The lies we tell ourselves | Tlangelani Khosa | TEDxUniversityofPretoria
Who are you — really?In this deeply introspective TEDx talk, Tlangelani Khosa explores the complexity of identity, the stories we tell ourselves, and the quiet courage it takes to live beyond the labels society gives us. Through personal reflection and raw honesty, he challenges us to question the boxes we’ve built around our lives — the ones we think define us but often only keep us safe.This talk is a reminder that we are not tied to our labels. That we have the choice to show up anyway. And that we are allowed to not be perfect.With vulnerability and truth, Tlangelani invites us to see that self-discovery doesn’t begin when we have it all figured out — it begins when we realise we were never truly lost in the first place.#TEDxUniversityofPretoria #SelfDiscovery #Identity #PersonalGrowth #Kaleidoscopic #Authenticity Tlangelani Khosa (TK) is a purpose-driven digital creative and a dynamic storyteller whose journey is a testament to the power of faith and resilience. As a Dean's List Top-achieving Eduvos Alumni with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, he aspires to obtain an Honours Degree in Computer Science, a journey that has currently led him to the University of Pretoria. His experiences there have solidified a profound conviction about the lasting impact of student developmental spaces on his mission.As a Golden Key International Member and a recognised Elevate Africa Top `25 Speaker, TK continues to use his platform to challenge the current narrative of education and inspire others to cultivate their potential in a meaningful and impactful way. As a past Academic SRC Leader, he believes the biggest hurdle to our own future potential is our comfort with holding onto self-limiting beliefs. This conviction is what drives his aim of continuing to make a lasting, generational 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
More from TED
- 9:25Il vero piano A è NON avere piani B | xMurry Giorgio Muratore | TEDxIschiaDa youtuber per caso, a ingegnere per scelta… o forse il contrario? Ci hanno sempre insegnato che bisogna avere un piano B nella vita, nel caso i nostri progetti non andassero in porto… forse però dovremmo credere di più nei nostri piani A? Giorgio Muratore, in arte xMurry, è uno dei content creator più seguiti d’Italia. Palermitano classe ’95, ha iniziato a creare contenuti su YouTube a 14 anni, raggiungendo oltre 2,6 milioni di iscritti e 1 miliardo di visualizzazioni. Con la sua ironia, racconta le sue passioni per cucina, fitness e motori. Tra i suoi format più apprezzati ci sono “Puoi Mangiarlo” e “Lavori in corso”, realizzati sia da solo che con l’amico GiampyTek e altri creator noti. Nonostante la notorietà, ha continuato gli studi e si è laureato in Ingegneria. 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
- 10:22Every Company Needs a Kid! | Makenna Riley | TEDxSt Pete WomenIn this talk, speaker Makenna Riley shares a powerful truth: every company needs a kid. Having never worked a 9-to-5 or gone to college, she had built a multi-million dollar business by age 18. Her story is a testament to the power of dreaming without boundaries.Makenna exposes a fundamental mindset shift: people think the biggest barrier to success is knowledge, but this mindset is outdated and dangerous. Drawing on her journey from being sent to the guidance counselor for her ambition to launching a six-figure business in a month, she proves that imagination is more important than knowledge.She reveals how she achieved massive success using YouTube tutorials and the boundless imagination that only a kid would possess. This talk shows you how to stop waiting for a gatekeeper to hand you a career, and start building upon your own ideas, because the world moves forward not because of what we know, but because of what we dare to imagine. Makenna Riley is a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and co-founder of The GSD Software—an all-in-one platform helping everyday people build profitable online businesses. At 17, she scaled an education company to 7 figures in under a year and has since helped over 5,000 students grow and automate their businesses. Known for her sharp systems, bold strategies, and no-fluff mindset, Makenna makes business simple, scalable, and wildly successful. 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
- 17:28The principles on which we proceed | Masoud Bigdeli | TEDxOmidThe principles we follow are the compass of our path; the values that give meaning to decisions, behaviors, and direction. When the path is built on clear principles, stability, trust, and coherence are built into action, and the movement transforms from a temporary goal into a lasting mission. CEO and Founder of Bazzelli 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
- 16:23P.I.T.C.H.ing is your superpower! | Dr. Forbes Riley | TEDxSt Pete WomenIn this talk, speaker Dr. Forbes Riley challenges the belief that success is reserved for those "born with it." She shares a heartbreaking personal story of her genius father, a mechanical magician whose incredible inventions were ultimately thrown out with the garbage because they never made it past his front door.Dr. Riley reveals the devastating realization that changed her life: If you don't pitch your ideas while you're alive, they will die with you.She argues that the single most important skill to master isn't confidence or charisma—it's pitching. But not the kind you imagine. This talk offers a complete reframe, showing that the fear of being "salesy" comes from a misunderstanding of your role. You are not a peddler; you are a solution architect. The pitch is not about your product; it's about the magical look on their faces when their problem disappears.Watch to discover how to stop asking and start pitching, and realize that your idea is not just a want, but the answer to someone's deepest desire. Dr. Forbes Riley is an award-winning TV host, best-selling author, and one of the world’s top female motivational speakers. Known as the “Queen of Pitch,” she’s generated over $2.5 billion in sales and empowered thousands to find their voice, own their story, and sell with authenticity. She has shared the stage with transformational leaders like Les Brown, Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, and Mel Robbins, and her signature training programs have impacted millions of entrepreneurs around the globe. A pioneer in live selling and media influence, Forbes has recently been inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate for her innovation and global impact. Today, she shares the mindset shifts that turn obstacles into opportunities and dreams into action. 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
- 14:58How to embody fungi's wisdom | Harriet Trower | TEDxCabarete"Please welcome Harriet Daisy Trower – the heart and soul behind Glorious Regeneration. A regenerative guide, visionary leader, and wisdom keeper, Harriet weaves together nature-based education, embodied compassionate communication, and permaculture design to help people reconnect with the living world. Her work invites us to move at the speed of nature – gently, deeply, and with reverence. Today, she’s here to share fungi-inspired wisdom for a more connected and regenerative future.Harriet Harriet Trower of Glorious Regeneration is a Regenerative Leader, Permaculture Design Consultant, and Holistic Outdoor Educator devoted to restoring ecosystems and reimagining how humans live in relationship with themselves, each other, and the Earth.Drawing from over a decade of experience, she weaves together ecology, culture, mindfulness, embodied compassionate communication, and nature connection to cultivate resilience, collective care, and a remembrance of our place within the web of life.Her work, guided by the wisdom of living systems, bridges ecological restoration with human wellbeing. Through mentoring, experiential education, and hands-on projects, she empowers others to design regenerative systems that nourish both people and the planet. With a vision for a thriving, interconnected world, she dedicates her energy to cultivating a regenerative future for all living beings.You can explore her offerings and join upcoming online courses at www.gloriousregeneration.com. 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
- 11:23Once and for all, organizational communications | Negar Arab | TEDxOmidOrganizational communication is the backbone of any organization; a network of dialogue, trust, and exchange of meaning that keeps the flow of decision, coordination, and motivation alive. The clearer and more humane this communication is, the more cohesive, agile, and creative the organization will be. Vice President of Corporate Communications, Tapsi 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