In this empowering talk, you’ll discover mindset shifts that help you eliminate distractions, honor your goals, and lead with clarity—unlocking greater confidence and purpose. Ron Thomas is a renowned actor best known for his iconic role as Bobby Brown in The Karate Kid and the globally popular Netflix series Cobra Kai. Beyond Hollywood, he is a sought-after speaker, mindset expert, and bestselling author. A former world martial arts champion and U.S. Sport Ju-Jitsu Team trainer, Sensei Ron blends wisdom from the dojo with real-world strategies for success. His latest book, Hidden Life Lessons of Mr. Miyagi: An Unbeatable Guide to Happiness, Success, and Mastery Beyond the Dojo, launched worldwide in December, offering a blueprint for life mastery. 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

This talk reveals how incorporating playful practices into daily life boosts confidence, sparks creativity, and helps us connect authentically with ourselves and others. Riya Parikh is a passionate young leader, speaker, and founder of the nonprofit 20 Pencils, which provides essential school supplies to students in need. At just 10 years old, she has already built a reputation for turning big ideas into action and using her voice to spark change in her community and beyond. She is a three-time spelling bee champion, a dedicated pianist with six years of training, and an experienced stage performer. Riya also excels in academics, especially in math, and balances her love for learning with a talent for organization, public speaking, and the arts. Whether she’s performing, presenting, or problem-solving, Riya brings confidence, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she does. Riya believes that age doesn’t define impact—and she’s just getting started. 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