What do blind boxes and ancient porcelain have in common? Michelle explores the parallels between China’s Mi-se porcelain—a thousand-year-old “secret-color” art—and modern collectible trends like blind boxes. In her talk, she shares how blending tradition with contemporary culture can bring ancient craftsmanship back into daily life. Michelle Jialin Cen is a cultural innovator dedicated to reviving Mi-se porcelain—China’s ancient "secret-color" celadon—by integrating this timeless art form into modern life. She is also an independent designer specializing in enamel jewelry, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Beyond her work in cultural heritage, Michelle is also an advocate for environmental policy, drawing on her research in environmental economics. She has held key leadership roles in organizations such as the Harvard BPC Operation Department (Southern China Division), which promotes business education for Chinese youth, and has consistently demonstrated a passion for bridging tradition and innovation. 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

From waving at airplanes in her small West Bengal town to standing on global stages, this deeply personal talk explores what it means to dream boldly—and confront the silent voices that tell us we can’t. Through humor, nostalgia, and raw emotion, a former banker and communication expert revisits her childhood dream of becoming a pilot and the moment it collided with rejection. But this is not a story of defeat. It’s a powerful reflection on self-belief, invisible barriers, and the courage to rewrite the script society hands us. Inspiring and introspective, it invites you to revisit your own “impossible” dreams—and to chase them with conviction. Banasri Brandon is a Dubai-based ex-banker, passionate public speaker, and two-time DTAC International Speech Contest finalist. With 15+ years of experience in the banking sector, she brings sharp insights in communication, leadership, and strategy.Banasri inspires audiences with her journey from a vernacular school in India to global stages. She’s also a strong advocate for families with special needs, drawing from her experience as a mother to champion empathy, inclusion, and resilience. 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