Dr. Alex Curmi unpacks the science—and psychology—behind intuition, revealing why our instincts often lead us astray—and how we can train them to be more reliable. Dr. Alex Curmi is a consultant psychiatrist, speaker, and writer from Malta. He trained in psychiatry at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust and is currently completing his psychotherapy training at the Metanoia Institute.As the founder and host of The Thinking Mind Podcast, he leads in-depth conversations on psychiatry, psychotherapy, self-development, and the philosophy of mental health. Featuring experts from around the world, the podcast makes complex psychological ideas accessible and engaging for the general public. Beyond podcasting, Dr. Curmi has written for The Guardian, exploring the intersection of psychology, culture, and mental health.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 technology industry promised us connection, convenience, and creativity. Has it delivered, or offered false promises that may never be fully realized? Scott Hanselman offers a candid look at what’s really happening beneath the surface of AI and innovation and how we must make conscious, informed decisions about the tools shaping our future.We could not do this without community support. With special thanks to the University of Oregon for their presenting partnership. The world-class stage production by For Good & Co. The incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press. Lastly, the brand identity and creative digital craft provided by our Agency of Record - Thesis. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com. Scott Hanselman is the VP of Developer Community at Microsoft and has spent over 30 years as a teacher, programmer, and prolific blogger. In addition to writing numerous technical books, Scott has produced nearly 2,000 episodes of his popular Hanselman Minutes and Azure Friday podcasts. A passionate technologist, he focuses on empowering developers and fostering inclusivity in tech. Scott frequently speaks at conferences worldwide, sharing insights on software development, productivity, and diversity in technology. 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

Kicking off the inaugural Women’s Leadership Forum, presented by KeyBank, Christine Sinclair sat down with former Canadian Olympic gold medal teammate, Karina LeBlanc, for a discussion about leadership, legacy, and the power of women’s sports.We could not do this without community support. With special thanks to the University of Oregon for their presenting partnership. The world-class stage production by For Good & Co. The incredible legacy bound Event Book provided by Premier Press. Lastly, the brand identity and creative digital craft provided by our Agency of Record - Thesis. All of our Partners and event history can be found at TEDxPortland.com. Christine Sinclair is a Canadian soccer legend and one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. She has captained Canada’s national team and holds the record as the world’s all-time leading goal scorer in international soccer. Known for her leadership, skill, and clutch performances, Christine has represented Canada in multiple World Cups and Olympic Games, winning gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. At the NWSL club level, she played for the Portland Thorns from 2013 to 2023, winning three championships for the Rose City. A role model on and off the field, Christine retired from international play in 2023 and NWSL club play in 2024 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

With the talk on Foresight Readiness, we will be exploring how organizations can thrive amid uncertainty; revealing how learning, change management, marketing, and communication empower practitioners to embed futures thinking and build lasting adaptability for the challenges ahead. Sabrina Ash is a design strategy consultant with a diverse background in interior design and architecture, specializing in design research and advancing the future of the built environment through cross-disciplinary collaboration and foresight-driven approaches.Hailey Appel is a strategic-minded Senior Copywriter responsible for building brands and shaping consumer opinions through her writing. Their TEDx talk will explore how organizations can thrive amid uncertainty by embedding futures thinking. 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

Is who you want to be, really who you are? Don't ask a child what they want to be, says Standa. Instead, encourage them to try a range of experiences to give them the freedom to discover their passions. Standa has lived in Nigeria, South Africa and Japan, experiences that have shaped his adaptability, resilience and drive to understand the science of what makes us who we are. His exposure to diverse cultures and environments complements his passion for acting, where he explores the depth of human emotions and identities. As a seasoned actor, he has portrayed complex roles on international stages, uncovering the nuances of personality and behaviour – skills that also fuel his empathy and leadership in the student council. Standa’s journey bridges his curiosity about the human experience, blending science, leadership, and the art of performance. 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 Problem with Perfect: Why Perfectionism is Holding Us BackWhat happens when stress, self-criticism, and high expectations mix together? In this insightful and relatable TEDx talk, a student reflects on their personal struggle with perfectionism—from missed deadlines to overwhelming self-doubt—and how it almost stopped them from giving this very talk. With humor, vulnerability, and practical tips (like the 80/20 rule and power poses!), this talk explores how perfectionism affects our mental health, creativity, and confidence. It’s time to let go of perfect, embrace progress, and remind ourselves that being “good enough” is more than enough.#TEDx #Perfectionism #MentalHealth #StudentVoices #ProgressOverPerfection #Anxiety #YouthTalks #SelfWorth My name is Joli, and I would like to inform others about the definiton of perfectionism, common traits, and how it can spiral. I would also like to give examples of how it affects secondary students, and introduce two strategies for stress managment and positive thinking. 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