This talk delves into the transformative power of systemic decision-making, illustrating how structured visualization and stakeholder engagement can reshape both personal and professional trajectories. Cho draws on six pivotal moments—selecting a middle school in 2013, choosing an international university in 2019, taking a leave of absence during the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea, founding a tele-robotics startup in 2023, and returning to the University of Toronto in 2024—to demonstrate how a flowchart-based framework mitigates cognitive biases, facilitates reflective dialogue, and builds resilience. He shares a compelling narrative from his entrepreneurial journey and a reflective account of his service experience, underscoring the concrete benefits of deliberate decision structures. The talk concludes with an inspiring call to action, inviting participants to adopt systemic decision-making as a catalyst for clarity, confidence, and sustained growth in the face of life’s complexities. Jae Hyun Cho is a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Toronto, double-majoring in Political Science and Public Policy with a minor in Public Law. He has presented research at the American Political Science Association annual conference and published an article on electoral integrity in the age of artificial intelligence. Cho has served in leadership roles as President of the Korean Students’ Association at UTSC, Mock trial director of the Political Science Students’ Association, and External Editor for the Law Society of UTSC. During a leave of absence, he completed military service in South Korea and gained industry experience in the manufacturing and robotics sectors. Passionate about decision theory and visual problem-solving, Cho empowers others to approach complex choices methodically and with confidence. 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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- 11:54Born from Grit, Raising with Grace | Simran Rai | TEDxNHVPS YouthStory of a journey standing as a testament to the power of opportunity from Sarvam Shakti foundation, and inner strength. With grit and grace, she shows that girls from underserved communities can rise into confident leaders, given the right support. She reminds us to see them not as charity cases, but as “Shaktis”, bearers of strength, capable of uplifting entire communities. Necessary approvals have been obtained by the foundation. Simran grew up watching her father work long, exhausting days as a daily wage earner. Life around her was chaotic and filled with the pressure of survival, yet her father held one unwavering belief that his daughter deserved a chance to learn and grow beyond what society expected of her. That chance arrived through Sarvam Shakti. There, Simran entered a world of movement, discipline, health, confidence, and expression. Dance, yoga, nutrition, and self-awareness became tools that helped her shed the labels of “marginalised” or “disadvantaged,” and rewrite the story society had written for her. Today, she speaks about the power of opportunity; not charity or sympathy, but true opportunity that sees a girl for who she can become. Simran reminds us that compassion and curiosity exist in every child, regardless of background. All they need is someone to notice, believe, and give that first chance. When they do, girls like Simran don’t just rise; but they shine 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
