In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, Indian Tennis Player Sravya Shivani shares her journey of resilience, identity, and rediscovery. Known for always having a plan, Sravya opens up about how her well-planned tennis career was disrupted by the pandemic, mental health struggles, and a devastating injury. From battling anxiety and contemplating retirement to undergoing surgery and rebuilding from scratch, she narrates how she redefined success beyond rankings and trophies. With raw honesty and humour, she reminds us that failure is inevitable—but trying, showing up, and staying true to who you are, is what ultimately matters. A story of spirit, hope, and comeback. Sravya Shivani Chilakalapudi is a professional tennis player, and has represented India for over 10 years in international tennis. She is a South Asian games gold and silver medalist(2019) and was also the national champion in doubles in 2022 as well as a silver medalist in the national games 2024. She was Asia’s representative in the ITF player panel, and helped improve the tour for the players and has been playing tennis for about 18 years and also ranked top 5 in women’s doubles category in India. 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
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- 9:20Music, Hits, and Life’s Misses: The Value of Time | Benny Pough | TEDxBrookdaleCommunityCollegeBenny shares his transformative realization about the true value of time following a near-fatal incident. Discover how prioritizing what truly matters—family, passion, and well-being—can lead to genuine success and fulfillment. Benny Pough is a seasoned music industry expert, real estate investor, and author. With over 30 years of experience, he has shaped the sound and culture of music, delivering hits for artists like Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Future. Holding executive roles at Def Jam, Roc Nation, and Epic Records, Pough led major marketing and promotion efforts. In 2020, he launched D.Verse Media, a multi-tiered entertainment company.Beyond music, Pough built a thriving real estate portfolio and overcame a near-fatal accident in 2014, inspiring his book ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership & Almost Losing It All, an Amazon Best Seller. He received the Urban One Honors Record Executive of the Year and speaks internationally. Passionate about public speaking, investing, art, and wine, Pough resides in Bergen County, NJ. 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
