meaning, connection, and even joy. In her talk, she shares what grief gave her… and how it continues to guide her. 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 game has changed. Work as we’ve known it—defined by hierarchies, bosses, and tug-of-war cultures—is no longer enough. Today’s world demands something more: high-performance team members who are digitally engaged, fueled by real-time feedback, and connected to performance that aligns with their purpose and career aspirations. This talk introduces four essential shifts to help organizations and individuals move from outdated work models to purpose-aligned, high-performance systems. The future belongs to those who unleash human potential in real time. Dr. Tim Figley is an organizational culture strategist, researcher, keynote speaker, and author with extensive expertise in strategic planning, board governance, and team development. As the founder of TeamsWork, he provides strategies for alignment, execution, and team chemistry to boards, executive teams, nonprofits, and family businesses. He has led award-winning initiatives, including guiding Ohio’s top-ranked community bank through a culture-shaping transformation and co-authoring The Industrial Athlete Operating System™, which received NAM’s 2024 Transforming Business Cultures award. He holds an MBA and a doctorate in transformational leadership, with research focused on resolving conflict in family businesses. Additionally, he co-authored Faith Through the Fog with his uncle Fran to offer hope and perspective to those navigating grief.Mark Lamoncha is an award-winning entrepreneur, inventor, author, and visionary in advanced manufacturing. As CEO of Humtown for over 40 years, he has transformed a third-generation family business into a national leader in 3D sand printing, attracting attention from MIT, the Fraunhofer Institute, and CNBC. Under his leadership, Humtown earned the National Association of Manufacturers’ 2020 Manufacturer of the Year and 2024 Transforming Business Cultures awards. Mark invented the Visual Earnings System™ and authored The Industrial Athlete Operating System, reshaping how businesses develop talent and culture. Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to Ohio’s State School Board, Mark connects education and industry to build sustainable career pipelines. A lifelong Columbiana resident, his mission is to empower people and communities to thrive through purpose-driven high performance. 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

Most people live their lives on repeat — wake up, work, sleep, and start again. But what if the real purpose of life is not to exist, but to live extraordinarily?In this deeply reflective and energizing TEDx talk, Dr. Abraham Kumar, President & CEO of ProtaTECH Inc., USA, and a musician who masters over 20 instruments, challenges the notion of a “normal” life. He invites us to step out of autopilot and rediscover what it means to truly live — with curiosity, courage, and conviction.From the vibrant musical streets of Lucknow to the boardrooms of global innovation, Dr. Kumar’s journey is a testament to the power of passion guided by purpose. He shares how discipline, creativity, and self-belief can turn ordinary circumstances into extraordinary outcomes, proving that excellence isn’t an accident — it’s a choice.Through captivating anecdotes and personal experiences, he shows how music became more than a hobby — it became a metaphor for life, leadership, and growth. His talk blends melody with meaning, reminding us that the rhythm of success lies in staying true to one’s inner calling. He is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur whose journey reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Nawabs, Lucknow, India, he was immersed in the rich tapestry of Indian classical music from a young age. He plays over 20 musical instruments to perfection. He is a classically trained Sitarist and Pianist. He has won multiple awards in the fields of Music, Business, Technology, and Entertainment. 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

In this engaging TEDx talk, Izuchukwu Ukandu, a Certified Media Consultant, unveils the two powerful habits that set world-class speakers apart. Drawing from years of media and communication experience, he demystifies the art of impactful public speaking, focusing on practical techniques that elevate a speaker’s presence and influence. With a blend of storytelling and expert insight, Izuchukwu emphasizes the concept of speaker confidence and storytelling. Habits that not only sharpen delivery but also build trust with any audience. His message is clear: anyone can become a powerful communicator by mastering these two habits. Izuchukwu Ukandu is a Communications Professional with over a decade of experience spanning corporate communications, public relations, storytelling, journalism, and communications management. Through his training programs, media features, speaking engagements, and mentorship initiatives, Izu has inspired thousands across the globe to embrace the power of storytelling and leverage digital technology to amplify their voices. In his role with the Investigative Team at Al Jazeera, he has made significant contributions to research, internal and external communications, and the production of high-quality reports and profiles for key stakeholders. Beyond journalism, Izu leads the Audacious Media team. He believes that stories are more than words, they are lived experiences that shape perspectives, transform lives, and change the world, one person at a time. 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