Zach Colman, a seasoned branding expert, takes the stage in this TED talk to share his transformative journey of personal growth. Drawing from his years of experience in the corporate world, his business and his own personal challenges, Zach introduces the concept of applying branding principles to individual development. By exploring the three C's - Connection, Confidence, and Contribution - Zach offers valuable insights and practical strategies for listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, personal growth, and fulfillment. Discover how branding, often associated with corporations, can be a powerful tool for understanding your unique identity, building meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact on the world. Zach started his athletic journey thinking it was a way for him to feel seen by the people around him. This experience, coupled with his expertise in marketing, led him to observe a common trend in how leaders within the gym space approach the way they do their marketing.Zach has helped countless professional athletes, personal brands, and athletic-driven corporate brands build mindsets and build their brands around a community. Zach has a powerful story of working for years to build a successful business, only to realize he was unhappy and disconnected from himself, his family, and his coworkers. 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

What if artificial intelligence could think with the heart as much as the mind? This talk introduces the 3 Cs—curiosity, connection, and context—as the foundation for building AI that truly understands and supports us. By centering humanity in technology, we can shape AI that deepens trust and meaning in our lives. Dr. Geanie Asante is a visionary leader at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, human potential, and healing. With a background spanning tech innovation, learning strategy, and personal transformation, she brings a uniquely heart-centered perspective to the world of AI. As the creator of PrismAI and a driving force behind inclusive learning initiatives at a major financial institution, Dr. Asante is known for making complex technology accessible, personal, and deeply relevant. Her TEDx talk, “Heart-Centered AI: How Opening to Vulnerability Revolutionizes Both Human and Artificial Intelligence,” draws from her own cancer journey to explore how authenticity, empathy, and inner strength can redefine both leadership and machine intelligence. A sought-after speaker, educator, and digital strategist, Dr. Asante helps people—from professionals to creatives—embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a transformative partner in work and life 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

Ever wonder what it really costs to “fit in”? For many neurodivergent people, the price of masking is exhaustion, isolation, and even lost identity. This talk reveals the hidden toll of constantly camouflaging who you are just to belong Jalonni Weaver is a storyteller, speaker, and recruiter who’s spent years challenging hiring myths, championing equity, and building community. With experience in high-volume recruiting for one of the nation’s largest insurance companies, she’s reviewed thousands of resumes, extended hundreds of offers, and helped job seekers land roles they didn’t think were possible.As a neurodiverse Black woman, Jalonni has navigated corporate spaces where she was often the only one in the room. Her lived experience with masking, imposter syndrome, and motherhood fuels her passion for authenticity, mental health, and inclusive hiring.Known online for her unfiltered voice and faith-rooted encouragement, Jalonni reaches over 300,000 people across platforms. Whether uplifting job seekers or calling out performative culture, she speaks for the overlooked, the underestimated, and those still figuring it out—reminding them that their story matters. 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

What if the smallest word—“yes”—held the power to change everything? This talk shows how saying yes to the right invitations can spark growth, open doors, and create lasting impact. EAT. SLEEP. PARTY. REPEAT. That was Paige Chenault Lohoefer’s mantra—and she lived it well. A former wedding planner with nearly a decade of experience, Paige knew how to throw unforgettable events. But her client list changed from brides to children in need when she founded The Birthday Party Project (TBPP), a nonprofit that celebrates the lives of children experiencing homelessness.Since launching 13 years ago, TBPP has expanded to 20 cities, bringing joy to over 78,000 kids with help from nearly 38,000 “birthday enthusiasts.” Paige has been featured on the TODAY Show, NYT, Jeff Goldblum’s show, and more. In 2016, she shared her mission from the TEDx stage.Through parties, Paige champions brave leadership, meaningful culture, and finding joy in the ordinary. Her core belief: people matter most—and a single invitation can change a life. 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

What if healing isn’t just about surviving, but about finding your voice again? This talk explores how reclaiming that voice allows you to rewrite your story into one of strength, freedom, and wholeness. Willow Blythe-Carroll is an award-winning Indigenous storyteller, keynote speaker, and thought leader who helps leaders reclaim their voice, lead with confidence, and create purpose-led impact. An enrolled citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and founder of Weaving Wisdom, Willow is known for inspiring personal transformation and collective growth.Through her signature storytelling approach, she guides emerging and established leaders to reconnect with their truth and lead authentically—honoring both self and community. Her work encourages others to break the mold not by pushing harder, but by listening deeper.A Native American 40 Under 40 honoree and a 40 Under 40 Leader of Influence, Willow brings over a decade of experience in communications, leadership development, and narrative healing. She’s spoken at Fortune 500s, nonprofits, universities, and national conferences—helping leaders rewrite their stories and lead from who they truly are. 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

We’re used to the idea of *doing it scared*—but what about doing it guilty? This talk flips the script, showing why putting yourself first, even with guilt tagging along, is the brave choice that leads to freedom. James Beard Award Finalist Reyna Duong spent 17 years in corporate retail and wholesale, holding roles like Buyer at Nordstrom and Senior Financial Merchandiser for Michael Kors at Neiman Marcus. She later became a National Sales Executive, working with Warren Buffett companies and the Adidas Group. Drawing on her background in retail, finance, and branding, she founded Sandwich Hag and chimlanh, a Vietnamese restaurant and coffee shop inspired by her mother’s scratch cooking. Reyna is known for her transparency, quality standards, and zero-tolerance policy on harassment. A fierce advocate for people with disabilities, she proudly employs her brother with Down Syndrome and promotes inclusive workplaces. As a community leader, she mentors small businesses and curates events that champion equity. Reyna now consults with ConnectIDD, advancing social enterprise and advocacy to build a more values-driven future in hospitality and beyond. 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