A year ago, even raising her hand felt impossible. But instead of running from fear, Li Zhuor decided to work with it. From musicals to mock trials to student leadership, she discovered that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s learning to dance with it. In this talk, she reveals how turning “scary” into “a friend” transformed not just her confidence, but her life. I’m Vivian Li, a Chinese G11 student at High School Affiliated To Nanjing Normal University. I used to be the kid who’d hide herself in textbooks to avoid attention. However, after entering high school, I surprised myself. I stepped onto the stage for the first time to perform a segment from the musical Six at the English Festival. Later, I acted in the play Thunderstorm for the charity show. I survived the intense IMT10 and IMT12 mock trial competitions. I even ran for financial representative in the student union—something the younger me would never have dreamed of. It turns out that courage isn’t about fearlessness. It’s about the determination to walk out of the comfort zone despite fear, and that’s how I keep becoming a better version of myself. 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

With the sensitivity of an observer and the courage of an innovator, Shi Yanning reflects on how we make life choices. She believes that the way out of life’s dilemmas isn’t to follow a fixed path, but to dare to create new rules. In this talk, she explores what it means to redefine your journey on your own terms. I'm Shiny – a name that speaks of light. As an INFP navigating the whirlwind of 11th-grade humanities, I experience the world through deep feeling, high sensitivity, and intuition. While it sometimes means moving through a loud world with an extra-thin skin, it also allows me to perceive glimmers others might miss. Like many of you, I've wrestled with uncertainty, especially at crossroads like choosing between arts and sciences. The fear of taking a "wrong path" nearly dimmed my own light. But I've learned that our radiance isn't defined by the path that illuminates us, but by the authentic glow we choose to carry forward. My journey has taught me that the most vibrant stories are written not by perfect choices, but by the resilience and heart we pour into each step, especially when the ground feels shaky. 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 TEDx talk, chef and entrepreneur Mohannad Awad is sharing a deeply personal journey through the unpredictable world of food and business. From early confusion and setbacks to building multiple culinary ventures, to exploring the power of embracing uncertainty, following passion, and redefining success. This is a story for anyone who’s ever felt lost and found purpose in the process. #ChefLife #FoodEntrepreneur #FoodBusiness #SelfDiscovery #PersonalGrowth #Resilience Mohannad Awad is a passionate chef, successful restaurateur, and certified life coach whose journey in the food and beverage industry began at an early age. Fueled by a deep love for culinary arts and hospitality, he transformed his passion into a thriving career. Today, he is the founder of several acclaimed ventures, including Soul Food, The Hidden Gem, and Mad Catering, each known for their creativity, quality, and authentic dining experiences.Beyond the kitchen, Mohannad is a certified life coach dedicated to inspiring others to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles. His growing hospitality group includes concept-driven spaces like The BowlRoom, an entertainment-focused lounge, and additional outlets that cater to diverse audiences.Through his innovative leadership and personal story of perseverance, Mohannad continues to impact both the culinary world and the lives of those seeking purpose and 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

Drawing from his journey from reluctant 8-year-old coder to Principal Tech Evangelist at AWS, Basil Fateen reveals why human developers remain irreplaceable in the age of generative AI.Through personal stories spanning three generations- from his father's punch-card programming in 1970s Egypt to his 10-year-old daughter's AI-assisted coding today, he uncovers the essential human elements that no algorithm can replicate. ""It's precisely our strange paths and lived experience that give us the contextual wisdom AI lacks"" Basil explains. A timely perspective on why the future belongs to humans working with AI, not being replaced by it. #ArtificialIntelligence #GenerativeAI #AWS #TechEvangelist #Innovation #FutureOfWork #HumanAndAI #AIFuture #AIRevolution #Technology Basil Fateen is a Principal Technology Evangelist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), specialising in generative artificial intelligence and startup acceleration. He helps emerging ventures adopt cutting-edge AI tools for faster growth and supports ecosystem development across Europe, Middle East & Africa. Previously a founder himself, he brings hands-on entrepreneurial experience alongside his current role. 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

Discover how psychology shapes the world’s most successful brands in Designed to Win: How Psychology Drives Business and Branding, presented by Awn Nuwwar. In this insightful TEDx, Awn explores how consumer decisions are rarely purely logical—and how top businesses leverage human behavior, emotion, and perception to cultivate loyalty, drive action, and stand out in competitive markets. Ideal for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone intrigued by the hidden forces that power winning brands. Awn’s journey spans various fields From restaurants and construction to sales, experiences that shaped his distinctive perspective on business and branding. Over time, he discovered the power of merging traditional marketing with the insights of neuroscience. Guided by a passion for ethical practices, he envisioned a new kind of marketing, one that creates genuine, sustainable connections and innovative solutions that serve both business and society. Today, he leads a movement empowering SMEs and startups through the blend of business psychology and intelligence. 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 oceans to the world’s highest peaks, this is a story of belief, failure, and ascent. Watch how one man traded a life at sea for a life above the clouds, conquering not just summits but fears. A reflection on taking risks, redefining success, and what it truly means to begin. Satyadeep Gupta — the man who turns mountains into milestones. High-altitude athlete. Elite mountaineer. Founder of Altiedge. A relentless force fueled by grit, vision, and next-level endurance.From conquering Kanchenjunga (’22) to taming Makalu (’23) and the rare Everest-Lhotse double (’24) — he’s not just climbing peaks, he’s defining what’s possible.And when he’s not summiting the world’s highest giants, he’s out running the grueling 100km Hellrace, proving limits are just myths waiting to be shattered.This isn’t just mountaineering. It’s a mindset. He doesn’t chase altitudes. He becomes them. 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