We call all learn to think like artists. Curiosity is the seed of creativity, the ability to think without barriers. Opportunity cost is not trivial, it is central to the creative process that unlocks potential and is the catalyst for vision and fresh thinking. Exploration and freedom of expression makes all people better able to improve and communicate. The capacity to respond with creativity to the unexpected and the unknown. We should all learn to think like an artist. Dr. Margaret Heffernan is an acclaimed author, BBC broadcaster, and Professor of Practice at the University of Bath. A former CEO of several tech media companies in the U.S., she has been recognised as one of the !Top 100 Media Executives” by The Hollywood Reporter. Her six bestselling books explore intersection of business, leadership, and human behaviour and have been described as "meticulously researched, universally relevant and hard to fault," with The Financial Times naming one as !one of the most important business books of the decade.”Her latest book, Embracing Uncertainty (2025), presents a powerful case for the vital integration of the arts into all aspects of our lives fostering creativity, innovation, and resilience—arguing that in an unpredictable world, integrating art into life has never been more essential to our future. 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

SalutBrian présente une méthode en quatre étapes pour oser faire le premier pas. Dans son TEDx Talk, il détaille comment surmonter l'hésitation et passer à l'action avec des stratégies claires et accessibles. Une approche pratique pour transformer l'incertitude en opportunités concrètes. À 22 ans, Brian, alias SalutBrian, est un jeune créateur de contenu français. Depuis trois ans, il a fait des réseaux sociaux son métier. Suivi par plus de 200 000 personnes sur Instagram, il partage sur ses différentes plateformes, il partage avec ses abonnés (211k sur Instagram) ses bons plans, allant des logements à coûts réduits aux sorties culturelles gratuites en passant par des friperies et adresses à Paris, en cherchant toujours à faciliter la vie des étudiants. Récemment, il a lancé Salut C’est Nous, un média destiné à inspirer et encourager les projets, en mettant en avant des exemples motivants pour inciter à se lancer. 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

This talk shares the speaker's inspiring journey of overcoming early menopause, personal trauma, and a stroke to find healing and wholeness. After a health crisis in her 20s and being dismissed by multiple doctors, she was finally diagnosed with menopause at 27, which sparked a decades-long journey centered on what she calls the “Five F’s”: forgiveness, family, fitness, friends, and faith. She reflected on the emotional pain of unintentionally neglecting her daughter, the loss of her beloved grandfather, and how high-intensity fitness routines worsened her health. Sandra emphasized the power of surrounding yourself with supportive people and choosing faith over fear, especially after a stroke diagnosis threatened her future. Refusing to accept limitations, she relied on her belief, transformed her lifestyle, and even entered the Miss Universe competition at age 53, placing in the top 5. Her talk encourages self-love as the ultimate form of healing and reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.Dr. Sandra Swaby is a trailblazing physician turned cosmetic surgeon, celebrated for her commitment to empowering self-confidence and holistic wellness. As the Chief Surgeon of Harmony Health Cosmetic Clinic in Jamaica and founder of Zen Oasis anti-aging spa, she champions a philosophy of beauty rooted in mindfulness and self-love. Known as "The Queen of Body Positivity," Dr. Swaby has spent over a decade transforming lives and inspiring others to embrace self-care.Her influence extends globally through workshops, conferences, and a strong social media presence, including the “SelfCare is SelfLove” conference. Notably, she made history as the first contestant over 50 to place in the top five at the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.Dr. Swaby’s dedication to personal growth and balance as a wife, mother, and advocate for emotional and physical well-being makes her a beacon of resilience and transformation, inspiring audiences worldwide. 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

Inclusion practices that help everyone feel seen, heard and empowered to fully participate aren’t just a “nice-to-have” — they’re essential for the thriving of individuals, relationships, organizations and communities. In this talk, I’ll spotlight the “why” of inclusion, share deliberate and concrete practices exemplars use at the workplace, challenge common misconceptions and offer actionable guidance to help everyone become a contributor and beneficiary of inclusion. Dr. Wei Zheng is the Richard R. Roscitt Endowed Chair Professor in Leadership at Stevens Institute of Technology. Her research, teaching, and practice focus on leadership development and inclusion, addressing questions such as how people grow into leaders, how women leaders thrive in organizations, and what inclusive leaders do. Dr. Zheng has studied leadership in corporate, entrepreneurial, national laboratory, and faith-based organizations, and has conducted in-depth interviews with 150+ top-level executives in the US. Her research work has appeared in top scholarly outlets as well as practitioner ones such as the Harvard Business Review. She has given invited talks and workshops on leadership to companies such as Merck, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Hartford, Securian, ITT, Safran, and SUEZ. At Stevens, Dr. Zheng leads leadership education initiatives, including the Stevens Inclusive Leadership Certificate Program. Her thought leadership earned her recognition as a finalist for the 2021 Thinkers50 Distinguished Achievement Award for Leadership. Dr. Zheng received her PhD degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota, her master’s degree in Comparative and International Development Education from the University of Minnesota, and Bachelor’s Degrees in English Language and Literature and in Economics from Peking 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

College is often portrayed as the best time of your life, but sometimes it can feel like a chaotic, overwhelming mess. Have no fear, because being a "hot mess" during your college years is actually a beautiful thing. Embracing imperfection allows students to learn, grow and discover who they truly are. Grounded in the psychosocial, cognitive and moral developmental theories, this talk will highlight how the messiest moments are at the heart of a college education. By encouraging and embracing the mess, we can better understand how it plays a critical role in a transformative college experience.   Dr. Sara Klein is the inaugural Vice President for Student Affairs at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she leads campus-wide efforts to foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for students. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Sara has served in leadership roles across student affairs, including Dean of Campus Life, Title IX Coordinator, and Director of Residential Education. A two-time graduate of NYU, where she earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Higher Education, Sara is also an adjunct professor and published scholar, with work appearing in national journals and higher education texts. Her early career included time at Goldman Sachs—an unexpected stop that shaped her multidimensional approach to leadership. Sara is passionate about student development, psychosocial identities, and creating communities where people feel they truly belong. Outside of her work, she’s a devoted teacher, mentor, and musical theater enthusiast who believes deeply in the transformative power of education—and in showing up with both heart and hustle. 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 topic of homelessness might seem insurmountable, but in this talk, you’ll learn how even the most basic act of human connection can transform lives. Weaving several heart-wrenching cases that underscore the history of mental health and homelessness in the US and highlighting how innovative programming can remedy the 2024 Supreme Court ruling that criminalizes homelessness, Dr. Ana Turner illustrates that befriending our neighbors without homes can improve our own lives as well. Dr. Turner is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine with a focus on street psychiatry. She works at Sulzbacher, a homeless shelter and FQHC in Jacksonville, FL, where she provides essential psychiatric services to those on the streets, and teaches medical students, residents, and fellows the importance of humanistic care for marginalized communities. For her work she has been recognized with UF’s Hippocratic Award, the College of Medicine’s highest award for clinical teaching among all faculty. 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