The Golden Rule says to treat others as you want to be treated. But what if the real key to connection is treating others as they want to be treated? This simple shift is the heart of Rachel’s talk on the recovery of empathy. Blending personal stories of living across seven countries with surprising insights into the science of human connection, she offers a forward-thinking guide to building more inclusive communities in our increasingly complex world. Rachel Filipov is a marketing leader in the tech industry, with a career spanning over 20 years and seven countries across four continents. Her global journey has fueled a deep curiosity about difference and shaped her passion for building connections across people and cultures. Beyond her professional life, Rachel finds inspiration in her family, modern art, and mentorship. 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

Dr Simon Kelly invites the audience into a surprisingly humorous yet profound exploration of competition, growth, and purpose. Using the metaphor of “beating the shrimp,” he examines the pressures we place on ourselves to outperform others, often at the cost of our own well-being. Drawing on behavioural science and leadership insight, he explains how flourishing requires us to stop comparing and start connecting.Simon’s talk closes the circle on success and happiness, showing that the real victory lies not in winning, but in returning to what truly matters: curiosity, compassion, and contribution. Dr Simon Kelly is a Lecturer in Marketing and Sales at the University of York. He also has a micro business helping companies stand out from competitors. Simon has been Marketing Director for a large blue-chip company in the UK and the US.He has co-authored two business books focused on helping people improve by working better together. A native of Conisbrough and an ageing rocker, he has a bi-weekly music radio show. 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 talk, Dr. SooJin Pate interrogates everything we’ve been told about transnational adoption, as she weaves her personal experiences of being a Korean adoptee with her archival research that led to her book. By sharing her story and research, she hopes that people will not only have more nuanced conversations about international/transnational adoption but also rethink their engagement with this industry. Dr. SooJin Pate is an educator, writer, and DEI consultant dedicated to centering the lives and experiences of historically marginalized peoples. She received her PhD in American Studies at the University of Minnesota, specializing in comparative approaches to race and ethnic studies. A proud alum of Howard University, SooJin received her MA in English, focusing on African American and Caribbean literature. She is the author of From Orphan to Adoptee: U.S. Empire and Genealogies of Korean Adoption and was named Educator of the Year and Ally of the Year by Macalester College. She’s also the co-host of the Antiracist Parenting Podcast, host of Decolonize Yourself, and a steward of Million Artist Movement. 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 talk, entrepreneur Gautam Munjal shares his journey of breaking away from expectations to find his true calling. From leaving law school to hitchhiking across Europe and transforming an abandoned building into a thriving hotel brand, his story celebrates courage, clarity, and perseverance. Gautam reflects on how failure, pain, and walking alone can shape resilience and purpose, reminding us that success begins when we stop chasing approval and start chasing authenticity. Gautam is a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and the founder of Minimalist, India’s leading design-led hospitality brand, inspired by a backpacking trip across Europe in 2016. With prior experience at OYO and a diverse background across hospitality, tourism, real estate, F&B, and retail sectors, he launched Minimalist in 2017 with the aim to redefine urban Indian hospitality through vibrant, community-driven hotel experiences tailored to millennials and Gen Z.Minimalist currently operates six hotels across India, with six more in the pipeline. Gautam emphasizes a value-driven, multi-dimensional approach offering spaces that cater not only to leisure and business travelers but also to staycationers, event hosts, and creative communities—anchored in immersive design and evolving market needs. In 2023-24, the company reported a revenue of ₹7.4 crore, up 7% year-on-year. It made a net profit of ₹2.2 crore 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

As technology continues to redefine the future of work, one question remains what truly sets humans apart in an age of automation and AI? In this thought-provoking talk, Paa Kwesi Folson explores the timeless power of “Forever Skills” the soft skills that outlast every wave of technological change. Drawing from research and real-world insight, he unveils the Soft Skills TrinityThis talk challenges professionals, leaders, and innovators to look beyond technical expertise and embrace the skills that make us irreplacably human. Paa Kwesi Folson is an Award-winning public speaker, visionary and trailblazing entrepreneur, and a highly sought after & respected business and thought leadership strategist. Fondly known as the Certified Gem Provider, Paa Kwesi Folson is causing a resounding effect and impact in the business and personal development spaces affecting thousands of individuals and numerous corporate entities. His unique insights in subject matter like thought leadership, communication, business growth, marketing and personal branding have helped him to build a name and a brand synonymous with preeminence. 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

Dr. Jagadish Shukla discusses themes related to his work and life experiences-focussing on scientific research, climate and societal challenges. Through sharing his journey, insights, and data, Dr. Shukla aims to engage the audience in reflecting on how individual and collective action can shape the furture. He helps us understand climate science, the policies that have impacted climate change and explore possible solutions for the problem of climate change. Dr. Jagadish Shukla, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at George Mason University, earned his Ph.D. from Banaras Hindu University and Sc.D. from MIT. He founded GMU’s Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, COLA, and the Climate Dynamics Ph.D. program, and helped establish institutions in the US, India, Italy, Brazil, and Korea. Author of 250+ papers and advisor to 25+ Ph.D. students, he showed that despite weather’s chaos, monthly and seasonal climate averages are predictable, highlighting land surface processes in variability. He pioneered atmospheric/oceanic reanalysis. Honors include India’s Padma Shri, NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal, AMS’s Rossby Medal, WMO’s International Meteorological Prize, and AMS Honorary Membership. He was a lead IPCC author sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. With his wife, he founded Gandhi College in his birthplace to empower women. His memoir, A Billion Butterflies, was published 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