In his TED Talk, “Get Your Maverick On,” Jay Gross challenges listeners to break free from conventional expectations and embrace their authentic, trailblazing selves. With passion and humor, he shares personal stories and hard-won insights about the power of showing up boldly, taking risks, and leading with heart. It’s a call to action to live unapologetically, think differently, and create impact by being the maverick you were meant to be. “After a motorcycle accident in 1986 crushed the 7th thoracic vertebrae in my back and left me less than a ¼ of an inch from being paralyzed from my chest down, I take each day as a gift. While I was recuperating for six months, my Mom mentioned how I would be a good teacher and how the neighborhood kids flocked to me when I was outside to learn football plays and hear me tell stories. It stuck. I recently retired after 30 years of teaching at Shepherd High School, and 34 days later accepted a position teaching Speech/Debate at Morley Stanwood High School. I am still being told countless times my stories make learning relate, and make it easier to understand. My name is Jay Gross, and I am an English, Speech, & Debate teacher. I also teach as an adjunct professor of English and Speech at Montcalm Community College and am currently teaching at St. Louis High School for dual enrollment. 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
More from TED
- 7:27The Four Enemies of Governance | Doug Burkott | TEDxSouth CongressEvery organization faces tough choices about which projects or products to take on. Doug Bourkott’s talk breaks down a clear way to navigate these decisions, by recognizing and balancing the four enemies of governance:1. Bureaucracy: layers of process that slow progress and stifle innovation.2. Anarchy: lack of structure that leads to chaos, confusion, and wasted effort.3. Mediocrity: settling for average work that drains potential and fails to inspire.4. Toxicity: harmful cultures or behaviors that erode trust and drive talent away.Doug shares how organizations can find the right balance by:1. Building just enough structure to guide decisions without choking creativity.2. Encouraging ownership and accountability to avoid chaos.3. Raising standards to push past “good enough.”4. Fostering a healthy, supportive culture that strengthens teams.This talk offers leaders a practical framework to make smarter choices, drive meaningful projects forward, and protect their organizations from these common pitfalls. Doug Burkott is a healthcare IT expert with experience in Healthcare Systems Architecture, Strategy & Planning, Technology Business Management. He has a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives. Doug is passionate about driving innovation and fostering collaborative environments to deliver exceptional results. 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
- 7:45Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin | Flaval Wa | TEDxCrandall UniversityThis soul-stirring music performance transcends words, using melody and rhythm to express emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. This entertaining piece is a rendition of Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag on piano. Engineering Student - New Brunswick Community College. Multi-Instrument Artist 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
- 12:26Does Faith inform our Expression? | Benjamin Wilson | TEDxCrandall UniversityThis talk explores how personal faith shapes the way individuals express themselves—whether through art, communication, leadership, or daily decisions. The speaker focused on how belief systems provide a lens for creativity, ethical expression, and meaningful connection with others. Drawing on personal stories, spiritual teachings, and real-world examples, the presentation examines where faith deepens authenticity and where it might unintentionally limit openness. Ultimately, the talk encourages viewers to reflect: Does your faith inspire richer self-expression—and how might it bridge diverse perspectives in an increasingly pluralistic world? Bachelor of Education student at Crandall University. He previously took a Bachelor of Business Administration at Crandall and a Bachelor of Theology at Acadia Divinity College. A major nerd when it comes to movies, tv and games. He is an aspiring teacher who hopes to start a Christian School in Saint John where he is from. 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
- 12:12The Transformative Power of Storytelling | Dr. Manju Sheth | TEDxAndoverIn this talk, Dr. Manju Sheth shares how one woman’s cancer story sparked a ripple effect across a community—empowering South Asian women to prioritize their health, seek timely screenings, and speak their truth. Through deeply human, relatable storytelling, Dr. Sheth reveals how blending compassion and cultural understanding can inspire real change—one story at a time. Dr Manju Sheth is a physician with passion for media and women empowerment.She is president of India New England Multimedia and 'Women Who Win' global media platform. She is the creator of the Chai with Manju celebrity talk show series and the New England Choice Awards. She is also the Director and host of Woman of the Year Gala. She has served on the board of ATASK and as a Chair of Advisory Board at Saheli.Dr Sheth has received numerous awards for her work . She is the first Indian American to receive, Leadership in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity from Commonwealth of Massachusetts by Asian and Pacific Islanders Commission. She has been named in 150 Influential Women in Massachusetts list by YWCA and named in 50 most influential Indian Americans in Massachusetts.She is the Co- author of two books titled , Women who win and Girls who win. 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
- 16:42Dar esperanza | David Hernández | TEDxAlcarria StTerremotos, tsunámis, catástrofes... los primeros en llegar son los encargados de la búsqueda de personas. David Hernández, bombero responsable de una unidad canina de rescates, nos cuenta cómo se enfrenta al silencio y a la incertidumbre de la búsqueda. DAVID HERNÁNDEZ es Cabo de Bomberos de Guadalajara-España, desde 2008. Responsable de la Unidad k9 de Rescate canino desde el 2012 y pertenece al grupo de rescate internacional GIRECAN -Grupo Internacional de rescate ante Catástrofes Naturales- desde 2015. Ha participado en intervenciones de catástrofes y búsquedas de personas desaparecidas. 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
- 16:52Attention We Give: Lessons From Listening for a Living | Katie O'Malley | M.Ed., BCC | TEDxAndoverIn a world where everyone is talking, what if the most radical thing you could do… is listen?In this talk, Katie O'Malley shares a personal story that sparked a lifelong journey into the art of listening. With warmth, humor, and deep insight, she introduces the AIR method—Attention, Intention, and Recognition—a simple yet powerful way to create trust, connection, and understanding in any conversation.This talk is a timely reminder that listening isn’t just a skill—it’s a choice that can transform relationships, communities, and lives. Katie O'Malley is an Executive Coach and Leadership Educator with 20 years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, education, and corporate sectors. In 2012, Katie translated this observation into action, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching.By leveraging evidence-based practices from the fields of counseling, organizational development, and leadership education, Katie equips her clients with customized strategies to meet their unique needs and aspirational goals.Before establishing her own coaching services, Katie served as a coach and course instructor to MBA and graduate students at Chicago Booth, The University of Texas at Austin, and DePaul University. 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
