In “The Invisible Game,” Dr. Mikel Whittier unpacks how imposter syndrome and hidden organizational politics quietly limit even the most capable leaders. Drawing from his work coaching executives, physicians, and rising professionals, Dr. Whittier reveals how exclusion and unwritten rules create environments where self-doubt thrives. Through powerful stories—from Major League Baseball to corporate boardrooms—he challenges the belief that imposter syndrome is purely internal, showing it’s often a symptom of systemic barriers. His talk offers a new playbook: one rooted in awareness, authenticity, and strategic empowerment. When leaders learn to navigate the invisible game with confidence and clarity, they don’t just survive—they rise and redefine the rules for everyone Dr. Mikel D. Whittier is a nationally recognized healthcare strategist, executive, and certified leadership coach focused on transforming health systems through equity and excellence. As the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health, he leads initiatives impacting 35,000 employees and over 2 million patients annually. With 16+ years of experience, Mikel has worked across academic medical centers, public health systems, and national movements to drive justice-centered innovation. He helped implement the Ferguson Commission’s health equity recommendations, directing $2 million to community-based public health. He co-developed UCLA’s JUST Excellence Framework and led Medicaid expansion campaigns in Missouri. Mikel is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and founder of Splice Strategies, a consultancy supporting equity-driven leaders. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Health Administration. 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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- 13:01How curiosity wrote your favorite songs | Beth Raebeck Hall | TEDxOldHickoryWhat if the difference between a hit song and a forgotten idea isn’t talent - it’s curiosity? In “Curiosity Wrote the Song,” Grammy-nominated songwriter and creative strategist Beth Raebeck Hall reveals how relentless curiosity fuels lasting creative breakthroughs. Through iconic examples from country, rock, and Broadway, she shows that curiosity - not perfection - is the real power behind innovation. This talk invites us to see curiosity as creativity’s secret superpower - and the key to rewriting not just our work, but our lives. Hall argues that what drives extraordinary creators isn’t confidence, luck, or even genius - it’s the willingness to keep digging when everyone else calls it done. Curiosity Wrote the Song challenges the myth of effortless inspiration, reframing “failure” as fuel and “rejection” as raw material. With humor and hard-won insight from five decades in the creative trenches, Hall invites audiences to reimagine curiosity not as a childlike trait - but as a professional superpower that can rewrite not only songs, but entire lives. Beth is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, award-winning writer, and visionary business coach with over three decades at the intersection of music, media, and entrepreneurship. She’s the founder of The Quantum Creator, MusicRow411, and Crazy Rae Music, and has advised over 110 music tech startups, countless creatives, and mission-driven founders. Beth co-created and branded Tin Pan South, now the world’s largest songwriting festival. A sought-after strategist and mentor, she fuses creativity with business insight to spark clarity, empowerment, and transformation. Whether coaching mid-career professionals or consulting for cutting-edge ventures, Beth helps others reignite their purpose, build with integrity, and lead with vision. Her work is rooted in real-world experience—and a deep belief in what’s possible when you align with your true creative self. 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
- 10:52Give yourself permission to play | Adam Tanaka | TEDxOldHickoryWhat if the key to thriving as an adult is rediscovering something we were all born knowing how to do: Play? In this TEDxOldHickory talk, Adam Tanaka explores why play is more than just a childhood pastime. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and personal stories, he shows how play can reset the mind, spark creativity, and deepen human connection. From climbing trees to drumming for five minutes a day, Adam illustrates how intentional, meaningful play can interrupt the pressure of productivity and open the door to curiosity, collaboration, and purpose. His talk challenges the idea that play is wasted time and instead invites us to consider what might happen if we gave ourselves permission to play. Adam Tanaka is a multi-venture founder, mental wellness strategist, and advocate for playful leadership. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, he’s built and sold companies, advised high-performing founders, and now leads Cavehouse Supply, a brand that empowers kids with confidence and creativity while supporting families. Through his speaking and advisory work at Mind Your Business Labs, Adam helps leaders design systems that keep them out of survival mode and stay in control. His mission bridges the gap between who we were and who we’re becoming by helping adults reconnect with their inner child and helping kids build resilience and a strong sense of self. A creative and recovered hustler, Adam’s work is rooted in personal reflection, bold optimism, and the belief that play isn’t childish - it’s critical. When he’s not speaking, writing, or building, you’ll find him hiking in the mountains with his partner Kelsey and German Shepherd Otto, chasing quiet moments of joy. 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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