In a card game, sometimes you would have the best cards and lose, and other times you would have the worst cards and win. It makes no sense. In much the same way, life is not about the cards you have, it’s about what you do with them.Some people think that if you don’t start off in the right position, you can’t do anything with your life. But, how you use what you have is a mindset. Ella Pickering describes in this talk that we have to believe in our own abilities, trust in our skills, and pursue our goals. My name is Ella Pickering. I was born in Brussels and come from a British/German family. I have been at Frankfurt International School for 9 years. I’ve always been passionate about sharing thoughts and ideas and saw this TEDx talk as an opportunity to create a dialogue around a topic I believe in. In my free time, I am an FIS athlete and performing artist. In my speech, I share my belief that success isn’t necessarily determined by a person’s initial circumstances, but by the choices you make through self-determination, a growth mindset, maintaining a focus, and pursuing your passions. I conclude that effective use of all of your own resources is more important than having “the best cards”. 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

In this inspiring talk, Hassan shares his journey from growing up as a foreigner in Kano, Nigeria, to becoming a successful marketing director known for his creative vision and drive. He reflects on how life didn’t go exactly as planned — yet his decision to think differently, work hard, and stay true to his unique path led him to where he is today. Through his story, Hassan, fondly called Chairmo, challenges young people to look beyond immediate rewards and focus on building a meaningful future. His message is a powerful reminder that being different isn’t a disadvantage — it’s the key to standing out, creating impact, and defining success on your own terms. Hassan Ahmad Ghaddar (Chiamo) Hassan Ahmad Ghaddar, popularly known as Chiamo, is a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, salesman, and marketer. He is the Chairman of Ghadco Nigeria Limited, the official marketer and distributor of Mamuda Group products, including Pop Cola. He is also the Founder and Owner of Palazzo Polo Restaurant and Chiamo Multitrade, ventures that reflect his passion for innovation, excellence, and local enterprise development. Chiamo's business philosophy combines strategic marketing insight with a deep commitment to community empowerment - fostering growth opportunities and supporting initiatives that uplift young talents and entrepreneurs across Northern Nigeria. Through his leadership and entrepreneurial drive, he continues to build brands that inspire progress and promote the spirit of collaboration and excellence. 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

«Ventisette.» «Perché non trenta, scusa?» Da quella voce ferma di un padre militare è iniziata, anni fa, la rivoluzione silenziosa di Cristian Acampora. Sul palco del #TEDxLegnano, la sua storia ha preso forma tra sorrisi, pause e sguardi che parlavano più delle parole. Ha raccontato il peso e il dono del dovere, la corsa costante verso il risultato, la convinzione che la forza fosse nel non cedere mai. Finché un giorno, lo sguardo della madre (una sarta, un’artista travestita da casalinga) gli ha permesso di chiudere un cerchio: comprendere che la vulnerabilità è una virtù! Non riuscire non è fallire, ma semplicemente essere umani! Da lì, tutto è cambiato. La commitmentship, l’abilità di far accadere le cose, si evolve, si completa, progredisce, con presenza, con equilibrio, con coraggio. Con la capacità di accogliere gli errori e prosperare nel disordine. La sua formula: Skill per Will, elevata all’Antifragility, fratto Procrastination, è diventata un promemoria per chiunque voglia trasformare la propria forza in crescita. E mentre il pubblico ascoltava in silenzio, qualcosa si muoveva. Un pensiero, un ricordo, forse una promessa. Perché ogni rivoluzione silenziosa comincia così: dentro, dove nessuno vede, ma tutto cambia. Una standing ovation che resterà nel cuore. “Sono una pecora nera. Credo nella vulnerabilità come forza.” Partner e Mental Coach di blackship, società B-Corp che allena persone, professionisti e organizzazioni. Ho un passato in multinazionali e una formazione in Economia, ma sono state la vendita e lo sport a insegnarmi davvero cosa conta: far accadere le cose. Ho scritto due libri e credo nel con-vincere, vincere insieme. Alleno resilienza, antifragilità e voglia di migliorare il mondo. 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 one ordinary moment could change the entire course of your life? In this moving and eye-opening TEDx Talk, Vandana Anchalia — Animal Rights Activist, Founder of Kannan Animal Welfare, and Mrs India People’s Choice 2020 — shares the powerful story of how a single act of courage transformed her life’s purpose forever.From a regular afternoon on her balcony in 2013 to rescuing a helpless dog from brutality, Vandana takes us through the moment that awakened her calling — and proved that compassion doesn’t need titles, positions, or permission. With honesty and heart, she reveals how her early fears, failures, and even boxed-in career expectations shaped her journey… and how listening to her inner voice led her to build a life dedicated to giving animals dignity, safety, and love.Today, Vandana leads Kannan Animal Welfare, an organization that has rescued thousands of animals, built sanctuaries, relocated over 250 dogs overseas, and nurtured a team driven by empathy and resilience. Her story reminds us that you don’t need extraordinary circumstances to do extraordinary things — you just need the courage to act when it matters.A former corporate professional turned full-time humanitarian, Vandana also serves as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, Animal Planet Ambassador, and Expert Pet Relocator, inspiring countless people to choose kindness over convenience. Mrs India -People's Choice 2020, Woman Activist, Founder of Kanan Animal welfare , Global Goodwill Ambassador, Animal Planet Ambassador, Expert Pet Relocator . Vandana Anchalia left behind a flourishing 14-year corporate career to dedicate herself fully to animal welfare. What began as a small effort to help animals in need has now grown into Kannan Animal Welfare, a thriving organization with a permanent sanctuary in Sohna and a medical unit in Noida. 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 breaking out of the ordinary begins with owning the story you’ve been afraid to tell? In this transformative TEDx Talk, Richa Wahi — Leadership Speaker, Story Coach, and Founder of Tales Dat Spin — unpacks how the narratives we carry shape our identity, influence our decisions, and define the possibilities we allow ourselves to pursue.Drawing from over two decades of experience in helping leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals articulate their authentic voice, Richa reveals why embracing your true story is the first step toward courage, clarity, and meaningful transformation. Her insights challenge the invisible scripts society hands us and invite you to step into a life led by intention rather than expectation.A Certified NLP Practitioner and XLRI alumnus, Richa has dedicated her career to elevating communication, executive presence, and personal leadership. Through her work at Tales Dat Spin, she has empowered countless individuals to shape compelling narratives — not just in business, but in life — and to use storytelling as a catalyst for confidence and impact. Richa Wahi is a XLRI alumnus, Leadership speaker, Story Coach, and Executive Presence facilitator with over 20 years of experience empowering individuals to lead and communicate with impact. She has worked extensively with Entrepreneurs, Leaders, Students, and Professionals - helping them craft compelling narratives, develop Executive Presence, and own their voice. She is the Founder of the Boutique Storytelling Consultancy firm – Tales Dat spin wherein they help people tell better stories in Business, Work and Life. Richa is a Certified NLP Practitioner and a Keynote Speaker (member of the Professional Speaker Association of India – PSAI). 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

Knowledge resides in our environment and in the wisdom of our elders. Climate change threatens this valuable heritage, making its recovery and preservation essential for future generations. Wenceslaus Mendes is a filmmaker, artist, and independent researcher whose work spans journalism, theater, performance, and installation art. With training as a cinematographer and editor, he creates multimedia and immersive projects that have been exhibited globally. He collaborates with indigenous and tribal communities, focusing on issues of land, water, environment, sustainability, and climate change. Mendes documents oral cultures, practices, and ethno-technologies while also examining the politics of food, consumption, and knowledge-making. His research investigates race and caste in India, exploring themes of discrimination, purity, labor, and incarceration. Through what he calls "co-labor-abling," Mendes develops work collectively with communities, rooted in shared place, environment, and concerns. 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