How informational interviews can get you hired | Natalie Janine Gates | TEDxWilsonPark
Do you feel stuck in your career, sending out endless job applications and hearing nothing back? You’re not alone, but there’s a better way. In this empowering talk, Natalie Janine Gates shares a game-changing approach for women to land better-paying jobs by leveraging the power of networking.With personal stories and proven strategies, Gates highlights why traditional job applications often fall short and reveals the secret to success: informational interviews. Learn the exact questions to ask, how to connect with hiring managers, and how to turn conversations into offers.This talk is a rallying cry for women to take control of their careers, build their own “golf course” experience, and close the gender pay gap one job at a time. If you’re ready to land the job (and paycheck) you deserve, this talk is for you. With over a decade of experience, Natalie Janine Gates has become a dynamic and passionate advocate for women’s rights. She has dedicated her career to helping corporate women who feel stuck in the grind land better-paying jobs.As a seasoned speaker, Natalie Janine has addressed numerous events, inspiring thousands of individuals. She believes in creating work environments that foster authenticity, support, and both personal and professional growth. Through her work, Natalie Janine empowers women to take charge of their financial futures and career aspirations.#MoneyIsAGirl’sBestFriendNatalie Janine’s expertise lies in closing the gender pay gap by encouraging women to step out of their comfort zones to pursue their dream jobs. She inspires women to live confidently and freely while fostering a supportive tribe of women helping women. As every woman’s cheerleader, she guides them as they navigate their professional journeys and claim their rightful place at the table.With a strong commitment to gender equality and personal and professional growth, Natalie Janine is a driving force behind countless women’s success stories. Her passion for helping women flourish in the corporate world is both inspiring and transformative.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
- 14:29How Inclusive Storytelling Can Help Us Reimagine Democracy | Felipe Estefan | TEDxMidAtlanticIn this powerful talk, Felipe Estefan shares his transformative journey from dreaming of pop stardom in Bogota, Colombia, to championing democracy and inclusion. Through personal anecdotes and compelling examples, he highlights the critical role of storytelling in shaping societies, advocating for narratives that reflect the true diversity of human experiences. Estefan challenges us to reimagine our future by investing in stories that promote joy, belonging, and possibility for everyone. Felipe leads Luminate’s efforts in Latin America, managing grants and investments focused on advancing Civic Empowerment, Independent Media, Data & Digital Rights, and Financial Transparency in the region. He also oversees Luminate’s Narrative Change work.Previously, as an Open Government Strategist at the World Bank, Felipe travelled to more than 40 countries around the world, advocating for and advancing efforts to make governments more open and to foster collaboration between state and non-state organisations.Prior to this, Felipe was a founding member of the Open Contracting Partnership, a Planning Producer at CNN’s Washington bureau and was part of the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations in Switzerland. 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
- 11:39Finding 'True North' — Embracing Life's Highs and Lows Through Jazz | Sunny Sumter | TEDxMidAtlanticJoin Sunny Sumter as she takes you on an inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through the lens of her personal experiences and the transformative power of jazz, she explores the concept of finding your 'True North.' Discover how music guided her through life's greatest challenges and taught her to live each day as if it were her last. This talk is a heartfelt ode to the highs and lows of life, the beauty of harmony in chaos, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose and authenticity. Sunny Sumter is President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival (DCJF). DCJF's signature programs include the annual DC JazzFest, the year-round DCJF Education Program, and the Charles Fishman Embassy Series. DCJF is the recipient of the DC Mayor’s Art Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. Prior to her tenure at the DC Jazz Festival, Sumter held management/director positions with the Aspen Institute, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.Sumter earned her bachelor’s degree in music business from Howard University where she minored in jazz voice. She is a recipient of a Howard University Benny Golson Award, the Sitar Arts Center Visionary Award, a DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship, and a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award. As a professional vocalist, Sumter has performed at festivals, and clubs internationally. 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
- 16:30I Met the Dalai Lama and All I Got Was This Lousy Scarf! | Shep Moyle | TEDxDukeAt the height of his career, Shep Moyle had everything: wealth, status, and a thriving business. Then it all collapsed. In the wreckage, he expected despair. What he found instead was clarity. In this candid talk, he shares how losing his business stripped away the illusions of success and forced him to confront what truly matters in life. Through a meeting with the Dalai Lama—where a raggedy white scarf became an unexpected symbol—he began to understand a different kind of wealth. One not built on profit margins, but on connection and purpose. This is a story about failure, yes, but more so, about finding joy. Shep Moyle is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and innovator who believes in the power of connection and transformation. As a Senior Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, he inspires students to explore entrepreneurship, strategy, and the intersection of innovation, happiness and joy.Shep’s entrepreneurial journey began at Shindigz, where he served as CEO and owner for over 30 years, leading the company to global success with over $2 billion in revenue. His earlier work as a brand manager at Frito Lay revolutionized the snack aisle with products like Tostitos Restaurant Style Chips.A lifelong leader, Shep has chaired global organizations like the Young Presidents’ Organization, served on Duke’s Board of Trustees and as President of the Duke Alumni Association, and pursued groundbreaking initiatives at Harvard University. He finds joy in teaching, coaching CEOs worldwide, and empowering others to make a lasting impact. 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
- 14:41What if conflict wasn’t your enemy? | Sam Bayer | TEDxDuke"I hate conflict." That’s how many of us feel--whether we avoid it, fear it, or bulldoze through it. But what if conflict, handled well, could actually bring us closer? In this talk, you'll learn a practical 5-step method to turn everyday tension into trust, creativity, and connection. Sam Bayer, PhD, is a transformative educator and retired tech entrepreneur who turned his passion for collaborative problem-solving into a mission to help others build stronger relationships. With over 25 years of experience in win-win methodologies, he blends training with real-world success—from taking a tech company public to helping teenagers navigate family dynamics.Sam has built and sold multiple companies, including his last venture, which grew from a $9,000 investment to a $15 million valuation. A student of human connections and a graduate of Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation, he now teaches others how to turn challenges into opportunities for stronger relationships.Drawing from his background as a PhD chemist, entrepreneur, nonprofit board member, and grandfather, Sam developed the A.G.E.N.T. methodology—a simple framework that makes collaborative problem-solving accessible to everyone, from students to nonprofit leaders. 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
- 15:01The science (and humanity) behind treating cancer | Shree Bose | TEDxDukeWhen someone hears “you have cancer,” they often assume a single terrifying disease. But cancer isn’t one disease—it's an umbrella term for hundreds. In this heartfelt and science-grounded talk, Dr. Shree Bose, a physician-scientist, unpacks what makes cancer so complex, and what it will take to treat it more effectively. At 17 years old, Shree triumphed over 10,000 competitors to become the Grand Prize Winner of the first-ever Google Global Science Fair in 2011. She presented her winning work to President Obama and directors of the NIH, as well as students around the world. Through these experiences, Shree became a passionate advocate for better STEM education, which inspired her to found Piper, a company creating engineering kits for kids. She is currently a resident physician at the University of Chicago and is studying how cancer cells adapt their metabolism to grow in different environments. She is a graduate of Harvard University (BA '16) and Duke School of Medicine (MD/PhD '23), and was honored on the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Science list. 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
- 12:15The Amazon Rainforest doesn’t need saving, it needs justice | Antonella Di Ciano | TEDxDukeThe Amazon is under attack—not just from deforestation, but from a vast network of illegal economies. This talk unveils the urgent need for regional action and justice before we reach the tipping point. Antonella Di Ciano is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a Master’s in International Development at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. She has worked as Regional Coordinator for Instituto Igarapé, a Brazil-based think-and-do tank focused on security, justice, and development in the Amazon. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she holds a B.A. in International Studies from the Central University of Venezuela and an M.A. in Anti-Corruption Policies from Salamanca University. With six years of experience in project management and conflict resolution, she served as Programme Officer for the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) across six Latin American countries, tackling corruption and environmental crime. Antonella co-founded Proyecto De La Mano, an NGO addressing humanitarian issues in Venezuela. She has spoken at global forums, including Davos 2024, highlighting links between environmental degradation and organized crime in the Amazon. 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
